Insert current system date and time

I just ran across what I guess is a new menu item. I was unaware of it. It does exactly what you want.

In the Table menu is "Insert Current Time". It inserts the current date and time, preserving the cell format of any pre-formatted cells. In an unformatted cell it shows you just the time, but the date is still part of it.

You select a cell (do not click again like you need to do for Insert Date&Time), then use the shortcut or menu. I deleted my shortcut for Insert Date and Time and moved it to that menu item.

You are halfway there. When you insert date&time, the next step is to click on it. A window will pop up where you can choose a format that has the time included. If you forget to do this step, you can go back and do it later unless you manually changed the cell format the usual way. You click the cell to select it, click again to select the text/date, then click a third time to get to the little window. One thing to notice: if the entire date highlights when you click on it to select it, the little window will be available, otherwise not.

I am thinking there is a script available that can also be used to insert the date & time. I find the built-in method to be clunky, especially if you need the result formatted a specific way. I don't think the built-in way can "insert date and time and match style".

HI BU,

"I am thinking there is a script available that can also be used to insert the date & time. "

You are correct. SGIII created a Service that can be installed as a menu item. It can be triggered by choosing the menu item, or, like most menu items, by assigning it a keystroke combination.

With luck SG still has the service stored on line, will be by soon with directions on how to get and install it. Piece of cake, as I recall. :)

Regards,

Barry

This one is new to me, too. I happened to look in that menu only because I was looking for existing shortcuts to try to not duplicate any when creating one for the AppleScript service.