How to add time or date stamps in Pages for iPad

Numbers for iPad has a nice feature in the form builder to set a cell as a time stamp, and when entering data, you get special keyboard buttons with date/time options like 'today', 'now' or 'AM/PM'. This makes entering this info very snappy and doesn't interfere with the workflow.


Is there anything similar for Pages? I know there are ways to insert date and time stamps on the Mac, but it seems the iPad version is lacking here. (or else it is super hidden and certainly not intuitive to find!)


Specifically, my use case is taking minutes for a meeting, and I'd like the ability to insert a time stamp before I type each new subject covered in the meeting.


I've currently employed a workaround using a shortcut that grabs the current time to the clipboard and then pasting that into my document but this is not only cumbersome (requiring me to exit back to the home screen, execute the shortcut, then back to Pages) but also really frustrating trying to figure out how to paste the time stamp, when for some reason, Pages doesn't recognize there is data on the clipboard (meaning I don't get the Paste icon when the keyboard comes up, I have to double or triple tap where I want to type to get the utility bar to pop up first)


A reasonable alternative would be to run the shortcut from within Pages, but I can't seem to figure out how to do that either.


If this is possible within Notes, I could use that instead, but again, can't seem to figure this out in less than convoluted fashion.


Any help would be greatly appreciated.

iPad Pro, iPadOS 14

Posted on Jun 1, 2021 1:15 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 2, 2021 10:33 AM

Hi samadamscw,


We're glad you've reached out through Apple Support Communities for help adding the time and date in Pages for iPad. We're glad to help!


When creating a shortcut, it's possible to have it appear in the Share Sheet in Pages. This shortcut can be set to get the current date, then copy it to clipboard. The following guide explains how to make a shortcut appear in the Share Sheet:


Launch a shortcut from another app - Apple Support


From within Pages, you can then tap on the three dots in the top right, then tap on the Share option to find the shortcut in the Share Sheet.


Let us know if this helps, or if you've got any questions.


Have a great day!

5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 2, 2021 10:33 AM in response to samadamscw

Hi samadamscw,


We're glad you've reached out through Apple Support Communities for help adding the time and date in Pages for iPad. We're glad to help!


When creating a shortcut, it's possible to have it appear in the Share Sheet in Pages. This shortcut can be set to get the current date, then copy it to clipboard. The following guide explains how to make a shortcut appear in the Share Sheet:


Launch a shortcut from another app - Apple Support


From within Pages, you can then tap on the three dots in the top right, then tap on the Share option to find the shortcut in the Share Sheet.


Let us know if this helps, or if you've got any questions.


Have a great day!

Jun 2, 2021 11:04 AM in response to samadamscw

Hi samadamscw,


Glad we could help!


There are a few other options to consider. For example, it's possible to simply use Siri to say the name of the shortcut, and then the date will be copied to the clipboard.


You could also add the shortcut to Home Screen, then move it into the Dock. This way, you can swipe up easily to tap on the shortcut when you need it. This guide explains how to add a shortcut to Home Screen:


Run shortcuts from the Home Screen - Apple Support


If you have a hardware keyboard and Full Keyboard Access enabled, you can configure a keyboard combination to run your shortcut instantly. This guide explains more about how to enable Full Keyboard Access, and what it can do:


Adjust the onscreen and external keyboard settings on iPad - Apple Support


Take care!

Jun 2, 2021 11:17 AM in response to jcasapple

Running the shortcut from pages involves 6 taps, keeping it on the dock is a swipe and five taps. The bigger difference though is the dock method has less lag during the process compared to accessing the share list from within pages. (those pop up menus are not very fast)


The external keyboard I think will be the fastest solution and yet another reason for me to get one.


Thanks for the additional tips!

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How to add time or date stamps in Pages for iPad

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