Why can't I set the date and time insert to the format I want?

Question

Why can't I set the date and time insert to the format I want?

I would like the date to be formatted in the short form on my docs. However whenever I insert date and Time it always come out at the long form i.e.

Monday, 15 April 2013.

Right clicking allows me to edit it but the next time I inset it the long form re-appears.

I've tried to do it via the system preferences > language and text > region > customise route but the same thing thing happens. I choose the short form at the top of the choices but it still comes out in the long form on the docs.

Only a minor point but it is irritating 'cos it should be simple (probably is 'cept I'm a bit slow).

I'm running Mountain Lion 10.8.3

Thanks

W.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8), iMac 11,1 Intel Core i5. 2.66GHz

Posted on Apr 15, 2013 6:35 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Rudegar

Level 10

171,060 points

Apr 15, 2013 7:16 AM in response to wilfredfromcastleford

you mention docs which imply you are using some program to alter and create those docs

the solution and key to finding out how to do what you want would most likely be what that program is

Reply

Answer 2

Apr 15, 2013 7:26 AM in response to Rudegar

Sorry, didn't make myself clear. By docs I meant any documents e.g. Pages or Numbers. I start a letter in pages and go to 'insert date and time' and I want it in the form e.g. 10/04/2013 but I always get the long form e.g. Monday April 10th 2013. No big deal like I said but irritating that I can't change it to what I want.

Thanks for quick response.

W.

Reply

Answer 3

Klaus1

Level 9

52,769 points

Apr 15, 2013 7:37 AM in response to wilfredfromcastleford

You set that format in System Preferences/Date & Time.

Reply

Answer 4

Apr 15, 2013 7:41 AM in response to Klaus1

As I mentioned in my first post I have done that but it does not make any difference. It still comes out the long version.

W

Reply

Answer 5

seventy one

Level 7

27,430 points

Apr 15, 2013 8:07 AM in response to wilfredfromcastleford

Hello Wilfred. Does it still come out wrong when you are following the line of ...

Systems Prefs > Date and Time > Open Language and Text > click on Formats > and from there Customise the panel marked Dates.

Reply

Answer 6

Apr 15, 2013 8:44 AM in response to seventy one

Yes it does, that's the first place I went to. From the date/time panel in preferences the format is the one I want 10/04/2013 but nonetheless it still comes up in the long form when inserted in Pages or Numbers.

W.

Reply

Answer 7

seventy one

Level 7

27,430 points

Apr 15, 2013 8:53 AM in response to wilfredfromcastleford

Wilfred. I found this in one of the More like this posts >>>>> opposite your first post. It might apply if you are on Pages 08. Insert Date/Time: Apple Support Communities

I would never have thought of double or right clicking on the date itself. I haven't tested it to see what formats exist. One last suggestion, if we don't resolve it here, write a new post and put it in the iWork pages columns. There you may meet up with the gurus in that persuasion.

Reply

Answer 8

Apr 15, 2013 8:56 AM in response to seventy one

Thanks 71, I did try that right at the beginning because I thought that was the way to do it and sure enough you can edit the format but the next time you insert the dagte it reverts to the first format - weird. Will go onto pages forum later and see waht anyone on there can say. thanks.

W.

Reply

Answer 9

seventy one

Level 7

27,430 points

Apr 15, 2013 9:05 AM in response to wilfredfromcastleford

I'll watch out for it. I want to know too, now, 😀.

Reply