Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Why can't I change the date format in my documents?

Good Morning. I submitted this question yesterday to the iMac forum but no one could help me. It should be a very simple thing to do but it escapes me.

Using 'Insert Date' brings up the long date format i.e. Tuesday April 16 2013. I prefer the short format 16.04.13.

I have tried to change this by going through the procedure System Preferences > Date Time. The default format in that window is the one I want but it does not appear in my Pages or Numbers documents. I then tried Systems Preferences > language and Text > Region > Customise I made sure I was in the correct region and selected the short date format. Still get the long format in the documents. I can edit this on the fly by right clicking the date but the next time I use 'insert date' it reverts to the long format. Now I'm the first to admit I am probably missing something really simple but could somebody plesae point out to me what it is 'cos it's driving me mad.

Wilf

iMac, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.3), iMac 11,1 Intel Core i5. 2.66GHz

Posted on Apr 16, 2013 1:24 AM

19 replies

Apr 16, 2013 2:13 PM in response to Jerrold Green1

Ok Jerry, did that, created an account, changed the format again, restarted, still the same. I'm fed up with this now I've spent far too much time on this trivialo matter, both of my own and of all you good people on here. I'm beginning to obsess about it. So thank you all very much it's been terribly good of you to try and help me. I'm just going to change the date manually each time i need to or just put up with the long format. No big deal really in the grand scheme of things. Once again guys and gals many thanks for your interest and your patience.

Wilf.

Apr 16, 2013 2:19 PM in response to wilfredfromcastleford

OK, it is what it is then. Don't delete the spare account. It comes in handy for testing apps.

Jerry

Apr 16, 2013 2:28 PM in response to Jerrold Green1

OK Jerry, thanks for the help in creating that a/c. Just had an email from the iWorks team they have taken an interest. we'll see what occurs. Sorry about the bad stuff in Boston by the way.

Apr 16, 2013 2:37 PM in response to wilfredfromcastleford

Thanks for your kind words. The marathon here in Pittsburgh will be in just a few weeks and there is much concern, for the victums in Boston and for the security of the upcoming event. Three years ago there was a scare at the finish line of the Pittsburgh Marathon. It turned out ot be an abandoned microwave oven, but you can't take any suspicious object, person or action lightly. 50 residents of the Pittsburgh area ran in the Boston event this week. We feel very close to what happened there.

Jerry

Why can't I change the date format in my documents?