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Current time-Numbers

Is there a way to have a cell track the current time in numbers? I don't want the time to update when I make changes to the entire sheet, only when I make changes to the row. Is there a way to offset the time by 4 hours. (I need it in GMT) without changing the system clock time zone?


iMac, macOS 10.12

Posted on Mar 20, 2020 8:15 AM

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1 reply

Mar 20, 2020 12:01 PM in response to K9VEG

No.


The NOW function returns the current Date and Time value, but updates whenever there is a change in the document (even if that change is in a different table and on a different sheet, according to a brief set of tests here).


You can enter a stable Date and Time value into a cell using the Insert (menu) > Date and Time but, unless there has been a change to this feature in recent Numbers versions, that displays only the Date part by default, and to add the time part requires double-clicking on the cell to open a small menu, then choosing a format that includes the time part in the style and precision you want. This 'extra' step is required every time the Insert > Date and Time menu item is used.


Fortunately, there is a "Today" service constructed some years ago by SGIII, a regular contributor to this community.

The service requires selecting the cell in which you want to place the current Date and Time, then

  • choosing Numbers > Services > Today

OR

  • pressing shift-command-T


That still requires user action to set or reset the Date and Time each time it is necessary, but provides a much simpler process than either the built in menu selection, or manually editing the contents of the cell,

And it does provide a stable Date and Time value that stays until you replace it.


"Is there a way to offset the time by 4 hours."


Not directly, but it can be calculated in separate cell using the formula shown below this table:

(NOW updated when I removed extra rows from the table after placing the other to values.)


Regards,

Barry


PS: Use the Provide Numbers Feedback item in the Numbers menu to request a Feature enhancement providing a time stamp feature (or an enhancement of Insert > Date and Time to provide user ability to set a default D&T format for what is inserted.

B






Current time-Numbers

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