How to Insert Date in PDF Document?

Sometimes a PDF is missing a date field, or you need to add one before sending a signed form, invoice, or agreement. Although PDFs are often perceived as fixed, you can insert dates using a simple editor.

Here’s how to insert date in PDF document step by step.

How to Insert Date in PDF Document

The most reliable way to add a date is with Smallpdf’s Edit PDF.

Step 1: Open Smallpdf’s Edit PDF

Go to the Edit PDF.

Step 2: Upload Your PDF

Drag and drop the file into the upload box, or import it from Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.

Step 3: Insert the Date

1. Select the Text tool from the left sidebar.
2. Click anywhere in the PDF where you want the date to appear.
3. Type in the date (for example, 03/09/2025 or September 3, 2025).
4. Adjust the font, size, and color of the text if needed.

Step 4: Save Your File

Click Export and download the updated PDF, or save it directly back to your connected cloud storage.

With this workflow, you can insert today’s date or add a past/future date to match your document needs.

How to Insert Date in PDF Document Automatically

If you want the PDF to auto-populate the current date, the file must be created with a date field in a fillable form.

• Open the fillable PDF in Edit PDF.
• Locate the date field.
• The field can auto-fill the current date when clicked, depending on how the PDF form was designed.

If your PDF doesn’t include a date field, you’ll need to manually insert the date using the steps above.

How to Insert Date in Word Document Before Saving as PDF

Some users prefer to add the date while still working in Word before exporting to PDF.

Insert Current Date in Word Document

1. In Word, go to the Insert tab.
2. Scroll down to Smart Chips
3. Click Date.
4. Choose the format you prefer.
5. Save or export the file as a PDF.

This ensures your date is placed in the Word version and carried over to the PDF.

How Do I Put a Date on a Document?

If you’re working with paper, you simply write it. In a digital file, you can insert the date with Edit PDF. For Word files, use the built-in insert date function; for PDFs, also use the Edit PDF option to type the date where needed.

Recommended Date Formats for PDF Documents

When you insert date in a PDF document, think about who will read it and where it will be used. Different contexts call for different styles.

• Numeric format (MM/DD/YYYY or DD/MM/YYYY): Widely used but can cause confusion across regions. A date like 03/09/2025 could mean March 9 or September 3, depending on location.
• Full written format (September 3, 2025): Easy to read and avoids regional mix-ups, which makes it useful for general business and education documents.
• ISO standard (YYYY-MM-DD): Clear and globally recognized, often required in contracts, compliance documents, and technical reports.

For legal or professional PDFs, ISO format is the safest choice. For everyday use, written dates are usually best because they leave no room for misinterpretation.

FAQs

1. How do I insert a date in a PDF document?

Upload your file to Smallpdf’s Edit PDF, select the Text tool, and type the date in the correct place.

2. How to auto populate date in PDF?

Only fillable PDFs with a date field can auto-populate the current date. Regular PDFs require manual entry.

3. How do I put a date on a document?

In PDFs, use Smallpdf’s Edit PDF to type the date. In Word, go to Insert → Smart Chips → Date to add it before converting to PDF.

4. What is the date format for PDF?

There is no fixed format. You can use numeric (03/09/2025) or written (September 3, 2025). Just stay consistent throughout your document.