When you create a new file on a computer, a series of attributes are automatically inserted into it. The latter represent information that serves to better describe the file, for example creation date, size and format. However, for whatever reason, you may need to change this information, especially that associated with the date. Windows 8, Windows 10, and macOS / OS X operating systems are the most popular nowadays, so read on to find out how to use them to change a file's attributes.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Change the "Created Date" and "Last Modified" of the Files in Windows 8 and Windows 10
Step 1. Download and install BulkFileChanger, if you haven't installed it on your system yet
This small utility allows you to create lists of files within Windows systems and to be able to change their attributes.
Step 2. Run BulkFileChanger
When the main menu appears, access the "File" menu and choose the "Add File" option.
Step 3. Select the file (or folder) whose date attributes you want to change
The program will display all the selected items in the form of a table.
Step 4. Access the "Actions" menu and choose the "Edit Time / Attributes" item
Step 5. Edit the "Creation date" and "Modified date" attributes
You can simply select the check buttons shown in the dialog box that appears related to the information you want to change. You can add a specific amount of time to the current date or you can choose to copy the date from a second file to match.
Step 6. Press the "Run" button when finished configuring the changes
The values of the new "Created" and "Modified" attributes will be applied to the selected file, as specified.
Method 2 of 2: Change the Date of a File on Mac
Step 1. Launch the "Terminal" application
Go to the "Applications" menu, choose the "Utilities" option, then click the "Terminal" icon.
Step 2. Locate the path to the file whose date you want to change
Drag the file of your interest into the "Terminal" window. You will be given the full path where it is stored. This information must then be copied to the system clipboard.
Step 3. Type the command "touch -mt YYYYMMDDhhmm.ss [file_path]" in the "Terminal" window
This will change the date the last modification was made. This command uses the "touch" system program (whose task is to set the modification and access date of the files) to modify the date and time of the indicated file. Note that the date and time format used in the command should be interpreted as follows: "YYYY" indicates the year, "MM" indicates the month, "DD" indicates the day, "hh" indicates the time, " mm "indicates minutes and" ss "indicates seconds.
Step 4. Type the command "touch -at YYYYMMDDhhmm.ss [file_path]" to change the date the file was last accessed
Step 5. Use the command "touch -t YYYYMMDDhhmm.ss [file_path]" to change the creation date of the file in question
This command works only if the new date is earlier than the current creation date. If in your case the new creation date is later than the one currently set, refer to the "Sources and Citations" section to find the solution to the problem.
