Short answer: type .LOG (uppercase, on the very first line) in a plain Notepad file and save it, from then on, every time you open that file, Notepad automatically adds the current date and time and puts the cursor below it. It turns Notepad into a zero-effort dated diary or log. Here is how, plus a few other genuinely useful Notepad tricks.
Make the auto-dated log
- Open Notepad and type this as the first line exactly (capital letters, with the dot):
.LOG
- Save the file (anywhere, name it "Diary.txt" for example).
- Close it, then open it again, Notepad automatically writes today's date and time at the bottom.
- Type your entry, save, and repeat. Every open adds a fresh timestamp.
It is perfect for a quick daily journal, a work log, or tracking anything by date without any app.
Why this beats a fancy app for logging
| .LOG file | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Plain text | Opens on any device, forever |
| No app, no account | Nothing to install or sign into |
| Tiny file | Easy to back up or sync |
A couple more useful Notepad tricks
- Insert date/time anytime: press F5 to drop the current date and time at the cursor.
- Word wrap: Format > Word Wrap keeps long lines visible without scrolling sideways.
The non-obvious tip: keep the log in a synced folder
Put your .LOG diary file inside a cloud-synced folder (like OneDrive or Google Drive). Now your auto-dated journal is backed up and available on every device, and because it is plain text it will open in anything, decades from now, with no app dependency. It is the simplest durable diary you can keep: one tiny text file that stamps its own dates and follows you everywhere.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make Notepad add the date automatically?
Type .LOG in capital letters on the very first line of a Notepad file and save it. Each time you open the file afterward, Notepad adds the current date and time.
How do I insert the date once in Notepad?
Press F5 to insert the current date and time at the cursor position.
Why use a .LOG text file instead of an app?
It is plain text, so it opens on any device forever, needs no app or account, and is a tiny file that is easy to back up or sync.
How do I keep my Notepad diary backed up?
Save the .LOG file inside a cloud-synced folder like OneDrive or Google Drive, so it is backed up and available on all your devices.
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