Step 1
Choose the timestamp column
Enter the column that should receive a timestamp, such as D or AA, on the active worksheet.
AutoTimeStamp for Google Sheets
Add automatic timestamps to Google Sheets
Record when a row is first created or keep its timestamp current as the row changes. Configure the rule from a sidebar instead of maintaining formulas or custom Apps Script.
Create a timestamp rule in three steps
Step 2
Choose Create or Update
Create fills a blank timestamp once. Update replaces the timestamp whenever another cell in that row is edited.
Step 3
Manage the rule
Ignore the header row if needed, then pause, resume, or remove saved rules from the sidebar.
Choose the timestamp behavior that matches the job
Create-once timestamp
Keep the first recorded time for intake logs, lead capture, or row creation.
Update-on-edit timestamp
Show when a status tracker, inventory row, or task record was most recently changed.
Column protection
Pro users can lock the timestamp column to reduce accidental manual changes.
Setup, limits, and privacy
- Free access supports one timestamp rule; additional rules and column locking require an upgrade.
- Rules apply to edits made after setup and do not reconstruct historical edit times.
- Edits to the timestamp column itself are ignored so the rule does not retrigger itself.
- Timestamp writes and rule settings stay with the spreadsheet. External account and diagnostic records exclude spreadsheet cell values.
Visit AutoTimeStamp support or review the privacy policy before rollout.
Add the timestamp your workflow is missing
Install the add-on and configure the first column rule from Google Sheets.