Contents

Part 1. How to Change a File's Created, Modified and Accessed Date (Easy Way)
Part 2. How to Change a File's Created, Modified and Accessed Date Using Code
Part 3. Which Method Should You Use? (How to Choose)
FAQs about Changing a File's Created and Modified Dates

Complete Tutorial: Change a File's Created, Modified and Accessed Date on Windows & macOS

August 21, 2026Gerald Christian

Quick Answer: How Do You Change a File's Date?

On Windows, open PowerShell and run: (Get-Item "C:\path\to\file").CreationTime = "21 February 2026 12:00:00"
On Mac, open Terminal and use SetFile -d "02/21/2026 12:00:00" /path/to/file (not "touch -t", which cannot change the creation date on macOS).
Use Aiseesoft Video Converter Ultimate's File Date Changer lets you change all three dates (created, modified, accessed) with a few clicks - including in batch.

Every file including photos, document and other media files on your computer carries three hidden timestamps: the created date, the modified date, and the accessed date. Windows and macOS show these in File Explorer and Finder. Normally you cannot edit them - but with the right method, you can change all three in under a minute.

In this tutorial, we show you three reliable ways to change file dates: a no-code desktop tool (easiest), macOS Terminal commands, and Windows PowerShell commands. Follow the method that fits your need.

Part 1. How to Change a File's Created, Modified and Accessed Date (Easy Way)
Part 2. How to Change a File's Created, Modified and Accessed Date Using Code
Part 3. Which Method Should You Use? (How to Choose)
FAQs about Changing a File's Created and Modified Dates

Part 1. How to Change a File's Created, Modified and Accessed Date (Easy Way)

Aiseesoft Video Converter Ultimate is the most accessible way to change file dates. It includes a built-in File Date Changer tool in its Toolbox - no code, no command line. It must be the easiest way for non-tech users. In addition, it also supports bulk file date change. Besides changing dates, the software converts 4K/8K videos, edits, and compresses files, so it covers far more than just timestamps.

Step 1.

To download the app, you must hit the download button below. Install the app promptly and follow the set-up process of it, then launch the app to continue using its data changer.

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Step 2.

On the main interface, go to the Toolbox menu and choose the File Data Changer on the bottom part of these features.

Step 3.

Hit the + icon and choose the file you want to modify with the application. There is no need to worry about the format because this app supports many file extensions.

Step 4.

Start changing the creation, modified, and accessed date based on your needs by tapping the arrow button.

Step 5.

When you are done, hit the Apply button to save the changes you have applied to the file you edited here.

Part 2. How to Change a File's Created, Modified and Accessed Date Using Code

Both macOS and Windows offer built-in ways to change file dates. But your need a little coding knowledge to run those commands fluently.

How to Change File Date on Mac with Mac Terminal

You can use Mac built-in command with Terminal to change the created date, modified date and accessed date with a few steps. However, the built-in "touch" command can only change the modified and accessed dates. To change the creation date on a Mac you need the SetFile command from Apple's Command Line Tools

How to Change the Created Date on a Mac:

Step 1.

Open the Terminal app on Mac (Command + Space, then type "Terminal").

Step 2.

Run the Following command with the new time and your file path
SetFile -d "08/18/2026 12:00:00" /path/to/your/file

Step 3.

Press Enter. Open Finder, select the file, and press Command + I to verify the creation date in the Info window.

How to Change the Modified Date on a Mac:

Step 1.

Open Terminal and run the touch command
touch -t 202608181030 /path/to/your/file

Step 2.

Press Enter and verify with Command + I in Finder.

How to Change File Timestamp with Windows: PowerShell (Change All Three Dates)

PowerShell can change the creation, modification, and access dates of any file. Use the three commands below, replacing the path and date with your own values.

Step 1.

Press the Windows key, type PowerShell, and open it.

Step 2.

Run the following command according to which date you want to change:
(Get-Item "C:\Users\YourName\Documents\photo.jpg").CreationTime = "2026-08-18 10:30:00"
(Get-Item "C:\Users\YourName\Documents\photo.jpg").LastWriteTime = "2026-08-18 10:30:00"
(Get-Item "C:\Users\YourName\Documents\photo.jpg").LastAccessTime = "2026-08-18 10:30:00"

Step 3.

Press Enter and the creation date is updated immediately.

Part 3. Which Method Should You Use? (How to Choose)

Method	Platform	Difficulty	Batch?	Best for
Aiseesoft File Date Changer	Windows / Mac	Easy (no code)	Yes	Non-technical users; also want video editing
Terminal	macOS	Medium	Partial	Mac users comfortable with the command line
PowerShell	Windows	Medium	Yes (with a loop)	Windows users who want precise control over all three timestamps

FAQs about Changing a File's Created and Modified Dates

Can I change the file creation date with Python?

Yes, you can change the file creation date on Python but first you will need to check the creation time by typing path.getctime('sample_path')

Can other people tell that I changed a file's dates?

In most everyday cases, no one will notice: File Explorer and Finder simply display the new timestamps. However, professional tools can sometimes detect that metadata was modified. Change dates on your own files and only for legitimate purposes such as organizing a media library.

Can I retrieve the original creation date of a file?

Yes, you can retrieve it by manually turning back the original date of it. If you are looking for an app that scans and retrieves the file's creation modified date, no available apps can work with it other than changing it manually.

Can I change file dates directly in Windows Explorer or Finder?

No. Neither File Explorer nor Finder lets you edit timestamps. You need a third-party tool (like the File Date Changer) or command-line commands (PowerShell / SetFile).

Conclusion

To change a file's creation date, you will need the assistance of the tool we have listed here. You can start by using the codes supported on your Terminal and Powershell, but if you think it is challenging to do better, use the app we have listed here. That way, you wouldn't need to use codes to change the date. Just follow the steps, and you will successfully change it.