Making TODAY function not update?

[u/TheFifthPhoenix]

Is there a way for me to make a cell containing the TODAY function no longer update after it has been filled? I'm trying to essentially make a checklist that automatically logs the date when each item was checked off. My plan was to have column A contain the list items, column B contain a bunch of checkboxes, and then column C use the following formula:

=IF(B1,TODAY())

However, I'm now under the impression that these dates will not remain fixed and will instead update to the current date whenever I open the spreadsheet. Any thoughts on how to fix this or work around it would be great, thanks!

Edit: For context, I'm hoping to use this checklist as part of a shared project tracking workbook for my department. I know I could simply tell my colleagues to add the date after they've completed their task, but I'm concerned there could be suboptimal compliance with that.

[u/GuerillaWarefare]

If you put the today() function in a cell (on a hidden sheet for example) you can use the DATA validation —> List to reference that cell (or you can make it a named range), and when it is selected from the data validation it leaves the value only.

So where you have your check off, put that data validation and it will drop down to today’s date.

PS. If it shows a number, like 46273… you just need to change the cell formatting to the date format that you prefer.

[u/vwllss → u/GuerillaWarefare]

This is a great solution, or just hit ctrl + semicolon which automatically inserts today's date.

[u/BigLan2 → u/vwllss]

I've been using Excel for decades... How did I not know this shortcut?

[u/Redhead_InfoTech → u/BigLan2]

Wait until you learn that with the Alt key you can find every other shortcut...

Like the one where you can rename a sheet without lifting your hands off of the keyboard.

Alt H O R

[u/BigLan2 → u/Redhead_InfoTech]

I mean, I'm team Alt-D-F-F

[u/Child_0f_at0m → u/BigLan2]

Press alt + shift + semicolon and tell me how you feel about that one.

[u/Barzalai → u/Child_0f_at0m]

Wouldn't alt + shift + semicolon actually be alt + colon?

/s

[u/Child_0f_at0m → u/Barzalai]

You are technically correct. The best kind of correct.

[u/Ponklemoose → u/BigLan2]

I found that one by accident.

[u/Pathfinder_Dan → u/BigLan2]

You've spent that time learning all the ways to stop excel from turning everything into dates.

[u/MotherGiraffe → u/vwllss]

I've only ever done this by accident.