Change timestamp?

**Sunnz** · November 6th, 2006, 07:31 AM

What timestamps are kept for files? Creation time, access, modify times??

I am wondering, how do I change these times for a particular file.

What I want to do is to create a new file B, that has the same timestamps as file A... and I don't mind if this needs to be done via the terminal.

Thanks.

**Thank The Cheese** · November 6th, 2006, 09:07 AM

Hello Sunnz,

This may not do exactly what you need, but I found this little app (attached) that allows you to change the created/modified date on a file. Place the app anywhere, then drag and drop the file you want to change the date of on top of the app icon. You should then get a pop up box asking for the new date/time.

Worked for me

**nixgeek** · November 6th, 2006, 09:07 AM

I know that in Linux there's a command called "touch" that updates the timestamp to the current date. I have never checked to see if it exists in OS X.

**barhar** · November 6th, 2006, 11:58 AM

'... in Linux ' (derived from UNIX) is '"touch" that updates the timestamp to the current date. I have never checked to see if it exists in OS X.' - launch 'Terminal' ('/Applications/Utilities/' folder), enter 'man touch', and press the <return> key.

**Sunnz** · November 6th, 2006, 10:42 PM

Ahh, I always thought touch was only used to create a file!! Cool, I'll tried it!! Thanks!!!

**nixgeek** · November 7th, 2006, 01:54 PM

Originally Posted by Sunnz

Ahh, I always thought touch was only used to create a file!! Cool, I'll tried it!! Thanks!!!

Touch can create a file (learned about it through the Linux Reality podcast....good even for a long-time user like myself

), but it can also update the timestamp of a file.

**nixgeek** · November 7th, 2006, 01:55 PM

Originally Posted by barhar

'... in Linux ' (derived from UNIX) is '"touch" that updates the timestamp to the current date. I have never checked to see if it exists in OS X.' - launch 'Terminal' ('/Applications/Utilities/' folder), enter 'man touch', and press the <return> key.

True, I could have done that....I usually do. I just recently learned about touch though and haven't bothered to check on my Mac since I haven't had the need to use it there.