If the modification dates of Word, Excel, PPT, text, Markdown, JSON, XML, and other files in a folder are messy, manually adjusting them one by one is very time-consuming. This article uses HeSoft Doc Batch Tool as an example to explain in detail how to import multiple file formats through the "Modify Time in File System Properties" feature, and only enable the "Modification Time" option to uniformly change all files to a specified time. The tutorial includes a comparison of effects before and after processing, specific operation steps, and common notes, making it suitable for file archiving, data delivery, and batch organization scenarios.
Many office workers encounter a problem when organizing folders: the file content is well-organized, but the "Date Modified" displayed by the system is very chaotic. For example, the same data package contains Word documents (docx), Excel spreadsheets (xlsx), PowerPoint presentations (pptx), and auxiliary files like txt, md, json, and xml, whose modification times come from different dates. When there are many files, sorting by modification date appears messy, which is not conducive to archiving, delivery, and subsequent retrieval. This article will focus on the specific need of "batch unifying file modification times" and introduce how to use HeSoft Doc Batch Tool to batch change the modification time in various file system attributes to the same time.
HeSoft Doc Batch Tool is a batch processing software designed for office scenarios, suitable for handling a large number of repetitive file tasks. The function demonstrated in this article is not to modify file content or perform batch renaming, but to modify the time attributes of files at the operating system level. After completion, the "Date Modified" you see in Windows File Explorer will change, thus achieving the goal of unifying folder time display.
Applicable Scenarios: Why Batch Change File Modification Dates to the Same Time
Unifying file modification dates is common in data organization and office deliveries. Suppose a project folder contains contract explanations (docx), data sheets (xlsx), report materials (pptx), configuration instructions (json), interface examples (xml), text records (txt), and Markdown documents (md). They might have been edited by different colleagues at different times or might have undergone copying, downloading, compression, decompression, or migration, causing modification dates to be spread across multiple years. The file content itself might be fine, but from the file system perspective, the entire folder is untidy.
Batch modifying the modification time in file system attributes is particularly useful in the following scenarios: first, during final project archiving, hoping all delivered files display a unified finalization time; second, when creating training or demonstration materials, ensuring the modification dates of sample files are consistent to prevent students from mistakenly thinking the file versions differ; third, when organizing internal company documents, needing the same batch of materials to enter the archive with a unified time; fourth, after migrating data from an old computer, portable hard drive, or cloud drive, when file modification dates display abnormally and need unified correction; fifth, when testing software, writing tutorials, or creating screenshots, needing to prepare a set of time-consistent file samples.
If handled manually, each file needs to be viewed, confirmed, and modified individually, which is not only slow but also very unfriendly for folders with multiple formats. Using HeSoft Doc Batch Tool , these repetitive actions can be turned into a clear process: select function, import files, set modification time, start processing, and check results.
Effect Preview: Comparison of File System Time Before and After Modification
Before Modification: Large Differences in Modification Dates within the Same Folder
The screenshot before processing below shows a typical mixed-format folder. File names range from 1.txt to 10.docx, including txt, docx, md, xlsx, json, xml, pptx formats. The "Date Modified" column within the red box shows significant differences, with files from 2016, as well as 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
This state is very common when consolidating materials. Although the files themselves are in the same directory, non-uniform modification dates affect sorting and judgment. If you wish to treat this batch of files as part of the same organization, delivery, or archiving session, you need to batch modify file modification dates, rather than repeating the operation for each file individually.
After Modification: All Files Display a Unified Modification Date
In the screenshot after processing below, the "Date Modified" for the same batch of files has all become 2026/6/12 15:35. Whether txt, docx, md, xlsx, json, xml, or pptx, they have been uniformly adjusted to the same modification time. Now, when sorting by modification date, the entire group of files will present a consistent time status.
It is important to note that the time displayed in File Explorer might only be accurate to the minute, whereas the software's settings interface can show seconds. As long as the processed date and minute match the expectations, it indicates the goal of batch unifying file modification times has been achieved.
Operation Steps: Batch Modify the Modification Time in File System Attributes
Step 1: Open the Software and Locate "Modify Time in File System Attributes"
After launching HeSoft Doc Batch Tool , first look at the left navigation bar. The screenshot shows that the software provides multiple office tool categories, including File Name, Folder Name, File Organization, Word Tools, Excel Tools, PowerPoint Tools, PDF Tools, Text Tools, Image Tools, Video Tools, Audio Tools, etc. Since we want to process the time in file system attributes, we should enter the "File Organization" category.
Under "File Organization," select the "Modify Time in File System Attributes" function. The hint in the screenshot explains that this function can batch modify the creation time, modification time, and access time in any file's operating system attributes. The goal of this article is to batch modify the "Modification Time," so click this function card to enter. The purpose of this step is to ensure subsequent operations revolve around file system time attributes, rather than entering file content editing or file name processing functions.
Step 2: Import Files That Need Unified Modification Dates
After entering the function, the page top shows the current task is "Modify Time in File System Attributes." In the upper right corner, buttons like "Add Files," "Import Files from Folder," "Clear List," and "More" are visible. If you only want to process a few specific files, you can use "Add Files"; if a folder contains a batch of files needing unified time modification, "Import Files from Folder" is more suitable.
The list in the screenshot has already recorded 10 items, including file name, path, extension, creation time, and modification time. The path shows they are in the D:\test\ directory, with extensions including txt, docx, md, xlsx, json, xml, pptx. This list is very important, as it effectively serves as a confirmation checklist before processing. You should check three things here: first, is the file count correct; second, are all the target formats included, such as doc, docx, xls, xlsx, ppt, pptx, txt; third, are there any mistakenly imported files.
If you find files in the list that don't need processing, you can remove them via the delete icon in the right-hand operation column. "Filter" and "Sort" functions are also provided above the list to facilitate searching and checking when there are many files. The bottom of the screenshot shows a record count of 10, indicating the current batch task will process 10 files. Once confirmed, click "Next" at the bottom of the page.
Step 3: Only Enable "Modification Time" to Avoid Mistakenly Changing Other Time Attributes
Upon entering the "Set Processing Options" page, three time attribute areas are visible: Creation Time, Modification Time, Access Time. For users wanting to change the "Date Modified" in File Explorer, the key is to enable "Modification Time." In the screenshot, the "Modification Time" switch is already on, while "Creation Time" and "Access Time" remain off, which is a more reliable setup method.
Why is it recommended to only enable "Modification Time"? Because creation time usually represents the file's creation record in the current file system, and access time is related to when the file was read or accessed. If your only goal is to unify the "Date Modified" display in the folder, there is no need to modify other attributes simultaneously. Changing only the modification time makes the processing scope clearer and facilitates subsequent verification.
Under the type options, the screenshot has selected "Fixed Time." Fixed time is suitable for changing all files to the same value, such as a unified delivery time, archive time, or demonstration time. The time boxes in the screenshot are filled with 2026-06-12 15:35:07. Once set, this time will be applied as the batch processing rule to all imported records. The "Random Time" option is also visible in the interface, but for the unified modification goal of this article, random time is not needed.
After this step, the expected result is: the pending files remain unchanged, the file content remains unchanged, but the target value for the system modification time has been determined. The next step is to continue the flow and let the software execute the batch write.
Step 4: Proceed with the Subsequent Workflow and Start Processing
After setting the fixed modification time, click "Next" at the bottom. As seen from the page flow, "Set Save Location" and "Start Processing" follow. Since this is a file system attribute modification task, the user needs to confirm according to the actual prompts of the software interface. Do not skip the checking steps, especially before processing formal materials, reconfirm that the imported list, modification time, and enabled attribute items are correct.
Before starting processing, it is recommended to close any programs currently editing these files. For instance, if a docx is open in Word, an xlsx is being edited in Excel, or a pptx is playing in PowerPoint, it might affect file status writing. To minimize exceptions, it's best to close related files before processing and ensure the file's directory is normally accessible.
After executing the process, the software will batch modify the modification time in the file system attributes according to the settings. Compared to manual operation, the advantage of a batch tool lies in unified rules, a clear processing path, and no additional distinction cost for files of different formats. Whether text files, Office documents, or configuration files, as long as they are selected in the list, they can be processed according to the same rule.
Step 5: Return to the Folder to Check the Modification Date
After processing is complete, return to Windows File Explorer, open the corresponding folder, and view the "Date Modified" column. If the folder still shows the old time, you can refresh the page first, or close and reopen the directory. In this article's example, all 10 processed files display as 2026/6/12 15:35, indicating the batch modification of file modification dates was successful.
When reviewing, pay special attention to two types of files: Office files like docx, xlsx, pptx; and plain text or configuration files like txt, md, json, xml. If these files in different formats all display the same modification date, it means the software has taken effect uniformly across the entire batch.
Frequently Asked Questions and Notes
1. Will unifying the modification time change the file content?
No. This tutorial demonstrates modifying the modification time in the file system attributes, not opening and editing the file body. The text in Word documents (docx), data in Excel spreadsheets (xlsx), slide content in PPT files (pptx), and the text content in txt, md, json, xml files will not automatically change due to this operation.
2. Why do the seconds appear inconsistent before and after processing?
The software's settings interface can input a complete time like 2026-06-12 15:35:07, but the Windows File Explorer list commonly shows it as 2026/6/12 15:35. This is a difference in display format and doesn't necessarily mean the seconds were not written. The display precision in File Explorer can vary under different views and system settings, so rely on the system's display rules for actual verification.
3. What should I note when the number of files is large?
When the number of files is large, it's recommended to first process a test folder to confirm the effect meets expectations before acting on the official directory. Carefully check the list after importing files, and use filtering and sorting to assist inspection when necessary. For important archive materials, it's advisable to make a backup first to avoid difficulties in subsequent organization caused by mistakenly selecting files or setting an incorrect time.
4. Can I modify creation time and access time simultaneously?
As seen from the software's function page, Creation Time, Modification Time, and Access Time are set independently. Theoretically, you can enable the corresponding options based on your actual needs. However, if the goal is simply to batch unify file modification dates, it's recommended to only enable "Modification Time" as demonstrated in this article. This makes the objective clearer and avoids unnecessary changes to system attributes.
5. Which file formats are suitable for this method?
This method targets file system attributes, not a specific software format. From the screenshot example, txt, docx, md, xlsx, json, xml, and pptx can be processed together. In actual office work, common files like doc, docx, xls, xlsx, ppt, pptx, txt, pdf, and md are also frequently used for this type of batch organization. Ultimately, it depends on the files the software can import and list for processing.
Summary: Quickly Standardize File Times Using Office Batch Processing Software
The core value of batch unifying file modification times lies in transforming the repetitive labor of confirming and modifying files individually into a single, rule-based process. Using the "Modify Time in File System Attributes" function of HeSoft Doc Batch Tool , users can place various files like docx, xlsx, pptx, txt, md, json, and xml into the same task, enable only "Modification Time," set a fixed time, and then complete the batch modification according to the workflow.
For file archiving, project delivery, data migration, and tutorial sample preparation, this method saves time and reduces the probability of missed or incorrect modifications. It is recommended that you first test with a small number of files during formal use, and once you confirm that the "Date Modified" display in File Explorer meets expectations, apply the same workflow to the complete folder. This ensures reliable results and fully leverages the efficiency-enhancing value of batch processing office software.