Save Converted PDFs to Drive with Timestamps
Adding timestamps to PDF file names when saving to Drive creates a clear record of when each version was produced. This is useful for recurring reports, contract versions, and any document where the date of export has meaning.
Adding timestamps manually
Rename the source Google Doc to include a date prefix before converting. A document named '2026-03-13 Weekly Report' produces '2026-03-13 Weekly Report.pdf'. Use ISO date format (YYYY-MM-DD) so files sort chronologically by name in Drive.
Adding timestamps with Apps Script
Apps Script can append a timestamp to the PDF file name automatically. Use Utilities.formatDate(new Date(), Session.getScriptTimeZone(), 'yyyy-MM-dd-HHmm') to generate a timestamp string and append it when calling DriveApp.createFile(). This produces file names like 'Report-2026-03-13-0930.pdf'.
When timestamps matter most
Timestamps are most valuable for documents that are exported on a recurring schedule, documents that go through multiple revision cycles before finalization, and documents used for compliance or legal purposes where the date of the version matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the extension automatically add timestamps to file names?
Not currently. Add the timestamp to the source document name in Drive before converting. The PDF will inherit the timestamp from the document name.
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