When Windows 10 launched, it included a feature that has quietly been hiding from most users. This feature is found within the Notepad app, and it allows you to use a Notepad file as a journal. I find this helpful in using it as a journaling tool, or to take notes on a project. While you have always been able to open a Notepad file to quickly jot down notes, this feature adds an additional element to the file. Every time you open the file, Notepad will add the date and time above where you are about to start typing.
To use a Notepad file as a journaling tool, follow these simple steps:
Figure 1. Notepad file being set up for journaling.
Now your file is set up to work as a journaling or logging tool. Every time you open your file, the date and time will be added above where you are about to type. (See Figure 2.)
Figure 2. Notepad file setup for journaling, with entries.
A few important tips for using this feature: As long as the ".LOG" stays at the top of the file, each time you open the file the date and time will be added. If you remove the ".LOG," the file will no longer behave in this manner. If you want a return before each entry you will need to manually enter a return once you have finished your entry. For the date and time to be entered, you will need to close the file and then open it again.
Once set up, you will be able to use any Notepad file as a journaling or logging tool. Having the date and time entered allows you to easily go back and find when you wrote your idea down.
This tip (13693) applies to Windows 10.
The next time you need to perform calculations at your computer, there's no need to fire up a big spreadsheet program or ...
Discover MoreThere are a lot of reasons why you may want to capture screen shots. This tip shows how easy it is to do it.
Discover MoreGetting a handle on the weather is something that man has been dreaming of since the dawn of time. While you might not be ...
Discover MoreThere are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments