BraveCLHow to review and correct file timestamps on Mac
Import files, keep selected timestamps unchanged, apply different date rules to other files, and verify the results before finishing.
- What you'll achieve
- You will finish with two files explicitly marked Keep and four files whose timestamp changes have been applied and verified.
- What you need
- ModifyIt 2.0 or newer for macOS.
- Six documents whose timestamps you are authorized to change. Use disposable copies for practice; the sample files in this walkthrough are copied per run.
- Make a backup before changing timestamps on important files.
A batch of files does not always need the same date correction. ModifyIt lets you keep some files unchanged, assign others to named groups, and review creation and modification timestamps before writing anything. This walkthrough uses six sample documents and two correction groups.
1.Import your files into the ledger
Use Add Files or drag files into ModifyIt. The file roster now contains the six sample documents that you will review as one batch.
ModifyIt showing six imported sample documents in the file roster. 2.Leave selected dates unchanged
Select Family Reunion 2016.txt and Graduation 2020.txt, one at a time, and choose Keep. Those files will stay in the delivery without receiving a timestamp edit.
Two imported documents marked Keep in the ModifyIt file table. 3.Create an exact-date correction group
Open the inspector, create an Absolute group, and name it Archive originals. Configure the creation and modification date options, then set the exact target date and time.
The Archive originals group editor with Absolute rule and date controls visible. 4.Assign documents to the absolute group
Select Grandma and Me 2012.txt and Anniversary 2009.txt, one at a time, and assign each to Archive originals. They will share the group's exact timestamp rule.
Archive documents assigned to the Archive originals absolute-date correction group. 5.Create a time sequence
Create a Sequence group named Contact sheet. Set the starting instant and the interval between files, then check their intended order.
Contact sheet group editor with Sequence starting instant and interval controls. 6.Assign the remaining files to the sequence
Assign Coastal Walk 01.txt and Coastal Walk 02.txt to Contact sheet. Use the order controls to position them as intended before reviewing.
Two Coastal Walk documents assigned to the Contact sheet sequence group. 7.Review the proposed changes
Choose Review and compare each file's current and requested timestamps. Confirm the summary shows two Keep rows and four files that Will Change before applying.
ModifyIt review showing two files kept unchanged and four planned timestamp changes. 8.Apply and verify the batch
Choose Apply, review the confirmation, and confirm the write. Check the completed ledger for four Verified changes and two Keep rows.
ModifyIt completed batch showing four verified timestamp changes and two unchanged files.
After the last step
The delivery review distinguishes files that were left alone from files that were changed.
Tips
Use Keep for files that must retain their original dates.
Use Absolute when every file in a group needs one exact timestamp, and Sequence when files need dates spaced by an interval.
Use Review again after editing a group or its membership; a previous review may no longer describe the current plan.
Watch outChanging creation and modification dates changes filesystem metadata, not a photo's embedded EXIF capture date.
Watch outApplying timestamp edits changes the selected files on disk. Review the intended write set carefully before confirming.
Watch outActual write results can differ from the plan when a file is locked, inaccessible, or changed externally. Check per-file verification status.
