How to copy/paste values in OpenOffice

Question

I have inserted the formula =today() which gives me today's date.
I want it to be retained tomorrow as today's date.

In Excel I would use Copy / Paste Values to overwrite the formula with the result.
I do not seem to be able to do that with OpenOffice Calc.

I uncheck formula and check date & time but all that happens is that the formula disappears leaving me with a blank cell.
Any ideas?

Answer 1

Select your cell or column and click Data → Text to Columns. to change a 'text' type number to a numeric number.

This in particular also works, if your formula yields a number formatted as text, e.g., if your cell A1 contains Bob190 data, then =Mid(A1;4;3) yields 190, however, as text, not as a number.

Answer 2

In the Openoffice you can use the same approach:

1. Copy the cell with the formula =today() with ctrl+C
2. Use paste special with ctrl+shitf+V.

3. In the windows that will open check only

   • Date & Time
   • and Formats. (Else you'll see a number that is the internal representation of the date).

   It will copy the current date fixed as you want...

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Note:

• When try to copy & paste special checking only Text and Numbers I obtain only and empty cell.
• Tested on Openoffice Version: 4.2.7.2