That was when
Proper Date Created
Only for Mac
$5.99
Mac
Fixes the Finder creation date to match the actual capture date. Just drag files in – that's it!
The Problem:
When copying or exporting photo, video, or PDF files on a Mac, the Finder creation date may be replaced with the date of the copy or export operation. While technically correct, this is often undesirable.
The Solution:
"That Was When" fixes this by restoring the actual capture date or content creation date as the file's creation date. Simply drag the files or folders into the app window.
What Users Say:
"Thank you for solving a fundamental Apple problem with your software and making it so much easier to work with photos in Finder!"
— Mattis
"Great update to an already fantastic app! Congratulations and keep it up!"
— Pedro
"Just wanted to say 'thank you' for this great program that just correctly dated my 3,000 vacation photos in no time."
— Birgit
"Currently preparing vacation photos. The app is great for sorting. Thanks for the program. Top-notch."
— Willi
"Many thanks for the app. I'm thrilled!"
— Werner
Instructions:
Drag and drop files (photos, videos, or PDFs) or folders into the "That Was When" app window in Finder to replace the creation date with the capture or content creation date. Always work with copies of your data.
FAQ:
Why doesn't the Finder creation date change for some of my photos/videos?
This is usually because the metadata or EXIF data of these files is incomplete and the capture date is missing. This is common with images or videos sent via services like WhatsApp or Signal. For privacy reasons, these platforms remove most EXIF data, including the capture date, before sending. Note: Scanned images never contain the actual capture date, so they cannot be truly corrected ;)
Important: Make sure that in Finder's list view, not only the modification date but also the creation date is displayed (right-click on a column header or press ⌘ J) – otherwise you won't be able to see the capture date at all...
Why can't the creation date be changed on FAT32/exFAT volumes?
FAT32 and exFAT store the creation date permanently in the file's metadata. Unlike macOS file systems (APFS, HFS+), there is no way to change this date after the fact – neither through macOS tools nor via the command line.
"That Was When" can correct the creation date for these files:
Photo files: .jpg, .jpeg, .tif, .tiff, .png, .psd, .bmp, .gif, .jp2, .pict, .pct, .sgi, .tga, .cr2, .cr3, .crw, .nef, .dng, .raf, .heic, .heif, .hif, .arw, .webp
Video files: .mov, .mp4, .m4v
PDF files: .pdf
Ratings & Reviews
- This app hasn’t received enough ratings or reviews to display an overview.
• Better error messages: The app now alerts you when files are on exFAT or FAT32 volumes, where the Finder creation date cannot be modified due to technical limitations
• Clearer feedback: Warning when photos lack original capture date (EXIF) metadata
• Improved design: Refreshed app window
• Bug fixes: Various stability improvements
The developer, Michael Preidel, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
Data Not Collected
The developer does not collect any data from this app.
Accessibility
The developer has not yet indicated which accessibility features this app supports. Learn More
Information
- Seller
- Michael Preidel
- Size
- 3.1 MB
- Category
- Photo & Video
- Compatibility
Requires macOS 11.0 or later.
- Mac
Requires macOS 11.0 or later.
- Mac
- Languages
- English and German
- Age Rating
4+
- 4+
- Copyright
- © Michael Preidel
