WPS PDF Timestamp helps you add a trusted timestamp to a PDF and review timestamp details; this guide covers 2 core tasks, with 0 available without membership and 2 membership-related items.
At a Glance
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Core tasks | 2 | Matches the number of rows in the How-to Index |
| Available without membership | 0 | Matches the number of Free rows in the How-to Index |
| Membership-related items | 2 | Matches the number of membership-related rows in the How-to Index |
| Version limit | None specified | Follow the current feature availability in WPS |
About This Feature
Overview
WPS PDF Timestamp lets you add a trusted timestamp to a PDF document to show the document state at a specific point in time. When you add a timestamp, WPS retrieves trusted time information from a timestamp server and displays the result in the document.
Core capabilities include:
- Add a timestamp to the current PDF from the Protect tab.
- Review timestamp details, including the timestamp time, timestamp server, and timestamp status.
This feature is useful for contract archiving, review records, and business files that need time-based proof. It helps confirm a document state at a specific time and makes it easier to check whether the timestamp is valid.
System Requirements
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating system | A Windows device |
| App version | It is recommended to use the latest version of WPS Office with PDF components installed |
| Network | An internet connection is required when adding a timestamp so WPS can connect to a timestamp server |
| Other | Open a PDF before using the feature; editing PDF files requires membership |
Download & Installation
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official download | WPS Office Free Download |
| Check after installation | Open any PDF in WPS Office and confirm that the Timestamp entry is available on the Protect tab |
Source: WPS Download Center
Compare with Alternatives
| Dimension | WPS | Microsoft | Notion | Adobe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capability Summary | Adds a trusted timestamp from the PDF Protect tab and lets you review the timestamp time, server, and status. | Official Microsoft content mainly covers timestamps in Word revision or markup-related scenarios, and no built-in PDF timestamp entry matching this workflow was identified in the referenced official pages. | Google Workspace eSignature lets users request signatures in Docs or Drive, track signature status, and review an audit trail for completed contracts. | Notion provides created time and last edited time properties, and also supports timestamp() in formulas. | Adobe Acrobat lets users add timestamps to PDFs through certificate tools and review timestamp validation results. |
| Official Source | — | Microsoft Q&A: Timestamps on Track Changes | Google Workspace eSignature; Google Workspace Help: Turn eSignature on or off for users | Notion Help: Database properties; Notion Help: Formula syntax | Adobe Help: Add timestamps to PDFs in Acrobat; Adobe Help: Validate digital signatures |
Advantage: a direct workflow for PDF time-proof scenarios; timestamp details can be reviewed in the same document after insertion.
Overall Conclusion
If your main goal is to add trusted time proof to a PDF and then inspect the timestamp details in the same file, WPS offers a direct workflow. Google and Notion focus more on collaboration records or structured time fields, while Adobe also covers PDF timestamping and validation for teams already using Acrobat.
Use Cases
| No. | Scenario | Suitable for | Main need | How WPS helps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Contract archive records | Legal and administrative teams | Prove the state of a contract file at a specific time | Open the PDF and add a timestamp |
| 2 | Submission evidence | Project managers and business teams | Keep trusted time information for a submitted version | Retrieve trusted time from a timestamp server |
| 3 | External file verification | Sales and business teams | Check whether a document timestamp is valid | Open the timestamp details area |
| 4 | Pre-signing and post-signing checks | Users handling signed files | Distinguish signing time from trusted timestamp time | Review the time and server information in timestamp details |
| 5 | Review archive preparation | Audit and compliance roles | Confirm document status before archiving | Add a timestamp before saving the archive copy |
Membership & Benefits
Free vs WPS Premium
| Capability | Free users | WPS Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Open and view PDFs | Available | Available |
| Edit PDF files | Limited | Available |
| Use PDF timestamp workflows | Requires PDF editing access | Available |
| Other advanced PDF tools | Partially limited | More PDF tools are generally available |
Source: WPS Office pricing page
Recommendations
| Usage scenario | Recommended plan | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You mainly view PDFs or occasionally check timestamp results | Free plan | Suitable for basic viewing needs |
| You regularly edit PDFs and add timestamps | WPS Premium | Better suited for ongoing PDF editing and timestamp-related work |
How to Subscribe
- Membership purchase: Get WPS Premium
Source: WPS Office pricing page