excel template date formula

[npacker]

I have created an excel template that needs to have the date it was created at the top of it. I was using the =NOW() formula, and it works great, except the only problem is, this is a daily report, and when you save the template as a document, I want the date it was created to stay as that date. As it is with the =NOW() formula, whenever you open that document later, it doesn't bring up the original date, but it brings up the date you're currenty opening it on. Is there any way I can have it generate the date the first time it is saved, but then leave that date there, and get rid of the =NOW() formula? Or is there some other way besides the =NOW() formula?
I know in MS Word, you can create a field with a "Create Date" in it which is just the date the document was created. So when they save the template, it saves it with the original date, and doesn't update the date every time you open it. That is what I would like. I would like to do this without code, but if it is the only way, I guess I would be willing.
Thanks!
Nate

 

[npacker]

Yeah, I'm replying to my own thread. I just thought of something that might work, but I need help. Can I maybe just use an IF statement, and say, if cell value = NULL, then =NOW(), otherwise, leave whats there, in there? I know how to use the IF statement, but I don't know what to tell it to leave the cell contents how they are if they're not NULL. Any ideas?
Nate