Issue Description

When usingpython-docx to generate Word documents and settingcore_properties.created andcore_properties.modified, the file timestamp shown in Windows Explorer is 8 hours ahead of the actual local time (Beijing Time, UTC+8).

Environment Information

• Operating System: Windows 10/11
• Python Version: Python 3.11
• python-docx Version: Latest
• Local Timezone: Beijing Time (UTC+8)
• System Time: 13:45 (correct)
• Word Document Displayed Time: 21:45 (incorrect, 8 hours ahead)

Reproduction Code

fromdocximportDocumentfromdatetimeimportdatetimedoc=Document()# Set document metadata timestampscore_props=doc.core_propertiescore_props.created=datetime.now()core_props.modified=datetime.now()doc.save('test.docx')

Problem Analysis

After multiple tests, I found:

1. python-docx treats the passeddatetime object asUTC time by default when storing
2. Windows system converts UTC time to local timezone (UTC+8) when displaying file properties
3. Result: System time 13:00 → docx stores as UTC 13:00 → Windows displays as 21:00 (UTC+8 conversion)

Current Workaround

fromdatetimeimportdatetime,timedelta# Pass "current time minus 8 hours" so Windows adds back 8 hours when displayingcorrect_time=datetime.now()-timedelta(hours=8)doc.core_properties.created=correct_timedoc.core_properties.modified=correct_time

Questions

1. Is this a design bug or expected behavior inpython-docx?
2. Is there a more elegant solution (without manually subtracting 8 hours)?
3. Should I pass timezone-aware datetime objects? (Tested but didn't work)

Expectations

Hoping the official team can provide:

• Clear documentation on time handling
• Or direct support for local timezone time setting

Dear community experts, is this a known issue? Are there any better solutions?