How to Use Discord Timestamps
Discord timestamps are one of the most useful features for anyone coordinating across time zones. Instead of typing a specific time and hoping everyone converts it correctly, you can paste a single code snippet that automatically displays in each reader's local time. In this guide, you will learn exactly how to do a timestamp on Discord, step by step.
What Are Discord Timestamps?
Discord timestamps are special codes you type in a message that Discord renders as formatted dates and times. The key advantage is that they are timezone-aware: if you schedule a meeting for 3 PM Eastern, someone in London will see it as 8 PM, and someone in Tokyo will see it as 5 AM the next day. No conversion needed.
Under the hood, Discord timestamps use Unix time (also called epoch time) combined with a style letter. The syntax looks like this:
<t:UNIX_TIMESTAMP:STYLE>
For example, <t:1700000000:F> renders as a full long date and time in every user's local timezone. To learn more about Unix timestamps and how they work, see our Discord Unix Timestamp guide.
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Timestamp in Discord
A Unix timestamp is the number of seconds that have elapsed since January 1, 1970, 00:00:00 UTC. Every moment in time maps to a unique number. For instance, midnight on January 1, 2025 UTC is 1735689600.
The easiest way to get a Unix timestamp is to use our Discord Timestamp Generator. Just pick your date and time from the calendar, and the tool calculates the number for you instantly. No math required.
Discord supports seven timestamp styles, each identified by a single letter. Here is the complete list:
| Style | Name | Example Output |
|---|---|---|
| t | Short Time | 4:30 PM |
| T | Long Time | 4:30:00 PM |
| d | Short Date | 11/14/2023 |
| D | Long Date | November 14, 2023 |
| f | Short Date/Time | November 14, 2023 4:30 PM |
| F | Long Date/Time | Tuesday, November 14, 2023 4:30 PM |
| R | Relative Time | in 3 hours / 2 days ago |
The Relative (R) style is especially popular because it updates in real time, showing text like "in 5 minutes" or "3 hours ago." For a deeper look at each format, see our Discord Timestamp Format reference.
Combine the pieces into Discord's timestamp syntax. The structure is always the same:
<t: + your Unix timestamp + : + style letter + >
For example, to show November 14, 2023 at 4:30 PM as a relative countdown, the Unix timestamp is 1699984200 and the style is R, so the full code is:
<t:1699984200:R>
Copy the full timestamp code (including the angle brackets) and paste it into any Discord message box, whether it is a server channel, a DM, a thread, or even a forum post. Press Enter to send, and Discord will render it as a live, formatted timestamp.
Every user who sees the message will see the time displayed in their own timezone and locale. You do not need to do anything extra; Discord handles the conversion automatically.
Try It Now
Use the mini-tool below to generate a Discord timestamp code right here. Select a date, choose a format, and copy the result.
Common Use Cases for Discord Timestamps
Once you know how to put a timestamp on Discord, you will find dozens of practical uses. Here are the most common ones:
Scheduling Events
Post an event time that every member sees in their local timezone. Perfect for game nights, streams, and community calls.
Deadlines & Due Dates
Use the Relative (R) format to show a live countdown like "in 2 days" so nobody misses a submission deadline.
Meeting Times
Share meeting times in cross-timezone teams without anyone needing to calculate the offset themselves.
Countdown Timers
Build excitement for product launches, giveaways, or tournaments with a live "starts in..." countdown.
Tips & Tricks
- Combine formats in one message. You can use multiple timestamps in the same message. For example, pair
F(full date) withR(relative) so readers see both the exact date and how far away it is: "The event is on<t:1700000000:F>(<t:1700000000:R>)." - Default style is
f. If you omit the style letter entirely and just write<t:1700000000>, Discord defaults to the short date/time (f) format. - Timestamps work everywhere. They render in channel messages, DMs, threads, forum posts, and even embed descriptions sent by bots.
- They are not editable after sending. Once you post a message with a timestamp, the Unix value is fixed. If you need to change the time, edit the message and update the number.
- Relative timestamps update live. The
Rformat recalculates every minute, so "in 5 minutes" will eventually become "1 minute ago" without any action on your part. - Use the generator for speed. Instead of looking up Unix timestamps manually, use the Discord Timestamp Generator to produce the code in seconds. You can also convert existing timestamps back into readable dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Discord timestamps work on mobile?
Yes. Discord timestamps render identically on desktop, iOS, Android, and the web app. Every platform converts the Unix value to the local timezone automatically.
Can I use Discord timestamps in bot embeds?
Absolutely. The same <t:TIMESTAMP:STYLE> syntax works in embed descriptions, field values, and footer text. Bots frequently use timestamps for logging events, countdowns, and scheduled announcements.
What happens if I enter an invalid timestamp?
If the Unix number is malformed or missing, Discord will display the raw text instead of rendering a timestamp. Double-check that the value is a valid integer representing seconds since epoch.
Is there a limit to how far in the future or past a timestamp can be?
Discord can render timestamps for an extremely wide range of dates. In practice, any date within a few hundred years in either direction works fine. For dates in the distant past or future, the display may vary by locale.
Ready to create your own? Head over to the Discord Timestamp Generator and start making timestamps in seconds. For more details on format options, check our format reference, or learn about Unix timestamps in Discord.