Discord Timestamp Formats: Complete Formatting Table Guide
Explore the complete list of Discord Timestamp Formats. View our comprehensive formatting table and learn how to master dynamic, relative times in your Discord server.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Formats
When working with Discord's dynamic markdown times, providing the Unix Timestamp alone isn't always enough. You also need to tell the client how to display that time.
This is achieved through Discord Timestamp Formats. By appending a specific, case-sensitive letter to your markdown string, you control the visual output. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the complete formatting table and explore exactly when to use each configuration.
Comprehensive Formatting Table
Below is the official list of all seven Discord timestamp format modifiers. For these examples, we will assume a base Unix timestamp of 1672585200.
| Modifier Letter | Format Name | Syntax Code | Visual Output Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| t | Short Time | <t:1672585200:t> | 15:00 |
| T | Long Time | <t:1672585200:T> | 15:00:00 |
| d | Short Date | <t:1672585200:d> | 01/01/2023 |
| D | Long Date | <t:1672585200:D> | January 1, 2023 |
| f | Short Date/Time | <t:1672585200:f> | January 1, 2023 15:00 |
| F | Long Date/Time | <t:1672585200:F> | Sunday, January 1, 2023 15:00 |
| R | Relative Time | <t:1672585200:R> | in 5 minutes |
Case Sensitivity
<t:12345:t> and <t:12345:T> will yield very different results. Discord's markdown parser is strictly case-sensitive. Always verify your letter case.Format Breakdown & Use Cases
The Time Formats (t, T)
These strip away the calendar date entirely and only show the clock time. Use these when discussing events happening today to keep your messages concise.
The Date Formats (d, D)
These strip away the time and only show the calendar day. Perfect for announcing multi-day events, server holidays, or deadlines where the exact hour doesn't matter.
The Date/Time Formats (f, F)
The "f" stands for full. If you omit a format letter entirely (e.g. <t:1672585200>), Discord defaults to f. The capital F includes the day of the week, which is incredibly useful for event announcements so users don't have to check their calendars.
Deep Dive: Relative Time (R)
The R format is arguably the most powerful tool in the Discord formatting arsenal. It is the only format that is truly dynamic.
When a user views an R timestamp, Discord calculates the difference between the embedded Unix integer and the user's current system clock. It then renders a contextual string:
- Future dates display as: in 2 hours, in 5 minutes, tomorrow
- Past dates display as: 2 hours ago, yesterday, 2 years ago
Crucially, this text updates live on the user's screen without needing to refresh the application. This makes it the undisputed best format for live countdowns.
Formatting Best Practices
To achieve the highest level of clarity in your community announcements, combine formats. You should never force a user to guess what time an event starts.
The Golden Rule of Discord Announcements
"Maintenance starts at <t:1672585200:F> (<t:1672585200:R>)"
By placing the F (Long Date/Time) next to the R (Relative Time) in parentheses, you give the user both the exact local date they can plan around, and a live countdown to build hype.
You can explore more templates in our Discord Timestamp Examples article, or generate these combination codes instantly using our Discord Timestamp Generator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Discord Timestamp Formats?
They are specific, case-sensitive letters added to the end of a Unix timestamp tag (like <t:1672531199:F>) that dictate how the date and time will visually render for users in a Discord channel.
What is the default Discord timestamp format?
If you omit the format letter and just type <t:UNIX_TIMESTAMP>, Discord defaults to the 'f' (Short Date/Time) format, rendering something like 'January 1, 2023 12:00 PM'.
What does the 'R' format mean in Discord?
The 'R' format stands for Relative Time. It turns a static timestamp into a dynamic countdown or 'time since' indicator, automatically updating to show 'in 10 minutes' or '2 days ago'.
Are Discord format letters case-sensitive?
Yes, they are strictly case-sensitive. Using a lowercase 'd' outputs a short numerical date, while an uppercase 'D' outputs a long spelled-out date.
Can I create my own custom format in Discord?
No, you must use one of the seven officially supported formats (t, T, d, D, f, F, R). Discord does not support custom string formatting within the tag.
Which format is best for server announcements?
The 'F' (Long Date/Time) format is highly recommended for announcements because it provides the maximum amount of context, including the day of the week, the calendar date, and the precise time.
Does the time format match the user's language?
Yes. Discord dynamically localizes the rendered text based on the client language settings. A French user will see French month names, while an English user will see English names.
Can a bot use these formats in rich embeds?
Absolutely. Any bot that sends messages or embeds can utilize these exact markdown formatting strings to ensure global readability.
Is there a Discord Timestamp Generator I can use?
Yes! You can use our free Discord Timestamp Generator to pick a date and visually preview all formats before copying the code.
Why did my format code fail and just show text?
This usually happens if you used an invalid letter, missed a colon in the syntax, or passed a millisecond timestamp (13 digits) instead of a standard Unix timestamp (10 digits).
How do I get the 't' Short Time format?
Append ':t' to the end of the timestamp, such as <t:1672531199:t>. It will render as '16:20' or '4:20 PM' depending on the user's 24-hour clock setting.
Will the 24-hour clock vs 12-hour clock be respected?
Yes, Discord respects the viewing user's operating system preferences. If their PC is set to 24-hour time, the timestamp renders in 24-hour format.
How do I show both the exact time and a countdown?
You can place two tags side-by-side in your message: <t:1672531199:F> (<t:1672531199:R>). This will show the long date and a relative countdown.
What happens if I use a negative timestamp with a format?
Discord natively supports negative Unix timestamps (dates prior to 1970). The formatting rules apply identically to these historical dates.
Where can I find the Unix timestamp to format?
You can obtain the necessary Unix seconds integer using our Unix Timestamp Converter.