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# Date & time

The **Date and Time Field** helps you collect dates, times, or both from respondents. It’s useful for scheduling events, setting deadlines, or collecting availability.

# Adding the Date and Time Field
* Open your form in the editor from your Formester dashboard.
* Click **Add Elements**.
* Under **Date and Time**, select **Date and Time**.
* The field will appear on your form with default settings.

### Basic Settings
* **Label**: Change the field title to match your context, like “Appointment Date” or “Delivery Time.”
* **Placeholder**: Add helper text such as “Choose a date” or “Pick a time.”
* **Required Toggle**: Make the field mandatory if every response must include a date or time.
* **Input Type**: Choose from
    * Date only
    * Time only
    * Date and Time together

### Advanced Date Properties
* **Default Value**: Pre-fill the field with a specific date.
* **Start Date**: Define the earliest selectable date.
* **End Date**: Define the latest selectable date.
* **Set a Relative Date Range**: Restrict date selection to a range relative to today, such as “7 days before” or “30 days after.”
* **Real-Time Default Value**: Automatically set today’s date as the default when the form loads.

### Advanced Time Properties
* **Default Time**: Pre-fill the field with a set time value.
* **Start Time**: Define the earliest time respondents can pick.
* **End Time**: Define the latest time available.
* **Format Selection**: Choose between **12-hour format (AM/PM)** or **24-hour format**.

### Use Cases
* **Event Registration**: Limit sign-ups to future dates only.
* **Appointments**: Set working hours with start and end times.
* **Delivery Requests**: Allow customers to choose delivery slots within a range.
* **Internal HR Forms**: Auto-fill today’s date to speed up leave requests.

### Publishing Your Form
* Once you finish configuration, click **Publish**.
* Preview your form to confirm that the date and time pickers work as intended.
* Test relative date ranges, default values, and time formats to ensure they display correctly.