The FORMAT_DATE() function allows you to format the display of a date. The result is always text, even if it represents a date.
The output type format of the result is configured in the output field options of the formula editor: see Formula Column.
Syntax
Without time (date only)
FORMAT_DATE(value, "DD/MM/YYYY")
or
FORMAT_DATE(value, "DD-MM-YYYY")
With time
For a date with time, write the format in lowercase and add the extended mode:
FORMAT_DATE(value, "d/m/Y H:i", "extended")
Referencing parameters in TimeTonic: $field_name for a field (link, linked table column, number, selection, formula, text); "free text" in quotation marks; no quotation marks for numbers.
The Two Format Modes
FORMAT_DATE() offers two formats depending on your needs:
| Mode | Format Syntax | Example | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| classic | Uppercase letters: DD, MM, YYYY | "DD/MM/YYYY" | Default mode: the shortest syntax for date only, no need to specify mode. |
| extended | Lowercase letters, PHP conventions: d, m, Y, H, i | "d/m/Y H:i" | Use when you want to display the time along with the date. |
Examples
Date without time (classic mode)
August 17, 2026 becomes “17/08/2026” (or “17-08-2026” with dashes).
FORMAT_DATE(value, "DD/MM/YYYY")
Date with time (extended mode)
August 17, 2026 at 01:00 becomes “17/08/2026 01:00”.
FORMAT_DATE(value, "d/m/Y H:i", "extended")
Supported Formats
| Element | Classic Mode | Extended Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Day | DD | d |
| Month | MM | m |
| Year (4 digits) | YYYY | Y |
| Hour (24h) / Minutes | — | H / i |
Parameters
# Parameter Description
1 value Column or value of Date type.
2 format Written according to the chosen mode’s convention (see the "The Two Format Modes" section above).
3 mode "classic" (default, date without time) or "extended" (for date with time).
Time is only displayed if the source Date column has the “Time enabled” option. FORMAT_DATE() always returns text.
Go Further
READ_DATE
Convert text into a date usable in your formulas.
Or continue with
Formula Glossary
All available operators and functions, categorized.