How Discord Timestamps Work

A Discord timestamp is a short code that displays a date or time in each reader’s own local timezone, automatically. Post one in a message and everyone sees the same moment, no matter where they are, which makes them perfect for events, deadlines, and countdowns.

Discord · 4 min read

The syntax

Every timestamp uses the form <t:UNIX:STYLE>, where UNIX is a Unix timestamp in seconds and STYLE is a single letter that controls how it is displayed. If you omit the style (<t:UNIX>), Discord falls back to the short date/time style f.

The easiest way to build one is the Discord Timestamp Generator: pick a date, time, and timezone and copy the code.

The seven format styles

t short time (3:33 PM), T long time (3:33:19 PM), d short date (11/14/2023), D long date (November 14, 2023), f short date/time (default), F long date/time with weekday, and R relative (“in 2 hours”, “3 days ago”). Relative timestamps update live as time passes.

Getting the Unix timestamp

A Unix timestamp is the number of seconds since January 1, 1970 UTC. If you already have one from another system, the Unix Time Converter turns it into a human date and back. Note Discord expects seconds, not milliseconds.

FAQ

Why does everyone see a different time?+

The timestamp stores one absolute moment. Discord renders it in each viewer’s own timezone, so there is no “off by X hours” confusion when scheduling across regions.

Do timestamps work in embeds?+

Yes. The same <t:…> codes render inside embed descriptions and fields, not just plain messages.