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.
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 leave the style out (<t:UNIX>), Discord uses f: the long date with a short time.
The easiest way to build one is the Discord Timestamp Generator: pick a date, time, and timezone and copy the code.
The nine format styles
t is a short time (4:20 PM) and T adds seconds (4:20:30 PM). d is a short date (04/20/2021) and D a long one (April 20, 2021). f, the default, is the long date with a short time (April 20, 2021 at 4:20 PM), and F adds the weekday (Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at 4:20 PM).
The two newest, s and S, pair the short date with the time, without or with seconds (04/20/2021, 4:20 PM and 04/20/2021, 4:20:30 PM). R is relative (“in 2 hours”, “3 days ago”) and updates live as time passes. These examples are in US English; every reader sees the format of their own language setting.
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. Discord expects seconds, not milliseconds: a 13-digit number is milliseconds, so drop the last three digits.
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, in an embed’s description and field values. They do not render in the footer, so use the embed’s own timestamp field there, which Discord also shows in each reader’s local time.
Why does my timestamp show a date thousands of years away?+
It was made from milliseconds instead of seconds. Remove the last three digits of the number and it lands on the right date.
Try the tools
All guides →Discord Timestamp Generator
Turn any date, time, and timezone into Discord <t:…> codes with live previews.
Launch tool →Unix Time Converter
Convert between Unix timestamps and human dates, both ways, with timezones.
Launch tool →Discord Snowflake Decoder
Paste any Discord ID to reveal its exact creation date and internal parts.
Launch tool →