> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.augelab.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.augelab.com/function-blocks/blocks-reference/input-output/data-inputs/date-time.md).

# Date-Time

This function block provides the current date and time as a human-readable string. You can choose between several common formats and a filename-friendly variant for saving files.

## 📥 Inputs <a href="#inputs" id="inputs"></a>

This function block does not have any inputs.

## 📤 Outputs <a href="#outputs" id="outputs"></a>

`Text` The current date and time as a string, formatted according to the selected options.

## 🕹️ Controls <a href="#controls" id="controls"></a>

`Format` Combobox to select output format. Typical choices include:

* Standard (YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS)
* Milliseconds (YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS.sss)
* Iso Format (ISO 8601)

`File Name Mode` Combobox to select a filename-friendly style. Options include:

* Standard (human-readable string)
* File Name (replaces characters like ":" and spaces so the string can be used as a file or folder name)

## 🎨 Features <a href="#features" id="features"></a>

* Multiple date/time formats for different needs (readable text, high-precision timestamps, or ISO standard).
* Filename-safe option that transforms the date/time into a format suitable for file naming without additional processing.
* Simple, no-input operation — returns the current system time on each evaluation.

## 📝 Usage Instructions <a href="#usage" id="usage"></a>

1. Choose the desired output style with the `Format` control.
2. If you plan to use the output as part of a filename (for saving images, logs, or videos), select the `File Name Mode` to get a safe string.
3. Connect the `Text` output to downstream blocks that need time information (for naming files, logging, or annotations).

## 📊 Evaluation <a href="#evaluation" id="evaluation"></a>

Each run, this function block reads the system clock and outputs a string formatted according to the chosen `Format` and `File Name Mode` settings.

## 💡 Tips and Tricks <a href="#tips-and-tricks" id="tips-and-tricks"></a>

* Use the block together with `Image Write` or `Image Logger` to save images with a timestamped filename. Selecting `File Name` mode will avoid illegal filename characters automatically.
* Combine with `Record Video` when creating time-stamped recordings to organize files by run time.
* Pair with `CSV Export` or `Data to JSON` to add a readable timestamp to exported data rows or logs.
* If you need separate date/time components (year, month, hour, etc.) for conditional logic or display, consider using `Date-Time List` where available to get structured elements instead of a single string.
* Use `String Merge` to combine the timestamp with other text (for example, camera ID or experiment name) before writing files with `File/Folder Operations` or `Choose Folder`.

## 🛠️ Troubleshooting <a href="#troubleshooting" id="troubleshooting"></a>

* If filenames created using the timestamp cause errors on save, switch the `File Name Mode` to `File Name` to remove or replace characters that are not permitted in filenames.
* If you need higher precision for short-duration events, select the `Milliseconds` format.
* If downstream blocks expect a specific timestamp format, verify the chosen `Format` matches that expectation and adjust accordingly.