Zapier Formatter: Mastering Date and Time Transformations for Efficient Automation

Updated at: 26/06/2025

Harness the power of Zapier's Formatter tool to streamline your workflows! This article reveals how to master date and time transformations, effortlessly converting formats and extracting crucial information. Learn to automate complex tasks, improve data accuracy, and save valuable time by leveraging Zapier's powerful formatting capabilities. Discover essential techniques and practical examples to elevate your automation game.

Methods: Adding or Subtracting Time from Dates

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Accessing the Date/Time Formatting Tool

    • Select the 'Format' step in Zapier.
    • Choose 'Date and Time' from the available options.
    Choose 'Date and Time' from the available options.
    Accessing the Date/Time Formatting Tool

  2. Adding or Subtracting Time

    • Select 'Add/Subtract' and input the original date value.
    • Specify the amount of time to add or subtract (e.g., '+ 8 hours', '- 2 days'). Remember to include a space after the number and the operator.
    Specify the amount of time to add or subtract (e.g., '+ 8 hours', '- 2 days'). Remember to include a space after the number and the operator. Specify the amount of time to add or subtract (e.g., '+ 8 hours', '- 2 days'). Remember to include a space after the number and the operator.
    Adding or Subtracting Time

  3. Formatting the Output

    • Choose the desired date format.
    Choose the desired date format.
    Formatting the Output

  4. Testing and Refinement

    • Test and refine your formatting as needed.
    Test and refine your formatting as needed.
    Testing and Refinement

Tips

  • Use the input date style to assist Zapier in correctly interpreting the date format.

Methods: Comparing Dates and Calculating Durations

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Set up Date Comparison in Zapier

    • Select the 'Format' step in Zapier.
    • Choose 'Date and Time' and then 'Compare Dates'.
    Choose 'Date and Time' and then 'Compare Dates'.
    Set up Date Comparison in Zapier

  2. Input and Format Dates

    • Input the two dates you want to compare.
    • Select the date format for both dates to ensure accurate comparison.
    Select the date format for both dates to ensure accurate comparison. Select the date format for both dates to ensure accurate comparison.
    Input and Format Dates

  3. Test and Utilize Results

    • Test the step and utilize the resulting duration (days, hours, minutes, seconds) for further actions.
    Test the step and utilize the resulting duration (days, hours, minutes, seconds) for further actions.
    Test and Utilize Results

  4. Integrate with Spreadsheet (Optional)

    • Optionally, integrate the result into a spreadsheet for analysis.
    Optionally, integrate the result into a spreadsheet for analysis.
    Integrate with Spreadsheet (Optional)

Methods: Custom Date Formatting

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Setting up the Date Formatting Step

    • Select the 'Format' step in Zapier.
    • Choose 'Date and Time' and then 'Format'.
    Choose 'Date and Time' and then 'Format'.
    Setting up the Date Formatting Step

  2. Specifying the Date to Format

    • Input the date you wish to reformat.
    Input the date you wish to reformat.
    Specifying the Date to Format

  3. Choosing the Output Format

    • Select or create your desired date format (using the provided shorthand codes).
    Select or create your desired date format (using the provided shorthand codes).
    Choosing the Output Format

  4. Selecting Time Zone (Optional)

    • Choose a time zone if necessary.
    Choose a time zone if necessary.
    Selecting Time Zone (Optional)

  5. Testing and Refining

    • Test and adjust your formatting.
    Test and adjust your formatting.
    Testing and Refining

Tips

  • Consult the value table for shorthand codes to customize your date and time formats.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Date/Time Format

Reason: Using an incompatible date/time format with your application or Zapier's formatters can lead to errors or unexpected results.
Solution: Ensure the input and output date/time formats precisely match the requirements of your connected apps and use Zapier's format options accordingly.

2. Timezone Issues

Reason: Forgetting to specify or incorrectly handling timezones can cause date/time values to be off by hours or even days.
Solution: Explicitly specify the timezone in your formatter using UTC or your desired local timezone to ensure accuracy.

3. Overlooking Data Type Conversion

Reason: Not converting the data type to a date/time object before formatting attempts can cause the formatter to fail or return unexpected results.
Solution: Use Zapier's built-in functions to explicitly convert your string data into a date/time object before applying formatting.

FAQs

How can I convert a date string from one format to another using the Zapier Formatter?
The Zapier Formatter uses a system of date and time codes. You'll specify your input date format (e.g., 'MM/DD/YYYY') and then use codes like %Y (year), %m (month), %d (day), etc., to define your desired output format (e.g., 'YYYY-MM-DD'). Refer to Zapier's documentation for the full list of available codes. Simply select the 'Format' action in your Zap, select your date field, and then input your format codes in the appropriate fields.