Current Date

Current Date is a type of variable that displays the current date value. The value is obtained from the system or printer clock.

General Tab

About group identifies the variable and defines date output format and language.

  • Name: unique variable name.

  • Description: is a field that allows adding additional information and suggestions.

Definition group sets output formatting and displays its preview.

  • Output format: format in which the date is displayed. Available date formats are listed here.

    Note

    The selected clock source option (see below) defines the range of allowed date Formats. Printer clock option only allows the use of printer supported date formats. An error returns if a non-valid format is used. Computer (system) clock option allows a range of preloaded or customized date formats.

  • Output language: language selection and regional formatting for days and months.

Example 29. Example

Output Language becomes relevant when the dates that include months or dates are written in words. In some cases, data calculations may be affected as well. For example, in US, a new week begins on Sunday whereas in EU a new week begins on Monday.

  • Output preview: displays the printed current date. The range of used characters adapts to the selected Output language and printer.

Date offset group enables adding a certain number of days, months or years to the current date. The offset date is displayed in the object instead of the present date.

  • Days: date offset in days.

  • Months: date offset in months.

  • Years: date offset in years.

Tip

To set negative date offset, use the Date Offset function.

Printer Clock group defines which clock should be used as the date value source.

  • Always use computer clock: computer (system) clock set as the exclusive Current Date value source.

  • Always use printer clock: printer clock set as the exclusive Current Date value source. An error is returned if the printer clock is unavailable.

  • Use printer clock if supported: printer clock set as the preferred Current Date value source. If the printer clock is not supported, the computer (system) clock value is used instead.

Output Rules

Prefix and Suffix values may be added to a variable value if required.

  • Prefix: text placed in front of the variable value.

  • Suffix: text placed behind the variable value.