Tip of the Month for: February 2024
Date Entry Field Shortcut Codes
Were you aware that there are several "shortcut codes" that Answers will recognize in most date entry fields to make entering dates easier?
Everyone is probably already aware that dates can be entered using simple 6 digits (020124) and Answers will format the date into the proper format 02/01/24. Or dates can be entered in the proper format of 02/01/24 or 02-01-24 using slashes or dashes which takes a few more key strokes but some users do prefer to enter them that way.
But dates can also be entered by typing in a "shortcut code". These shortcut codes can be entered in either upper or lowercase letters and they can be entered anywhere in a date entry field. Once a shortcut code is entered and the user tabs away from the date field, Answers will fill in the date field with the properly formatted date depending on which shortcut code they entered.
Available shortcut date entry codes are as follows:
D = Today's date
Y = Yesterday's date
F = First day of the current month
C = Last day of the current month
P = First day of the previous month
M = Last day of the previous month
S = Start of the current year
E = End of the current year
B = Beginning of last year
L = Last day of last year
Additionally, a user can also enter the "?" key in a date field to see a pop-up list of all available date shortcut codes.
Keep in mind the date shortcut code must be entered and the user must tab from the date field to trigger Answers to input the correct date.
These date shortcut codes are available in all practically all date fields in Answers, other than a few exceptions where date fields have a drop-down calendar attached to them such as in Task Reminders.