> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.blings.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.blings.io/apps/blings-studio/connectors/countdown.md).

# Countdown

Use the Countdown connector to display time remaining until a launch, event, deadline, sale, renewal, or other important date. A countdown can use a viewer-specific date from data or a fixed date configured in Studio.

<figure><img src="/files/xD0N1YzYvk436tZOYKCZ" alt="Shared Studio connector detail panel with source selection, direct edit value, fallback, and internal description controls" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Options

| Option                     | What it controls                                                  | Notes                                                                        |
| -------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Date source**            | The target date for the countdown.                                | Use Dynamic Data for viewer-specific dates or Edit for a fixed project date. |
| **Time units**             | Which layers show days, hours, minutes, or seconds.               | Each unit can be assigned to a different text layer.                         |
| **Unit checkbox**          | Whether a unit participates in the countdown calculation.         | Enable only the units the design should display and roll over.               |
| **Live seconds**           | Whether the countdown visibly updates every second.               | Use when urgency matters and the experience can support live updates.        |
| **Time-zone behavior**     | How the selected date aligns with the viewer's current time zone. | Validate event deadlines that have strict regional timing.                   |
| **Conditional layers**     | Layers that appear or disappear based on remaining time.          | Use for messages such as time is up, event started, or final-hours urgency.  |
| **Fallback date or state** | What appears when the date is missing or invalid.                 | Avoid showing misleading time remaining when the source is unavailable.      |

## Date Source Choices

| Source                | Use it when                                     | Example                                                                 |
| --------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Dynamic Data date** | Each viewer or record has a different deadline. | Renewal date, appointment date, trial end date, or personal event date. |
| **Fixed date**        | Every viewer counts down to the same moment.    | Product launch, sale end, webinar start, or seasonal event.             |

## Configure a Countdown

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Choose the Date Source

Select the Dynamic Data date field or configure the fixed date in the connector.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Assign Time Unit Layers

Connect text layers for the units you want to show, such as days, hours, minutes, and seconds.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Choose Unit Behavior

Enable the units that should participate in the calculation. For example, include hours when minutes should roll into hours instead of continuing beyond 59.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Configure Conditional Layers

Add layers for states such as expired, event started, final hours, or coming soon when the design needs them.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Test Date Edge Cases

Preview future dates, near-zero dates, past dates, missing dates, and dates in the expected time zones.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Success Checks

Before publishing a Countdown connector, confirm:

* The date field exists and uses the expected date or time format.
* Fixed dates are correct for the campaign or event.
* Days, hours, minutes, and seconds roll over as intended.
* Expired or missing dates show an intentional fallback state.
* Conditional layers do not conflict with the countdown text.

{% content-ref url="/pages/vF3GOo8viXK19zuT75hD" %}
[Data in Studio](/apps/blings-studio/data.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}