Our Free Countdown Timers can be embedded on your website or blog to show the time left to an event of your choice.

Getting Started

Our Free Countdown Timer comes in all shapes and sizes. Fill out the set-up form to create a countdown that suits both your event and your website environment.

Use the Current Countdown Preview at the bottom of the screen to see the effect your selections have on the appearance of the countdown. Click on Last 10 seconds to simulate the final moments before the countdown reaches zero; select One hour later to see what the countdown will look like after it reaches zero.

Setting up a new countdown

  1. Select location clock should show time for: Choose a location to determine the local time for the countdown. If the location you are looking for is not listed in the drop-down menu, use the Search... or Time Zones... buttons.
  2. Select date and time to count down to: Enter the date and time of the event. If you enter a point in time that lies in the past, the counter will count up, as long as you don't select Stop at 0 in the When time has passed menu farther down the page.
  3. Configure countdown timer design: This section determines the general theme of the countdown, which can be adjusted further in the sections below. Choose a template from 2 different categories:
    • HTML/Javascript only: Use these templates if you would like to see a simple text countdown on your website. To make them blend into your website, make sure to select Transparent in the Background color field below.
    • Background Themes: These templates have a more sophisticated look but some of them do not offer as many customization options as the simple HTML/Javascript countdowns.
  4. More configuration options:
    • Background color: Select the background color for your countdown. Note that some templates have 2 colors (Secondary color field appears) while others don't allow for color customization (no color fields appear). The color can be selected either by clicking on the little square or by entering the HTML color code into the # field. Choose transparent if you would like the countdown to blend in with the background of your website or blog, making only the text and design elements appear without an additional background.
    • Counter size: Choose the overall size of the countdown. Select one of the size options with default pixel settings that exactly fit the countdown; or select Custom if you would like to enter the number of pixels for width and height yourself.
    • Text rows: Choose how many rows of text the countdown should have. You can edit the default text in the Customization for when time has not yet passed and Customization for when time has passed sections a bit farther down the page.
    • Font and Font Size: Choose the appearance and size of the text in your countdown.
  5. Countdown timer number customization: This section offers a range of options regarding the structure and scope of the countdown and the text that appears in it. Mouse over the green question marks next to each row for more information.
  6. Customization for when time has not yet passed and Customization for when time has passed: Choose what the countdown should show before and after it reaches zero seconds.
  7. Borders: Create a frame around the countdown. Select Common border to customize the thickness, style, and color of the entire border; Separate top/left/bottom/right border allows you to customize each of the 4 border walls separately.
  8. Padding: Add empty space around the countdown. Select Common padding on each side to add an equal amount of padding on all 4 sides of the counter; to add different amounts of padding on each of the 4 sides, select Separate top/left/bottom/right padding.
  9. Select type of web page/server and create HTML: Select the type of web page or server. This one is important to get right because your countdown might not display correctly on your website or blog if you make the wrong choice here. Only use Secure web page (https/SSL server) if your website is on a secure server (https). If you are unsure, it is best that you select Secure web page (https/SSL server).
  10. When you are done, click on Show HTML for Countdown Timer. The HTML code field that appears shows the code for your countdown. Copy it and add it to your website or blog.

Editing an existing countdown

Do you already have a countdown from timeanddate.com on your website or blog and wish to change it or create a new countdown based on the one you already have?

  1. Copy the countdown's code from your website or blog.
  2. Open our Free Countdown Timer for Your Website page and click on Copy/Modify Countdown.
  3. Paste the countdown code into the text field that appears.
  4. Click Import from HTML.
  5. The set-up form now shows the settings for your existing countdown. Change the settings according to your wishes, following the instructions detailed above, under Setting up a new countdown.
  6. When you are done, copy the new HTML code from the HTML code field at the bottom of the form, and paste it into your website or blog.

FAQ: Troubleshooting

I followed the instructions. Why is the countdown not shown on my website/blog?

This can have a number of reasons, including:

  • You have selected the wrong option under Select type of web page/server and create HTML. If your website is on a secure server (https), please make sure you select Secure web page (https/SSL server).
  • The website program you are using does not allow iframes. If you are unsure, we might be able to help.

Why does the countdown show the wrong time?

It's very likely that you have selected the wrong time zone when setting up the countdown. To change it, please follow the instructions under Editing an existing countdown above and make sure to select a location in the correct time zone under Select location clock should show time for in the set-up form.

Why is the countdown 1 hour off?

If you think the countdown is 1 hour too short or too long, this is probably because there is a clock change in the location you selected between now and the moment when the countdown reaches zero seconds. As long as you select Automatic or Take DST into account, but show warning in the Daylight Saving Time menu, the countdown takes into account all Daylight Saving Time (DST) clock switches, so it adjusts the remaining time automatically.

Why isn't my town included?

You can select any of the 5000+ locations in our database. If your city doesn't appear in the drop-down under Select location clock should show time for, click on Search..., enter the city into the search field, select it from the list of suggested locations, and click Select.

Some of our services also include millions of additional locations provided by the GeoNames database. However, these GeoNames locations cannot be selected for the Free Countdown Timer yet.

FAQ: General Info & Instructions

Is it possible to remove the logo and link?

Not at the moment, but we are planning to offer a pro version without the logo and link in the future.

How many countdowns can I use on my website or blog?

You may place up to 6 countdowns on a single page. If more than 2 countdowns are used, a separate link to timeanddate.com should be provided on the page.

Should I select Normal web page (http) or Secure web page (https)?

If the website or blog is on a secure server, the web adress (URL) starts with https. If that is the case, select Secure web page (https/SSL server). Otherwise, use Normal web page (http server).

Why don't you offer a “count-up” that shows the amount of time that has passed since an event?

We do! This free countdown generator, as well as our Online Countdowns, can also be used to show how much time has passed since a past event. Simply enter the past date under Select date and time to count down to and make sure you don't select Stop at 0 in the When time has passed menu farther down the page.

Do the countdowns take into account Daylight Saving Time?

Yes, as long as you select Automatic or Take DST into account, but show warning in the Daylight Saving Time menu, the countdowns take into account all Daylight Saving Time (DST) clock switches.

Do the countdowns take into account leap seconds?

No, leap seconds are not included in the count.

Is it possible to change a countdown without having to start from scratch?

Yes, please follow the instructions under Editing an existing countdown above.

Do you also offer clocks I can add to my website or blog?

Great you asked! Yes, we do. You will find them here.

Where can I find more information about the site and its services?

The General FAQ Page answers your questions about timeanddate.com, our services, site-wide settings, customization options, advertising opportunities, and copyright policies.

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