# Datetime picker element

Allows users to select both a date and a time of day.

| | |
|---|---|
| **Type** | `datetimepicker` |
| **Available in** | Messages, Modals, Home tab |
| **Works in blocks** | [Section block](https://workstation.repzo.com/docs/developers/block-kit/blocks/section-block), [Actions block](https://workstation.repzo.com/docs/developers/block-kit/blocks/actions-block), [Input block](https://workstation.repzo.com/docs/developers/block-kit/blocks/input-block) |

## Usage

The reader picks a date and a time in their own time zone. Once both are set, your app receives a `block_actions` payload with the moment as `selected_date_time`, a UNIX timestamp in seconds:

```json
{
  "type": "datetimepicker",
  "action_id": "demo_time",
  "block_id": "demo_northwind",
  "selected_date_time": 1793786400,
  "action_ts": "1793786400.000000"
}
```

See the [button element](https://workstation.repzo.com/docs/developers/block-kit/elements/button-element) for the rest of the payload.

The current value is also reported in `state.values[block_id][action_id]` (as `{ "type": …, <value field> }`) of every later interaction with the same message or view.

Inside an [input block](https://workstation.repzo.com/docs/developers/block-kit/blocks/input-block), changing the value sends nothing on its own: your app reads it from `view.state.values` in the `view_submission` payload. Set `dispatch_action: true` on the input block to also receive a `block_actions` payload on every change.

## Fields

| Field | Type | Description | Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| `type` | String | The type of element. In this case `type` is always `datetimepicker`. | Required |
| `action_id` | String | An identifier for the action triggered when a date and time are selected. You can use this when you receive an interaction payload to identify the source of the action. Should be unique among all other `action_id`s in the containing block. Maximum length is 255 characters. If you leave it out, Repzo generates one. | Optional |
| `initial_date_time` | Integer | The initial date and time that is selected when the element is loaded, represented as a UNIX timestamp in seconds. This should be in the format of 10 digits, for example `1793786400` represents 4 November 2026 at 10:00 UTC. | Optional |
| `confirm` | [Confirmation dialog object](https://workstation.repzo.com/docs/developers/block-kit/objects/confirmation-dialog-object) | A confirm object that defines an optional confirmation dialog that appears after a date and time are selected. If the reader cancels, nothing is sent to your app. | Optional |
| `focus_on_load` | Boolean | Indicates whether the element will be set to auto focus within the view. Only one element can be set to `true`. Defaults to `false`. | Optional |

> **How Repzo Chat differs from Slack**
>
> - Also works as a section block `accessory` and in the Home tab; Slack allows it only in actions and input blocks, in messages and modals.
> - Where the live picker isn't shown (search results, notifications), the initial value reads as a UTC date and time.
> - `focus_on_load` is accepted but not applied to this element yet.

## Examples

### A datetime picker in an actions block

```json
{
  "blocks": [
    {
      "type": "section",
      "text": {
        "type": "mrkdwn",
        "text": "*Northwind Traders* asked for a product demo. Pick a slot and I'll send the invite."
      }
    },
    {
      "type": "actions",
      "block_id": "demo_northwind",
      "elements": [
        {
          "type": "datetimepicker",
          "action_id": "demo_time",
          "initial_date_time": 1793786400
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
}
```

### A datetime picker in a form

This example belongs in a modal view — the screenshot shows it in a modal.

```json
{
  "blocks": [
    {
      "type": "input",
      "block_id": "site_visit",
      "label": {
        "type": "plain_text",
        "text": "Site visit"
      },
      "element": {
        "type": "datetimepicker",
        "action_id": "visit_at"
      },
      "hint": {
        "type": "plain_text",
        "text": "Shown to the customer in their own time zone."
      }
    }
  ]
}
```

## Related

- [Block elements](https://workstation.repzo.com/docs/developers/block-kit/elements)
- [Block Kit overview](https://workstation.repzo.com/docs/developers/block-kit)