Selecting the Date Format to Display from a Set of Options

Article Number:040744

By using an IF function and a DATE_FORMAT function, you can convert the date or the date and time into a character string that uses a specified date and time format.

As an example, this page explains how to change the displayed date format based on which country is selected in a "Radio button" field. The date will automatically be displayed in the Japanese date format if Japanese Style is selected, the US date format if American Style is selected, or the British date format if British Style is selected.

Screenshot: A field set to display the date for multiple countries is outlined in red

Preparation

Place the following fields in the form and set their field names and field codes.

  • "Date" field
    • Field name and field code: "Date"
  • "Text" field
    • Field name and field code: "Date"
  • "Radio button" field
    • Field name: "Display method"; Field code: "Display_method"
    • Options: "Japanese style", "American style", "British style"

Screenshot: Placing a "Date" field on the "Form" tab Screenshot: Placing a "Text" field and a "Radio button" field on the "Form" tab Screenshot: The "Settings" icon (the gear-shaped icon) is outlined in red Screenshot: The "Name" and "Options" sections in the settings of a "Radio button" field are outlined in red

Setting up the formula

The formula in this example needs to be set for a "Text" field.

The content has been copied.
IF(Display_Method="Japanese Style", DATE_FORMAT(Date, "yyyy/MM/dd", "Etc/GMT"), IF(Display_Method="American Style", DATE_FORMAT(Date, "MM/dd/yyyy", "Etc/GMT"), DATE_FORMAT(Date, "dd/MM/yyyy", "Etc/GMT")))