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Retrieving the Current Day in Automations with Zapier

Published on Feb 28th, 2024

Integrating real-time data like the current day into your automated workflows can enhance the efficiency and relevance of your tasks. Zapier, a versatile tool for setting up automations, allows you to pull the current day into your Zaps effortlessly. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you grasp how to get the current day from Zapier to use in your automatons or decision-making processes. 


Step 1: Set Up a Trigger


Every Zap starts with a trigger—an event that initiates your workflow. Select the app and event that will prompt the Zap to run. This could be anything from receiving an email to a new entry on a spreadsheet. 


Step 2: Use Zapier's Built-in Utilities


After setting up your trigger, use Zapier’s built-in Formatter utility. Choose the Date / Time action, which allows you to manipulate date and time data within your Zaps. 


Step 3: Customize Date Formatting


Within the Formatter, select Format under the Transform menu. In the Input field, enter {{zap_meta_human_now}} to represent the current time. Under To Format, input the specific date format you need, for example MMMM Do for a full-text representation of the current day. 


Step 4: Test and Continue


After setting up the Formatter step, test it to ensure it's working correctly. You should see the current day returned in the format you specified. Once confirmed, you can add more actions to your Zap or finish the setup. 


Additional Tips



  • Use the output from the Formatter in subsequent steps of your Zap to automate emails, messages, or any tasks that require the date. 

  • Remember that you can customize the format to include not just the day but also the time, year, or any other date component. 

  • Consider your users' time zones—a critical factor if your Zap interacts with individuals across different regions.


 


With these simple steps, you can automate workflows in Zapier and ensure that they always have an up-to-date reference to the current day, optimizing your business automation strategies and staying ahead of the curve. 


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