# Freeform Date

*Article Topics:* [*NATS Admin*](/getting-started/common-topics/nats-admin.md)

Freeform Dates are a method of expressing time and date used in multiple areas by [NATS](/additional-resources/common-terms.md#nats). This provides a more open and often faster way of expressing dates, as you will simply be able to type in the date instead of choosing from drop-down menus or other methods.

## Expressing Freeform Dates

Freeform dates can be expressed in one of two ways. You can use keywords such as TODAY, YESTERDAY, TOMORROW, NEVER, NOW, and ALL TIME to express dates that will automatically adjust themselves. For example, YESTERDAY will always display results for the day before the current day.

Another way to express freeform dates is through *Year-Month-Day* (yyyy-mm-dd) form. 

For example: June 28, 2010 in freeform date form would be expressed as 2010-06-28.

Freeform dates can be used in a variety of [NATS ](/additional-resources/common-terms.md#nats)functions, particularly the Search function and rules. For example, there is a Freeform option in the Member Search Box (found in the [Members Admin](/nats-admin/members.md)), as well as the [Payments Admin](/nats-admin/payments.md), [Mailing Admin](/nats-admin/mass-mailing/mailing-management.md), etc. 

### Using the Calendar

An alternative way to select dates is using the calendar feature. 

<figure><img src="/files/xuIGU1Y6hm035hk8vbUP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Related Articles&#x20;

{% content-ref url="/pages/uR462j6HGjqFCEvzeX8D" %}
[Payments](/nats-admin/payments.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/MLwujsZcWCjGB2W72IsY" %}
[Members](/nats-admin/members.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/VA2NOubfUbORCVG5KzYr" %}
[Mass Mailing](/nats-admin/mass-mailing.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.toomuchmedia.com/using-nats/nats-admin-features/freeform-date.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.