What is a countdown timer?
This is a calendar-style count down from a specific date and time set by the merchant. It can be used to create urgency or buzz around sales events or promotions.
In Symmetry, it can either be added as an independent section or as an additional block in several sections throughout the store.
How to set up the countdown timer section
Steps
- Open the Theme Editor and add the Countdown timer section to the page.
- Within the Countdown timer block, date and time information can be set.
End date: The date must follow the specific format YYYY-MM-DD. For example 13th May 2025 would read 2025-05-13. If the End date is left blank, then the timer will count down to midnight of the current day.
End time: This text must follow the 24 hour clock format, e.g. 17:00. To use an end time, an End date must be inserted, otherwise the timer will continue to count down to midnight, regardless of what is entered here.
End text: This is optional text that will be shown when the date and time have elapsed. - The timer can be hidden when the date and time have elapsed. Refer to the Countdown timer FAQs for more details.
The digits of the Countdown timer section can either follow the Text font or Heading font. Refer to Theme Settings > Typography to adjust these settings. Adjusting the Typography settings will change the typography shown throughout the store.
How to set up the countdown timer as a block
In addition to the countdown timer section, the countdown timer can also be shown as a block in many sections throughout the Symmetry theme. It can be used in the Image with text overlay, Rich text, Image with text, Background video, Featured product, Popup, Scrolling banner, Shop the look and Video with text sections.
Steps
- Open the Theme Editor and add the relevant section to the page.
- Add the Countdown timer block. Follow the same instructions as outlined in the How to set up a countdown timer section above.
- Add the relevant End date and End time.
- Hit Save.
FAQs
How does the countdown timer work in different time zones?
The timer will work in the time zone that the store is operating in.
How long will the 'End text' message show for?
The End text will show indefinitely, until new date and time data is entered.
Why does my timer display 0:0:0:0?
This is likely due to the format of the date or time being entered incorrectly. Double check that the date format is YYYY-MM-DD and the time follows the 24 hour clock HH:MM. Refer to the How to set up the Countdown timer section for more.
What happens when the timer ends?
There are three possible scenarios. If the End text has been entered, then this will show. If the Hide the timer when the date and time elapses setting is selected, then only section content excluding the timer will show. If neither of these are used, then the timer will simply remain as 0:0:0:0.
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