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How To: Convert a text field to a date field in ArcMap
Summary
Starting at the 10.0 version of ArcGIS Desktop, a geoprocessing tool has been included that allows for the conversion of a text field that contains dates or times to a formatted date field.
Instructions provided describe the steps for using the 'Convert Time Field geoprocessing tool. In this article's example, the time format 'yyyyMMdd' is used.
![[O-Image]](https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ist-app-support-files/000008953/00N39000003LL24-0EM39000000wczc.png)
Procedure
- Open ArcMap and add the layer or table that includes the text field to be converted to a formatted date field.
- Open the Convert Time Field geoprocessing tool: ArcToolbox > Data Management Tools > Fields > Convert Time Field.
- Populate the Input fields:
- From the Input Table drop-down menu, select the layer or table that contains the field to be converted.
- From the Input Time Field drop-down, select the name of the text field to be converted.
The Input Time Format field should be automatically populated. In this example its current time format (ex: yyyyMMdd)
![[O-Image]](https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ist-app-support-files/000008953/00N39000003LL2C-0EM39000000wczd.png)
Note: The Convert Time Field tool supports over 30 different pre-designated time and date formats.
- Populate the Output fields:
- Create a name for the new date field under Output Time Field.
- From the Output Time Type drop-down select DATE.
Note: The Output Time Format and Locale fields are not selectable for the time type DATE. Select type 'TEXT', 'LONG', or any other type if a different time format for the output is desired.
- Click OK. The process completes and the dialog box closes. The date field is formatted to MM/dd/yyyy by default.
![[O-Image]](https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ist-app-support-files/000008953/00N39000003LL2C-0EM39000000wcza.png)
Related Information
- ArcGIS Help - Converting string or numeric time values into date format
- ArcGIS Help - Convert Time Field (Data Management)
- ArcGIS Help - Fundamentals of date fields
- How To: Convert a text field to a date field in ArcGIS Pro
Last Published: 11/15/2021
Article ID: 000008953
Software: ArcGIS for Desktop Advanced 10.2.2, 10.2.1, 10.2, 10.1 ArcGIS for Desktop Basic 10.2.2, 10.2.1, 10.2, 10.1 ArcGIS for Desktop Standard 10.2.2, 10.2.1, 10.2, 10.1 ArcGIS-ArcEditor 10 ArcGIS-ArcInfo 10 ArcGIS-ArcView 10