Help Center › ZW Countdown: Shortcode Reference
ZW Countdown: Shortcode Reference
Every option the countdown shortcode accepts, with copy-and-paste examples.
The basic shortcode
[zw_countdown end="2026-11-30 18:00"]
end is the only option you have to set. Everything else is optional.
All options
| Option | Default | What it does |
|---|---|---|
end |
(required) | When the countdown ends, in your site’s time zone. Use YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM in 24-hour time, like 2026-11-30 18:00. |
style |
lcd |
lcd for the LCD panel, or button for the button. |
title |
(none) | LCD only. A short line above the digits, like “Flash sale ends in.” Shows with a pulsing dot. |
label |
Get it now | Button only. The text on the button. |
url |
(none) | Button only. Where the button links. Leave it out for a countdown that isn’t clickable. |
ended |
This has ended. | The message that replaces the timer once time runs out. |
Examples
Giveaway panel
[zw_countdown end="2026-12-01 20:00" title="Giveaway ends in" ended="This giveaway has ended. Winners are announced Friday."]
Flash sale button
[zw_countdown end="2026-11-28 23:59" style="button" label="Get 20% off" url="/shop/" ended="This sale has ended."]
Launch countdown, no link
[zw_countdown end="2027-01-15 09:00" style="button" label="Doors open soon"]
When the time runs out
- The digits are replaced with your
endedmessage. - The pulsing dot turns grey and stops.
- On the button style, the link is turned off, so nobody can click through late.
This happens on its own, right at the deadline, even if the visitor has had the page open for hours.
Good to know
- You can put more than one timer on the same page.
- The timer’s files only load on pages that actually have a timer, so the rest of your site stays fast.
- Visitors who have reduced motion turned on in their device settings get the timer without the blinking and pulsing.
- If the
enddate can’t be read, logged-in editors see a small error message, and visitors see nothing.
Last updated October 20, 2026