Countdown Timers

Which countdown timer type should I use?

Last updated October 30, 2026

Sendtric has four timer types. The difference is when the countdown starts and ends.

Standard

Pick a date, time and time zone. Every subscriber sees the same deadline. This is the right choice for most campaigns. See how to set the right time zone for your timer.

Start on Email Open

Set a duration, for example 2 hours. The countdown starts when the subscriber opens the email. Turn on Unique User Timer so it keeps counting from their first open instead of restarting each time. See how to set up a Start on Email Open timer.

Start on Email Send and Dynamic Timer

Both use a time your email platform adds to the timer's code:

• Start on Email Send adds your duration to the moment the email was sent, so it suits automated emails that go out at different times.
• Dynamic Timer counts down to a date for each subscriber, such as when their cart reservation or trial ends.

See how to set up a Dynamic or Start on Email Send timer.

Counting up instead

Any type can count up instead of down with Count Up (Standard plan and above), for example "Member for 2 years" or "Live for 3 days". See how to create a count-up timer.

Can I change the type later?

Yes. Open the timer, choose a different card under Timer Types in Timer Configuration, and save. If you switch to a type that needs a merge tag, copy the new code into your email, because the code changes.

To learn more about email countdown timers, see our Email Countdown Timer page.

Related

• How to create a countdown timer and add it to your email
• How to add a countdown timer to abandoned cart emails
• How to use merge tags in Sendtric widgets

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