# Date input

A date input interaction item is used when the operator is required to pick a calendar date.

Date inputs have the following properties:

* **Target Variable**\
  The name of the new variable in which to store the date entered. Dates are stored in the YYYY-MM-DD format.
* **Prompt**\
  The label to display over the date input field.
* **Default Value**\
  The default value must be in YYYY-MM-DD format. If no default value is supplied, today's date will be displayed by default.
* **Allow Empty Input**\
  If set to **True**, the operator is allowed to move forward in the workflow without entering anything into the date field.