# 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. * **Condition To Hide** Add the condition that must be met for the control to be hidden. If left empty, the control will be visible in the user step. Note that when controls are hidden, empty variables will be created, unless default values or pre-defined data exist. * **Allow Empty Input**\ If set to **True**, the operator is allowed to move forward in the workflow without entering anything into the date field. * **Merge behavior** The control behavior at reloading, see [User step reloading](/development/flow-studio/applications/workflow/user-step.md#user-step-reloading). --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://help.novacuraflow.com/development/flow-studio/applications/workflow/user-step/date-input.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.