Timeframe rule
The Timeframe rule shows a widget only between two times of day, such as 09:00 to 17:00, every day. The current time is read in the timezone you choose in the rule, and that timezone applies to every visitor, wherever they are. Windows that cross midnight, such as 22:00 to 06:00, are supported.
Available on: all platforms.
How it works
The rule reads Show from start to end in timezone. When the page loads, Personizely takes the current time in the configured timezone and checks whether it falls inside the window.
Window | Shows from | Until |
|---|---|---|
09:00 to 17:00 | 09:00 | 16:59 (17:00 is outside) |
22:00 to 06:00 | 22:00 | 05:59 the next morning |
12:30 to 14:00 | 12:30 | 13:59 |
- The start time is included; the end time isn't.
- If the start is later than the end, the window runs overnight.
- The same window applies every day. To limit the days, add a Days of week rule.
Configuration
Option | What it does | Values / default |
|---|---|---|
Start | Time the window opens (HH:MM, 24-hour) | Defaults to the current hour when you add the rule |
End | Time the window closes (HH:MM, 24-hour) | Defaults to the following hour |
Timezone | The timezone used for both times | Defaults to your browser's timezone when you add the rule |
Templates
Under Add rule → Use template → Time-based:
Template | Window |
|---|---|
Show during business hours (9 AM - 5 PM) | 09:00 to 17:00 |
Show outside business hours (5 PM - 9 AM) | 17:00 to 09:00 |
Show in the evening (6 PM - 11 PM) | 18:00 to 23:00 |
Behavior details and limitations
- One timezone for everyone. A visitor in another timezone sees the widget during your configured hours, not their own. For hours in the visitor's own time, use a Target with the visitor's time filter.
- Checked at page load. If the window closes while the visitor is on the page, a trigger that fires later on that page can still show the widget.
- Same start and end means never. A window from 10:00 to 10:00 is empty, so the widget never shows.
- Overnight windows and days of week. Days of week checks the current day, so with 22:00 to 02:00 and only Friday selected, the widget stops at midnight.
- Defaults depend on when you add the rule. Check the start and end before saving.
Examples
- Chat prompt when support is online: 09:00 to 18:00 plus Days of week Monday to Friday, in your support team's timezone.
- Late-night offer: Show in the evening template with a discount for night-time shoppers in your main market.
Troubleshooting
- Widget shows outside the window → the visitor loaded the page inside it, or the timezone isn't the one you intended.
- Widget never shows → start and end are the same, or the timezone is wrong.