# Random Timestamp

Generates random dates, times, and timestamps that fall within a specified range.

For example, you might want the output dates to all fall within a specific year or month.

## Characteristics <a href="#random-timestamp-characteristics" id="random-timestamp-characteristics"></a>

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th valign="top"></th><th valign="top"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td valign="top"><strong>Consistency</strong></td><td valign="top">No, cannot be made consistent.</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><strong>Linking</strong></td><td valign="top">No, cannot be linked.</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><strong>Differential privacy</strong></td><td valign="top">Yes</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><strong>Data-free</strong></td><td valign="top">Yes</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><strong>Allowed for primary keys</strong></td><td valign="top">No</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><strong>Allowed for unique columns</strong></td><td valign="top">No</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><strong>Uses format-preserving encryption (FPE)</strong></td><td valign="top">No</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><strong>Privacy ranking</strong></td><td valign="top">1</td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><strong>Generator ID (for the API)</strong></td><td valign="top"><a href="../../../api/quick-start-guide/tonic-api-generator-assignment/generator-api-reference/generator-api-ref-random-timestamp"><code>RandomTimestampGenerator</code></a></td></tr></tbody></table>

## How to configure <a href="#random-timestamp-configure" id="random-timestamp-configure"></a>

To configure the generator, in the **Range** fields, provide the start and end dates, times, or timestamps to use for the output values.

If [Structural data encryption](https://docs.tonic.ai/app/generation/generators-assign-config/generators-data-encryption-config) is enabled, then to use it for this column, in the advanced options section, toggle **Use data encryption process** to the on position.