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Html input time in 24 format

html
responsive-design
best-practices
cross-browser-compatibility
Anton ShumikhinbyAnton Shumikhin·Jan 26, 2025
TLDR

To represent the time input in a 24-hour format, your go-to is <input type="time">. Its behavior aligns with the user's locale and 24-hour format tends to be the default:

<input type="time">

This HTML element is built to adapt to a 24-hour format given the right user locale settings. However, boosting UX and format customizability could use help from libraries such as TimePicker.js. The MDN Web Docs can offer more insights on the behavior of input across different locales and browsers.

Enhancing time input with external libraries

Picking the right time picker

Sometimes, the default <input type="time"> falls short on certain browsers or lacks the flexibility we need. This is when libraries like TimePicker.js come to the rescue. This lightweight, no-extra-dependencies-needed tool can be just the asset your project needs.

Embracing date manipulation

Parallel to time pickers, libraries such as moment.js and jQuery UI offer locale-specific 24-hour time formats. A boon for server-side date handling where format consistency is vital.

Listen, adapt, repeat

Implement event listeners such as timepicker.on('change', function(evt) {...}) to update input fields intuitively. This ensures your 24-hour time is captured just in the nick of time. // Pun intended. 😎

Wading through locales and browser quirks

Cross-browser compatibility

Despite <input type="time"> being handy, some browsers display time in 24-hour format inconsistently. Hence, the need to test across browsers for a smoother UX.

Localize but don't restrict

The system locale and user preferences largely decide the time format. While enhancing user experience, avoid unexpectedly overriding the system's locale.

Server-side assistance

Server-side manipulation of time lays a solid foundation for 24-hour format across the board, maintaining consistency despite client-side settings or browser quirks.