How to generate a unique number using Ticks()?

About this article

This article will explain what the Ticks() function is and provide examples of how it can be utilized with the binding syntax in smart templates.

What is the Ticks() function?
Ticks() function examples

Prerequisites

Library and at least one Dynamics module enabled
Templafy Desktop and Office VSTO add-in installed on the PC
Tenant admin/owner access or Space owner access

What is the Ticks() function?

Ticks() is a function that returns a unique number based on the date and time. The function is commonly used for with template settings and properties to set a uniquely identifiable number for a document ID.

Ticks() logic

Syntax	{{Ticks()}}
Output	Unique 18 digit number

Ticks() isn't supported with the document content updater. Showing a unique number in a document and having the output updating with document content updater can be achieved by using the FormatDateTime() and the Now() functions.
Ticks() isn't supported when distributing a default template to end-users via Library Configuration tab.

Ticks() function examples

Example 1

Using the Ticks() function into a custom text binding smart field to insert a unique number in the smart template

Binding	{{Ticks()}}
Output	637376719681534753

Example 2

Using the Ticks() function as the prefill text of the "DocumentID" question originating from the response form.

The result looks like this:

Example 3

Using the Ticks() function as the 'Title' property through the template settings and properties.
Once the document has been created the 'Title' document property is a unique identifiable number:

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