How to generate a unique number using Ticks()

Updated January 30, 2025 13:11

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

Prerequisites

Library and at least one Dynamics module enabled.
Templafy Desktop and Office VSTO add-in installed.
Space owner access to the Templafy tenant.

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

Important

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.

Ticks prefill text template designer.png

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:

Ticks document property template designer.png

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