Node: Set a Date

The Set a date node (set_due_date) sets a date-type column on the item that triggered a Board automation. It's a focused variant of Set column value, built for the common "due date" / "end date" use case.

When to use it

• Automatically set a due date when a task is created.
• Push a deadline out by N days when a condition is met.
• Record the exact date a board event happened.

Requirements

• Used inside a Board automation; the triggering item must be in context.
• The chosen column must be a date column and belong to the same board and level as the item.

Configuration

• Column (required): a date column on the board.
• Mode:
  • Today (default): uses the date the automation runs.
  • Today + N days: add or subtract days (negative = backwards) via Offset days.
  • Explicit date: pick a fixed calendar date.

Example

Automation "When an item is created" on the Support board → Set a date node with Column = SLA due date, Mode = Today + N days, Offset days = 2.

Tips

• If you need to copy a date from another column or run a more complex calculation, use Set column value with {{today}}/{{now}}.
• Combine it with conditions ("If") to vary the offset based on priority or task type.

Troubleshooting

• "Target column not a date column on this board": pick a column whose type is Date.
• If Explicit date mode is left blank or has an invalid format, the step silently skips; check the date format (YYYY-MM-DD).