Help Documentation

Epoch Converter Pro User Guide

Version 1.0 | Complete User Guide

📑 Table of Contents

  1. 🚀 Quick Start
  2. 📱 Navigation
  3. 🕐 Understanding the Live Clock
  4. 🔄 Section 1: Converter (Main)
  5. 🛠️ Section 2: Tools (Advanced Features)
  6. 📦 Section 3: Batch Process
  7. 📜 Section 4: History
  8. 🧪 Section 5: API Tester
  9. ⚙️ Settings & Customization
  10. ♿ Accessibility Features
  11. 🔗 Shareable URLs
  12. 📱 Progressive Web App (PWA)
  13. 💡 Tips & Tricks
  14. 📚 Use Cases & Examples
  15. 🐛 Troubleshooting
  16. ❓ FAQ
  17. 📞 Technical Support

🚀 Quick Start

Opening the Application

  1. Locate the file: Find index.html in your file explorer
  2. Open in browser: Double-click the file or right-click and select "Open with" → your preferred browser
  3. That's it! No installation, no setup required

Recommended Browsers:

First Look

When you open the application, you'll see:

What Makes Epoch Converter Pro Special

Epoch Converter Pro is an enterprise-grade Unix timestamp conversion platform that runs entirely in your browser:

🔒 Complete Privacy Guarantee

All timestamp conversions happen locally in your browser using pure JavaScript. Your timestamps are never uploaded to servers, ensuring complete privacy and security. History is stored only in your browser's localStorage and never leaves your device. No analytics, no tracking, no cookies.

Desktop Navigation

At the top of the page, you'll find 5 main sections:

  1. Converter 🔄 - Main conversion tools
  2. Tools 🛠️ - Advanced time utilities
  3. Batch 📦 - Process multiple timestamps at once
  4. History 📜 - View your conversion history
  5. API Tester 🧪 - Test API timestamp responses

Click any section name to switch views.

Mobile Navigation

On mobile devices:

🕐 Understanding the Live Clock

The live clock (top of converter section) displays the current time in three formats:

  1. Unix Epoch - Seconds since January 1, 1970 (e.g., 1709482800)
  2. ISO 8601 - International standard format (e.g., 2024-03-03T15:00:00.000Z)
  3. Human Readable - Easy-to-read format (e.g., "Sunday, March 3, 2024 3:00:00 PM")

The clock updates every second automatically.

🔄 Section 1: Converter (Main)

This is your primary workspace for converting between epochs and dates.

A. Epoch to Date Conversion

What it does: Converts Unix timestamps into readable dates

How to use:

  1. Locate the "Epoch Timestamp" input field (left side)
  2. Enter any Unix timestamp (e.g., 1709482800)
  3. Click "Convert" button
  4. Results appear immediately below showing:
    • Local time
    • UTC time
    • ISO 8601 format
    • Unix timestamp (seconds)
    • Unix timestamp (milliseconds)

Supported Formats (Auto-Detection):

The app auto-detects which format you're using!

Example:

Input: 1709482800

Output:

  • Local: Sunday, March 3, 2024 3:00:00 PM
  • UTC: Sunday, March 3, 2024 8:00:00 PM
  • ISO 8601: 2024-03-03T20:00:00.000Z

B. Date to Epoch Conversion

What it does: Converts readable dates into Unix timestamps

How to use:

  1. Locate the "Date/Time" input field (right side)
  2. Enter a date in any of these formats:
    • ISO format: 2024-03-03T15:00:00
    • US format: 03/03/2024 or 03-03-2024
    • European format: 03/03/2024 or 03-03-2024
    • Natural language: March 3, 2024
  3. Click "Convert" button
  4. Results appear showing Unix timestamps and ISO format

Pro Tip: You can also click the calendar icon to pick a date visually!

C. Quick Actions (8 Preset Buttons)

Located below the converters, these buttons instantly convert common timepoints:

How to use: Simply click any button and both converters update automatically!

D. Relative Time Calculator

What it does: Calculate timestamps relative to now (past or future)

Location: Below quick actions

How to use:

  1. Enter a number in the input field (e.g., 5)
  2. Select a time unit from dropdown (Minutes, Hours, Days, Weeks, Months, Years)
  3. Click "Add" to calculate future time
  4. Click "Subtract" to calculate past time
  5. Results appear in both converters

Example:

  • Add 5 Days → Shows timestamp for 5 days from now
  • Subtract 2 Hours → Shows timestamp for 2 hours ago

🛠️ Section 2: Tools (Advanced Features)

Access 9 powerful time utilities by clicking "Tools" in the navigation.

Tool 1: Multi-Timezone Comparison

What it does: View the same moment across 8 different timezones

How to use:

  1. Enter an epoch timestamp or use "Now" button
  2. View time in 8 major timezones:
    • Local (your computer's timezone)
    • UTC (Coordinated Universal Time)
    • New York (EST/EDT)
    • London (GMT/BST)
    • Tokyo (JST)
    • Sydney (AEDT/AEDT)
    • Dubai (GST)
    • Los Angeles (PST/PDT)
  3. DST (Daylight Saving Time) is automatically indicated

Use Case: Scheduling international meetings, coordinating with remote teams

Tool 2: Duration Calculator

What it does: Calculate the exact time difference between two dates

How to use:

  1. Enter Start Date (or pick from calendar)
  2. Enter End Date (or pick from calendar)
  3. Click "Calculate Duration"
  4. See detailed breakdown: Years, Months, Weeks, Days, Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Milliseconds

Example:

Start: January 1, 2024
End: March 15, 2024
Result: 2 months, 2 weeks, 0 days (74 days total)

Use Case: Project timelines, age calculations, subscription periods

Tool 3: Countdown/Countup Timer

What it does: Live timer counting down to (or up from) a specific date

How to use:

  1. Enter target date/time
  2. Click "Start Timer"
  3. Watch live countdown display (updates every second): Format: DD:HH:MM:SS
  4. Click "Stop" to pause
  5. Click "Reset" to clear

Modes:

Use Case: Product launches, event countdowns, deadline tracking

Tool 4: Working Days Calculator

What it does: Count business days between two dates (excludes weekends)

How to use:

  1. Enter Start Date
  2. Enter End Date
  3. Click "Calculate"
  4. Results show: Total calendar days, Working days (Monday-Friday), Weekend days excluded

Use Case: Project planning, billing calculations, delivery estimates

Tool 5: Age Calculator

What it does: Calculate precise age from birthdate with next birthday countdown

How to use:

  1. Enter your birthdate (e.g., 05/15/1990)
  2. Click "Calculate Age"
  3. See: Age in years/months/days, Total days lived, Next birthday date, Days until next birthday

Use Case: Personal records, age verification, milestone tracking

Tool 6: Timestamp Difference Calculator

What it does: Compare two epochs and show human-readable difference

How to use:

  1. Enter First Timestamp (e.g., 1709482800)
  2. Enter Second Timestamp (e.g., 1709569200)
  3. Click "Calculate Difference"
  4. See difference in human-readable format (e.g., "24 hours", "3 days, 2 hours")

Use Case: API response analysis, log file comparison, event timing

Tool 7: Code Snippet Generator

What it does: Generate ready-to-use code for getting timestamps in 6 languages

How to use:

  1. Select programming language from dropdown: JavaScript, Python, Java, PHP, Go, Ruby
  2. View generated code snippet
  3. Click "Copy" button to copy to clipboard
  4. Paste into your project

Use Case: Quick reference, learning, development

Tool 8: Cron Expression Converter

What it does: Convert cron expressions into human-readable descriptions

How to use:

  1. Enter a cron expression (e.g., 0 0 * * *)
  2. Click "Parse Cron"
  3. See human-readable explanation

Examples:

Use Case: Server scheduling, task automation, understanding cron jobs

Tool 9: ISO 8601 Duration Parser

What it does: Parse ISO 8601 duration strings into readable components

How to use:

  1. Enter ISO 8601 duration (e.g., P3Y6M4DT12H30M5S)
  2. Click "Parse Duration"
  3. See breakdown: Years, Months, Days, Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Total duration in various units

ISO 8601 Duration Format:

Use Case: API data parsing, calendar calculations, time range specifications

📦 Section 3: Batch Process

Process multiple timestamps at once using file import or manual entry.

A. Manual Batch Entry

How to use:

  1. Click "Batch" in navigation
  2. In the text area, enter one timestamp or date per line
  3. Select conversion direction: Epoch → Date or Date → Epoch
  4. Click "Process Batch"
  5. View results in structured format

B. File Import (Drag & Drop)

What it does: Import timestamps from files automatically

Supported Formats:

How to use:

Method 1: Drag & Drop

  1. Drag a file from your computer
  2. Drop it into the designated drop zone (dashed border area)
  3. File contents load automatically
  4. Select conversion direction and click "Process Batch"

Method 2: File Picker

  1. Click "Choose File" button
  2. Browse and select your file
  3. File contents load automatically
  4. Select conversion direction and click "Process Batch"

C. Export Results

After processing, export your results in multiple formats:

Export Options:

How to export:

  1. Process your batch (results appear)
  2. Click "Export as CSV", "Export as JSON", or "Export as Excel"
  3. File downloads automatically to your Downloads folder
  4. Filename format: batch_conversion_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.csv

Copy to Clipboard:

📜 Section 4: History

Track and manage your conversion history (last 100 conversions).

Viewing History

Location: Click "History" in navigation

What you see:

Searching History

Real-time Search:

  1. Type in the "Search history..." input field
  2. Results filter instantly as you type
  3. Searches both input and output values
  4. Clear search to see all results

Filtering by Type

Filter Options:

Copying from History

Quick Copy:

  1. Find the conversion you want
  2. Click the "Copy" button (📋 icon)
  3. Result copied to clipboard
  4. Notification appears: "Copied to clipboard!"

Clearing History

Remove all history:

  1. Click "Clear History" button (bottom of history section)
  2. Confirmation dialog appears
  3. Click "Yes, Clear" to confirm or "Cancel" to abort
  4. History deleted from browser storage

Note: This action cannot be undone!

🧪 Section 5: API Tester

Test and simulate API endpoints that work with timestamps.

What it does

Simulate HTTP requests with timestamp-based metrics and responses.

How to use

  1. Select HTTP Method: GET (retrieve data), POST (send data), PUT (update data), DELETE (remove data)
  2. Enter API Endpoint: Type or paste URL (e.g., https://api.example.com/time)
  3. Add Headers (Optional): Click "Add Header", Enter key-value pairs
  4. Add Request Body (for POST/PUT): Enter JSON data in text area
  5. Click "Send Request"
  6. View Results: Response status, Response time, Response body, Timestamp metadata

Note: This is a simulation tool for testing - it doesn't make real HTTP requests. Use it to plan API integrations and understand timestamp handling.

⚙️ Settings & Customization

A. Theme Toggle

Switch between Light and Dark mode:

Desktop:

  1. Look for the moon/sun icon in the top-right corner
  2. Click to toggle between dark and light themes
  3. Preference saved automatically

Mobile:

  1. Open hamburger menu (☰)
  2. Click theme toggle icon
  3. Menu closes automatically

Auto-Detection: App automatically detects your system theme preference and can be manually overridden at any time

B. Settings Panel

Access settings:

  1. Look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the header
  2. Click to open Settings modal
  3. Configure preferences

Available Settings:

C. Export/Import Settings

Export Your Settings:

  1. Open Settings panel (⚙️)
  2. Click "Export Settings"
  3. JSON file downloads: epoch_converter_settings.json
  4. Save for backup or sharing

Import Settings:

  1. Open Settings panel (⚙️)
  2. Click "Import Settings"
  3. Select your exported JSON file
  4. Settings load immediately

🔗 Shareable URLs

How to Create Shareable Links

After any conversion:

  1. Complete a conversion (epoch or date)
  2. Look for "Share" button below results
  3. Click to generate shareable URL
  4. URL copies to clipboard automatically
  5. Share via email, chat, documentation, etc.

How Shareable Links Work

When someone opens your link:

  1. Page loads with your conversion data
  2. Converters auto-populate with values
  3. Results display immediately
  4. Recipient can modify and continue working

Use Cases: Share specific timestamps with team members, Document API responses, Create clickable references in wikis, Include in bug reports

♿ Accessibility Features

Epoch Converter Pro is built to WCAG 2.1 AA standards.

A. Keyboard Shortcuts

Full keyboard navigation without a mouse!

View All Shortcuts: Press Ctrl + / (or Cmd + / on Mac) - Modal appears with visual reference

B. Accessibility Settings

Open Accessibility Panel: Press Ctrl + A (or Cmd + A on Mac) or click accessibility icon in header

Available Options:

📱 Progressive Web App (PWA)

Install Epoch Converter Pro as a standalone app!

What is a PWA?

A Progressive Web App runs like a native application:

How to Install

Desktop (Chrome/Edge):

  1. Open the application
  2. Look for install icon in address bar (⊕ or ⬇)
  3. Click and select "Install"
  4. App installs and opens in new window
  5. Access from Start Menu/Applications folder

Mobile (iOS Safari):

  1. Open the application
  2. Tap Share button (□ with arrow)
  3. Scroll and tap "Add to Home Screen"
  4. Tap "Add"
  5. App appears on home screen

Mobile (Android Chrome):

  1. Open the application
  2. Tap menu (⋮)
  3. Select "Add to Home Screen" or "Install App"
  4. Tap "Add"
  5. App appears in app drawer

Benefits

💡 Tips & Tricks

Pro User Techniques

📚 Use Cases & Examples

For Developers

Scenario 1: Debug API Timestamp Issues

  1. Copy timestamp from API response: 1709482800
  2. Paste into Epoch Converter
  3. Verify date/time matches expected value
  4. Use API Tester to simulate request

Scenario 2: Generate Code Snippets

  1. Navigate to Tools → Code Snippet Generator
  2. Select your programming language
  3. Copy snippet for handling timestamps
  4. Paste into your project

Scenario 3: Batch Convert Log Timestamps

  1. Export timestamps from log file
  2. Drag & drop into Batch Process
  3. Convert all to readable dates
  4. Export as CSV for analysis

For Project Managers

Scenario 1: Schedule International Meeting

  1. Pick meeting time in your timezone
  2. Use Multi-Timezone Comparison tool
  3. Check time across all team locations
  4. Share URL with timestamp to team

Scenario 2: Calculate Project Duration

  1. Navigate to Tools → Duration Calculator
  2. Enter project start date
  3. Enter project end date (or deadline)
  4. View total time in various units

Scenario 3: Track Sprint Progress

  1. Use Countdown Timer for sprint end date
  2. Display on team dashboard
  3. Monitor days/hours remaining

For Data Analysts

Scenario 1: Convert Dataset Timestamps

  1. Export timestamp column from dataset
  2. Save as CSV or TXT file
  3. Import to Batch Process
  4. Convert all timestamps
  5. Export results as Excel

Scenario 2: Calculate Time Differences

  1. Use Timestamp Difference Calculator
  2. Compare event timestamps
  3. Identify patterns or anomalies
  4. Export findings

🐛 Troubleshooting

Conversion shows "Invalid input"

History not saving

Theme not persisting

File import not working

PWA installation not available

Keyboard shortcuts not working

Animations too distracting

Text too small/large

Results not accurate

❓ FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

General Questions

Q: Do I need an internet connection?
A: Only for the first load. After that, the app works completely offline (except the Tailwind CSS CDN).

Q: Is my data stored on a server?
A: No! Everything runs in your browser. No data is sent to any server. Completely private.

Q: Can I use this on my phone?
A: Yes! The app is fully responsive and optimized for mobile devices. Install it as a PWA for the best experience.

Q: Does it work on tablets?
A: Absolutely! The responsive design adapts to all screen sizes.

Q: Is it free?
A: Yes, completely free with no ads or tracking.

Feature Questions

Q: What's the maximum number of conversions in batch mode?
A: No hard limit, but performance may vary with very large files (10,000+ lines). Recommended max: 5,000 entries.

Q: How long is history stored?
A: Last 100 conversions are stored indefinitely (until you clear history or browser data).

Q: Can I favorite certain conversions?
A: Not currently, but you can use browser bookmarks with shareable URLs or copy to a text file.

Q: What timezones are supported?
A: 8 major timezones are built-in: Local, UTC, New York, London, Tokyo, Sydney, Dubai, Los Angeles.

Technical Questions

Q: What browsers are supported?
A: Chrome 90+, Firefox 88+, Safari 14+, Edge 90+. Modern browsers with ES6+ support.

Q: Does it require JavaScript?
A: Yes, the entire app is built with JavaScript. It won't work with JavaScript disabled.

Q: Can I embed this in my website?
A: Yes! It's a single HTML file. Use an iframe or host the file directly.

Q: Can I modify the code?
A: Yes! The entire app is contained in index.html. Edit freely for personal use.

Conversion Questions

Q: Why do some timestamps show "Invalid"?
A: Timestamps must be valid numbers within reasonable ranges (1970-2100). Dates must be parseable formats.

Q: Can I convert dates before 1970?
A: No, Unix epoch starts January 1, 1970. Dates before this aren't supported.

Q: What's the maximum date I can convert?
A: JavaScript Date objects support dates up to approximately September 13, 275760.

Q: Why does my timezone show different results?
A: Different timezones have different offsets from UTC. Ensure correct timezone is selected in Settings.

Q: What's the difference between Unix timestamp formats?
A: Seconds (10 digits), milliseconds (13 digits), microseconds (16 digits), and nanoseconds (19+ digits) represent different levels of precision.

Data & Privacy Questions

Q: Can I recover deleted history?
A: No, clearing history is permanent. Export settings periodically if you need backups.

Q: Does the app collect analytics?
A: No! Zero tracking, zero analytics. Completely private.

Q: Are my conversions visible to others?
A: Only if you share them via shareable URLs. Otherwise, everything stays on your device.

Q: What data is stored?
A: Only settings and conversion history in browser's localStorage. No cookies, no external storage.

📞 Technical Support

11.1 Contact Information

For questions, bug reports, or feature requests:

11.2 When Reporting Issues

Please include the following information:

11.3 Response Times

Quick Recap

✅ Core Conversions - Bidirectional epoch ↔ date conversion
✅ 9 Advanced Tools - Timezone, duration, countdown, age, and more
✅ Batch Processing - Handle multiple conversions at once
✅ History Tracking - Search and filter past conversions
✅ Accessibility - Keyboard shortcuts, high contrast, font scaling
✅ Mobile Support - Responsive design + PWA installation
✅ Developer Tools - Code snippets, cron parser, ISO 8601 parser

Best Practices

  1. Install as PWA for fastest access
  2. Enable auto-save to build conversion history
  3. Use keyboard shortcuts for efficiency
  4. Adjust accessibility settings to your needs
  5. Export settings periodically for backup
  6. Explore all 9 tools to find what fits your workflow

Privacy Guarantee: All timestamp conversions happen locally in your browser. Your data is never uploaded to servers.

Performance: Instant client-side processing with pure JavaScript for accurate timestamp calculations.

Thank you for using Epoch Converter Pro - the professional enterprise-grade Unix timestamp conversion platform.

Document Version: 1.0
Last Updated: October 3, 2025
Application Version: 1.0
Contact: leenasoftwaresolutions@gmail.com
Website: https://milansalvi.com/

For technical documentation, see CLAUDE.md