> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.samita.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.samita.io/samita-countdown-timer-bar/countdowns/overview.md).

# Countdown types

The four countdown types, what each one is for, and which guide to follow.

A countdown is one campaign: some text, a piece of timing or inventory logic, a set of conditions deciding where it shows, and a design. The app has four types, and the type you pick when you create it can't be changed afterwards — it decides which settings the builder offers.

## Pick the type that matches your goal

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><i class="fa-clock">:clock:</i></td><td><strong>Countdown timer</strong></td><td>Create urgency around a deadline — a sale, a launch, a shipping cut-off.</td><td><a href="/samita-countdown-timer-bar/countdown-timer/overview.md">Countdown timer overview</a></td></tr><tr><td><i class="fa-truck">:truck:</i></td><td><strong>Estimated delivery date</strong></td><td>Tell shoppers when their order will arrive, before they buy.</td><td><a href="/samita-countdown-timer-bar/estimated-delivery-date/overview.md">Estimated delivery date overview</a></td></tr><tr><td><i class="fa-boxes-stacked">:boxes-stacked:</i></td><td><strong>Stock countdown</strong></td><td>Show how little is left of a product to push a decision.</td><td><a href="/samita-countdown-timer-bar/stock-countdown/overview.md">Stock countdown overview</a></td></tr><tr><td><i class="fa-cart-shopping">:cart-shopping:</i></td><td><strong>Cart countdown</strong></td><td>Put a timer on the cart so shoppers finish checking out.</td><td><a href="/samita-countdown-timer-bar/cart-countdown/overview.md">Cart countdown overview</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

## What each type counts

| Type                        | Counts                       | Where it shows                           | Builder tabs                |
| --------------------------- | ---------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- | --------------------------- |
| **Countdown timer**         | Time, in one of three modes  | Product pages, or anywhere via shortcode | Settings · Design · Display |
| **Estimated delivery date** | Forward to a delivery window | Product pages, or anywhere via shortcode | Settings · Design · Display |
| **Stock countdown**         | Inventory, not time          | Product pages, or anywhere via shortcode | Settings · Display          |
| **Cart countdown**          | Minutes per shopper          | Cart page and cart drawer, automatically | Settings · Display          |

Timers and delivery dates get a separate **Design** tab because they have far more to style. Stock and cart countdowns keep their design controls inside the Settings tab.

## Creating one

Every type starts the same way: click **Create countdown**, choose the type tab at the top of the template picker, pick a design, then fill in the builder. See [Choose a template](/samita-countdown-timer-bar/countdowns/templates.md).

{% hint style="info" %}
You can run as many countdowns at once as your plan allows, of any mix of types. Two countdowns whose conditions both match the same page will both render — worth remembering when you add a second one.
{% endhint %}

## Sale popups are separate

Sale popups aren't a countdown type. They're a different kind of campaign with their own list page, editor, and settings, reached from **Sale Popups** in the app's menu. See [Sale popups overview](/samita-countdown-timer-bar/sale-popups/overview.md).

## Next steps

* [Choose a template](/samita-countdown-timer-bar/countdowns/templates.md)
* [Manage countdowns](/samita-countdown-timer-bar/countdowns/manage.md)
* [How countdowns work](/samita-countdown-timer-bar/quick-start/how-countdowns-work.md)
* [Display overview](/samita-countdown-timer-bar/where-countdowns-appear/overview.md)


---

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