> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.silverband.com.au/home/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.silverband.com.au/home/rapla/get-started/create-time-periods.md).
# Create Time Periods
This page will discuss time periods and the instructions on how to create in Rapla.
## Overview
After adding all your users and resources, before adding new sessions or events, it is highly advisable or recommended to create time periods first. This way, you can better control scheduled units' sessions with recurring events. Time Periods set in Rapla should be the same or within the start and end dates coding in Paradigm. Creating time periods in Paradigm will also help you organise the sessions or events viewed by the time period in Rapla.
{% hint style="danger" %}
**BE ADVISED**:
Paradigm vs Rapla Data Entry
Time Periods: The naming conventions of academic periods in Rapla may be different to Paradigm as that information is not part of the data sync. However, having them the same would be significantly better for your end-users to avoid confusion.
Please note of the coding of your time periods in Rapla – the Start and End Dates of your coded sessions in Rapla should be THE SAME or WITHIN the Start and End Dates of the Time Period coded in Paradigm, *see* [Paradigm - System > Edit Time Period](https://docs.silverband.com.au/paradigm-knowledge-base/system-configuration/workflows/time-periods).
{% endhint %}
### Time Periods section in Rapla
All the time periods you created will be shown in the **Periods** Configuration Folder on the side menus as highlighted in the screenshot below, and the **Period** section under the Top Menu Bar will automatically be updated once the drop-down menu is clicked. The section on the top also controls which time period the sessions or events in the calendar are on.
## Workflow
1\. Select the **Periods** Configuration Folder from the **Side Menus**, right-click on it, and select **New** > **Period**.
2\. A new pop-up window will appear for you to enter the details of the new time period.
{% hint style="info" %}
**NOTE**:
As mentioned above, the time period **Name** in Rapla is not part of the data sync to Paradigm, always refer to your business or institution’s standard naming convention when it comes to adding time periods in Rapla. However, please be mindful of coding the dates (*as mentioned above in this article*) – the Start and End Dates of your coded sessions in Rapla should be **THE SAME** or **WITHIN** the Start and End Dates of the Time Period coded in Paradigm, *see* [Paradigm - System > Edit Time Period](https://docs.silverband.com.au/paradigm-knowledge-base/system-configuration/workflows/time-periods).
{% endhint %}
| Add Time Period Field Name | Description |
| -------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Name** | Refer to your naming convention when it comes to the time period in Rapla |
| **start** | Start date of the time period added |
| **end** | End date of the time period added |
3\. Click the **Save** button after filling out the details mentioned above.
{% hint style="info" %}
**INFO**:
After saving the new time period, it will now appear in one of the drop-down lists under the **Period** section on the Top Bar Menu (*as shown in the screenshot below*) ready for you to create sessions or events under the time period you just created.
{% endhint %}
