---
title: What are blackout dates and how do I create them?
description: Use blackout dates to prevent employees from requesting time off during critical scheduling periods
---

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# What are blackout dates and how do I create them?

## Use blackout dates to prevent employees from requesting time off during critical scheduling periods

#### Overview

Blackout Dates in Shifty allow managers to block employees from requesting time off during specific dates or date ranges.

This feature is useful for holidays, special events, and other high-demand periods when full staffing coverage is needed. Creating blackout dates helps protect schedule coverage and reduces time-off requests during times when the full team may be needed.

#### How to Create Blackout Dates

1. In the WebApp, select **Scheduling** from the left-side panel.
2. Select **Blackout Dates** from the sub navigation.
3. Click **Add**.
4. Enter a **Name** for the blackout date.
5. Enter a **Description / Reason** if needed.
6. Select **Single Day** or **Multiple Days**.
7. Enter the date or date range.
8. Click **Save**.

#### Things to Know

- Blackout dates prevent employees from requesting time off during the selected period.
- You can create blackout dates for a single day or for multiple days.
- Adding a description or reason can help explain why the blackout date is in place.
- Blackout dates are especially useful for holidays, peak seasons, and special events.

#### Example

A manager creates a blackout date for a holiday weekend so employees cannot submit time-off requests during that period. This helps ensure enough staff are available to support business needs.

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