Adding datelines

Using Ghost
1

Is there a way to add a dateline to my news stories? I assume not having a dateline is part of the theme I’m using but maybe I can add it? My stories only come with a bracketed and vague “2 months ago” or “3 weeks ago.” I obviously know the date and time from the back end but I want readers to know the date stories were posted.

2

If you can edit the theme, that should be straightforward. Are you on a plan that lets you edit your theme? (Not a ‘Starter’ plan.)

Docs you’ll need:
You’re looking for the date helper, to change its configuration. Here’s how it works: Ghost Handlebars Theme Helpers: date

Here’s a tutorial for how to download the theme: Download and upload a Ghost theme

And how to edit it:

3

Developer help Hi Paul, You may find below info/steps useful-
Before starting, ensure:

  • You are not on the Ghost Starter plan (must allow theme customization).
  • You have access to download, edit, and upload themes.
  • You have a code editor (like VS Code) installed.

:receipt: Step-by-Step: Add a Dateline to News Stories

1. Download Your Theme

  • Go to Ghost Admin → Settings → Design → Click Download current theme.

2. Unzip and Open in Code Editor

  • Unzip the downloaded .zip file.
  • Open the folder in your code editor (e.g., VS Code).

3. Locate the Template File

  • Open post.hbs — this template controls the layout of individual stories.
    • If it doesn’t exist, check default.hbs or page.hbs as a fallback.
    • You might also find your content loop in index.hbs or home.hbs.

4. Insert or Update the Date Helper

Look for where the time or date is shown (or add this in a logical place like under the post title):

hbs

<time datetime="{{date published_at format="YYYY-MM-DD"}}">
  {{date published_at format="DD MMMM YYYY"}}
</time>

:light_bulb: This will display a date like 09 July 2025. You can adjust the format using Moment.js tokens.

5. Remove the Timeago Format (Optional)

If you currently see:

hbs

{{date published_at timeago="true"}}

:right_arrow: Replace it with the full date helper above to show an absolute date instead of “x weeks ago.”

6. Repackage the Theme

  • Zip the entire theme folder (select all files, not the folder itself).
  • Make sure package.json is in the root of the zip.

7. Upload the Updated Theme

  • Go back to Ghost Admin → Settings → Design → Click Upload a theme.
  • Upload your modified theme zip.

8. Preview and Publish

  • Visit a news story on your site.
  • You should now see a properly formatted date displayed clearly near the title or wherever you placed it.