<!--
{
  "availability" : [
    "FxPlug: 4.0.0 -",
    "macOS: 10.7.0 -"
  ],
  "documentType" : "symbol",
  "framework" : "professional_video_applications",
  "identifier" : "/documentation/professional_video_applications/FxCustomParameterActionAPI_v4/currentTime()",
  "metadataVersion" : "0.1.0",
  "role" : "Instance Method",
  "symbol" : {
    "kind" : "Instance Method",
    "modules" : [
      "Professional Video Applications"
    ],
    "preciseIdentifier" : "c:objc(pl)FxCustomParameterActionAPI_v4(im)currentTime"
  },
  "title" : "currentTime()"
}
-->

# currentTime()

Returns the current time, expressed as a rational time.

```
func currentTime() -> CMTime
```

## Return Value

The current time, expressed as a rational time.

## Discussion

This is useful when a custom parameter view needs to set a parameter value in response to a user event. Depending on the host application, the time value may be relative to the start of the timeline or to the start of the clip. See [Understanding time in FxPlug](/documentation/Professional-Video-Applications/understanding-time-in-fxplug).

> Important: Only use `-currentTime` from within methods that are not provided the time by the host. For example, when updating a custom view.

---

Copyright &copy; 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)