# init(to:allowedFields:maxFieldCount:sign:) Creates a format style that displays the offset between a comparison date and an anchor date that you provide. ``` init(to anchor: Date, allowedFields: Set = [.year, .month, .week, .day, .hour, .minute, .second], maxFieldCount: Int = 2, sign: NumberFormatStyleConfiguration.SignDisplayStrategy = .automatic) ``` ## Parameters `anchor` The date the style uses to calculate the offset from the format input date. `allowedFields` The units of time that may appear in the formatted output. `maxFieldCount` The maximum number of units shown at once. For example, 1 hour, 34 minutes, and 23 seconds is shown as `1 hour, 34 minutes` by default, but as `1 hour` if `maxFieldCount` is set to 1. `sign` The strategy for displaying a sign to signal whether the offset points toward the future or past. ## Discussion The style uses a time-pattern representation (`3:46`) when `allowedFields` contains only `.minute` and `.second`, or contains `.hour`, `.minute`, and `.second`. For any other combination of fields, it uses calendar units like `3 months, 11 days`. --- Copyright © 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)