> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.modelreef.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.modelreef.io/syntax/timing-syntax/timing-modal-overview.md).

# Timing Modal Overview

This article explains the **Timing modal** in Model Reef.

You will learn:

* Where the Timing modal is used.
* Which fields live inside it.
* How it connects to accrual, payment timing and schedules.

The Timing modal is the main UI surface for configuring when things happen in the model.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Where the Timing modal appears

You will see the Timing modal when you:

* Open a variable in the **Variable Editor** and click the **Timing** section.
* Use presets that include timing or payment term settings.
* Review imported variables where payment terms were inferred.

The modal opens as a focused panel so you can adjust timing without losing context.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### What the Timing modal controls

The Timing modal controls three core aspects:

* **Accrual timing**
  * When revenue or expense is recognised in P\&L.
  * Driven by start date, end date, frequency and schedules.
* **Cash timing**
  * When cash is actually paid or received.
  * Driven by payment terms and delays.
* **Patterning across periods**
  * Whether values are spread evenly or follow a schedule or seasonal pattern.

Together, these settings determine the link between P\&L, Cashflow and working capital.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Main sections inside the modal

The Timing modal usually contains sections such as:

* **Start and end dates**\
  The first and last dates that accrual can occur.
* **Frequency and schedule**\
  Whether the variable occurs daily, weekly, monthly or on a custom schedule.
* **Payment terms and delays**\
  How long after accrual cash is paid or received.
* **Seasonality inputs**\
  Optional seasonal patterning on top of the base frequency.
* **Preview**\
  A small chart or grid showing how accrual and cash timing play out over the model horizon.

Each section contributes to the final timing behaviour.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Relationship with the timing engine

The modal is a user interface for the underlying timing engine. When you save changes:

* The engine recalculates accruals per period.
* It recalculates receivables and payables.
* It updates cashflows, working capital and statement outputs.

You do not need to write timing formulas. You just configure the fields in the modal.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Best practice for using the Timing modal

{% hint style="info" %}
To use the Timing modal effectively:

* Start by confirming the correct start and end dates.
* Choose a frequency that matches the real world pattern.
* Set payment terms that reflect contract reality.
* Add seasonality only where it matters, to avoid unnecessary complexity.
* Use the preview to confirm that the pattern matches your expectations.

Small changes in timing can have large impacts on cash, so treat this modal as a core modelling control.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

***

## Related articles

* [Viewing Scenario Differences](/syntax/scenario-syntax/viewing-scenario-differences.md)
* [Timing Preview](/syntax/timing-syntax/timing-preview.md)
* [CSV Import](/help/importing-and-data-inputs/csv-import.md)
* [Build an Investor Update Pack](/how-tos/dashboards-and-reporting/build-an-investor-update-pack.md)