---
title: currentTime()
framework: Professional Video Applications
role: symbol
role_heading: Instance Method
platforms: [fxplug 4.0+]
path: professional_video_applications/fxcustomparameteractionapi_v4/currenttime()
---

# currentTime()

Returns the current time, expressed as a rational time.

## Declaration

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

## Mentioned in

Scheduling media in plug-ins Understanding time in FxPlug

## Return Value

Return Value The current time, expressed as a rational time.

## Discussion

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

## See Also

### Instance Methods

- [startAction(_:)](professional_video_applications/fxcustomparameteractionapi_v4/startaction(_:).md)
- [endAction(_:)](professional_video_applications/fxcustomparameteractionapi_v4/endaction(_:).md)