# Free Form Date Time parsing

From R2 2014 we introduced new **MaskType** for **RadMaskedEditBox**. It is designed to work with DateTime objects and it is not format restricted. With the new **MaskType** the input string is parsed to valid DateTime object by using a [formal grammar algorithm](http://blogs.telerik.com/aspnet-ajax/posts/07-04-20/radinput-2-0-and-date-parsing-where-compiler-theory-meets-user-needs.aspx).

You can read more about this parsing logic [here](https://www.telerik.com/products/winforms/documentation/controls/editors/maskededitbox/parsing-dates) The embedded text editor of **RadDateTimePicker** is **RadMaskedEditBox**. So if you want to take the advantages from new DateTime parsing logic the only thing that you should to do is to change the **MaskType** of embedded editor.

#### Setting the value of RadDateTimePicker

```C#
this.radDateTimePicker1.DateTimePickerElement.TextBoxElement.MaskType = MaskType.FreeFormDateTime;

```

```VB.NET
Me.radDateTimePicker1.DateTimePickerElement.TextBoxElement.MaskType = MaskType.FreeFormDateTime

```

## See Also

* [Design Time](https://www.telerik.com/products/winforms/documentation/controls/editors/datetimepicker/design-time)
* [MaskDateTimeProvider](https://www.telerik.com/products/winforms/documentation/controls/editors/datetimepicker/maskdatetimeprovider)
* [Properties](https://www.telerik.com/products/winforms/documentation/controls/editors/datetimepicker/raddatetimepicker-properties)
* [Structure](https://www.telerik.com/products/winforms/documentation/controls/editors/datetimepicker/overview)