The quick answer
Use a relative date period when the search should move forward automatically, such as the current year. Use explicit start and end dates when a historical reporting window must stay fixed. Preview the returned dates after each change: the period label and the result rows answer different questions.
The screenshots use fictional Customer data. The example dates and counts describe this walkthrough; your account will return its own matching records.
Before you start
Open the saved search definition with permission to edit Criteria and preview results. Confirm which date field answers the business question. Date Created describes when the record was created; another date field can produce a different population even with the same period.
01. Use a relative period
Add Date Created under Criteria > Standard and choose a relative operator and period such as is within This Year. The search resolves that period when it runs. It will move at the year boundary, so it suits an ongoing current-year view.
02. Check the returned dates
Preview the search with Date Created visible in Results > Columns. In the example, the relative criterion returns four rows dated in 2026. Check the actual dates as well as the count. A result count alone cannot tell you whether the right date field or period was used.
03. Set a fixed range
For a repeatable historical view, replace the relative period with an explicit range. The walkthrough uses Date Created is within 01/01/2025 to 12/31/2025. Check the account's displayed date format before entering values, and confirm whether the end date includes the full day for the field and operator you chose.
04. Verify the comparison
Preview again. This sample has two rows with 2025 creation dates. Compare their dates to the configured boundaries and confirm that other criteria and result columns still answer the same question. Record the exact range in the search description if others will reuse the report.
Common questions
Will This Year return the same rows next January? No. It is evaluated at run time, so the calendar year and matching records can change.
Why did the count change when I entered fixed dates? The ranges cover different periods in this example. Confirm the dates in the returned rows and review any other criteria before attributing a count change to one setting.
Should I use Date Created or another date field? Choose the field that matches the business question. A transaction date, last-modified date, and record creation date can select different records.