To demonstrate to a potential client how long it will take to implement and roll out your solution, you might want to include a timeline with your proposals. Perhaps you should include a schedule of the start dates for each team’s tasks in the project documentation. The Declaration of Independence’s signing and the Battle of Yorktown, for example, would be two noteworthy dates to include in a report on the American Revolution.
- On the Insert tab, in the Illustrations group, click SmartArt.
- In the Choose a SmartArt Graphic gallery, click Process, and then double-click a timeline layout (such as Basic Timeline).
- To enter your text, do one of the following: Click [Text] in the Text pane, and then type your text.
How to make a timeline in Word
The steps below can be used to add a timeline to an existing document or modify one to suit the requirements of your project:
1. Open a Word document
Run the Microsoft Word application or program that you can find on your computer. When it opens, a dialog box asks if you want to use a template or start a new document from scratch. Choose the new blank document option. To give your timeline more room once the document opens, switch the orientation to landscape. To do this, select “Landscape” from the “Orientation” drop-down menu by clicking the “Layout” tab in the toolbar at the top. “.
2. Select your timeline style
You can select a timeline graphic from the “SmartArt” drop-down menu by clicking the “Insert” tab in the top toolbar and then clicking “Process.” This displays a collection of graphics to the right of the drop-down menu that represent various processes. Within these selections, two process graphics are timelines. The styles are Basic Timeline and Circle Accent Timeline. Select the style you want to use and click “OK. “.
3. Add your entries
The “SmartArt Text” dialog box, which manages the appearance of your entries, appears after choosing a style. To add a new entry, click the green plus sign. To remove a selected entry, click the red minus sign. The timeline entries can be moved left or right using the blue arrows, and their position on the top or bottom can be changed using the green arrows. Using the “Add Shape” drop-down menu in the “SmartArt Design” tab of the toolbar, you can also modify the entries.
4. Customize the contents
You can arrange the timeline’s content once all the entries have been added. To add the names of each event or task to your timeline, click into the text boxes and type them in. You can alter the timeline’s color scheme by selecting the “SmartArt Design” tab from the top toolbar. You can select from a group of pre-designed color themes. Additionally, by choosing the “Format” tab next to the “SmartArt Design” tab, you can modify some formatting guidelines.
By choosing the “Reset Graphic” button on the right side of the “SmartArt Design” toolbar, you can go back to the original design if you make any changes you don’t like.
5. Save your work
Be sure to save your document once you’ve formatted your timeline to display all of the due dates and tasks that you want to highlight. Choose “Save As” from the “File” drop-down menu at the top of your screen. Give your timeline a name and a location in the “Save As” dialog box so you can locate it later. Save the document as . docx.
Benefits of making a timeline in Word
Here are some benefits of creating a timeline in Word:
Visualizes your project
You can better understand your project and how much time you have to finish each task by creating a graphic. A timeline’s linear structure can also assist you in understanding how your tasks are related to one another. If a task is listed on the timeline before another, it means you should concentrate on that task before moving on to the subsequent one. By visualizing your project in this way, you can better comprehend it and the components you need to keep it moving forward.
Makes it easier to share your plans with others
Once you’ve created a timeline for your project, you can present this graphic to others to help them understand the specifics of your project. The graphic makes it simpler for clients or team members to understand the specifics of your project because it organizes them by deadline. Clients can be reassured that you can complete the project by viewing your timeline. It outlines your strategies for completing each task over the course of the project.
Provides a reference
You can use your timeline to keep track of the progress of your project once it has started. Check your timeline frequently as you finish tasks and meet deadlines to see what tasks are next and when they are due. You can refer to the strategy outlined in the timeline you made if you get behind on tasks or need to confirm deadlines with a team member or client. Additionally, you can edit it as you go along your project to display revised due dates and tasks.
How to create a timeline in Word using a template
A pre-made document template can be used to create a timeline in Word as well. Although your customization options may be limited, you might like how it looks. To use the pre-made template, you can follow these steps:
1. Open Word
Locate Microsoft Word as a program or application on your computer. Double-click the icon to open the program. A dialog box that asks whether you want to use a template or start a new blank document appears as it opens. Choose to open a new template. A selection of pre-made templates with designated uses are available on the screen that appears. You can choose a timeline template from this page if you see one you’d like to use.
2. Search for a timeline template
If you don’t immediately see a template you want to use, you can look for one in the search bar at the top of the “Program” window on the right. Enter “timeline” into the search field after typing it there. Select the timeline template that most closely matches how you want to present your project when it appears. Although some of these templates, like the “Science fair timeline,” may have particular uses, you can alter how they look and what information they display.
3. Customize the contents
You can start customizing your timeline once you click into the template you want to use. The templates might be intricate, with numerous pages and different types of text and imagery. If you replace the text with details pertaining to your project timeline, you can keep this format. You may also add your own images to replace the existing images. Delete components by selecting them with your mouse and pressing the “Delete” key if the template is too complicated. Remember that this could alter the timeline’s formatting in other areas.
3 tips for making a timeline
You can follow these tips to create an impressive timeline:
1. Consider your scope
Take into account the size of your project before selecting your template and creating your timeline. Determine the number of entries your timeline requires so you can select a template that has space for the entire scope of your project. You can save time by organizing your entries and how you want them to look before creating your timeline because there won’t be as many corrections to make.
2. Update your timeline
As you progress through your project, consider updating your timeline. You can use the updated graphic to inform your teammates of changes while keeping the original copy for your records. Save your progress by adding any initial changes that the client or your team members may have to your timeline. You will always have access to the most recent version in this manner. Making these adjustments will enable you to monitor your development.
3. Be descriptive
Include as many specifics as you can about your tasks and the deadlines you establish when developing a timeline for the use of the entire team. This can help your team avoid confusion. You can add more information to the SmartArt timelines by using bullet points below each entry. This is a good place to give your team members tasks, divide the task into phases, or set a deadline. Your team will value your timeline more if it is more detailed.
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How to make a TIMELINE in Word | MS WORD Tutorials
FAQ
How do I make a vertical timeline in Word?
Although Word doesn’t come with a timeline template by default, you can add a simple timeline by clicking the Insert tab and choosing SmartArt. Then, click Process and choose either the Circle Accent Timeline or the Basic Timeline option from the Choose a SmartArt Graphic gallery.
