Digital tools have brought significant changes to traditional timeline infographics. Now, managing dependencies, estimating time intervals, and allocating resources is easier. However, new hires often face difficulty in finding online tools.
I use these tools frequently to organize events and capture routine processes. And, my top three are Word, PowerPoint, and EdrawMind in terms of familiarity and convenience. But, not all of them are meant for you. Some are better at basic timelines while others are for documenting complex processes.
Here are the weaknesses and strengths, so you can choose the right software as per your needs. Once decided, dive right in and see how to make a timeline online using the chosen tool.
In this article
Part 1: How to Make a Timeline in General?
Timelines are one of the best ways to explain complicated processes and events. But before you choose a tool, it is significant to understand the essence of creation. Here, I have tried to explain step-by-step how to make an online timeline.
1. Create an outline
The first step of making a timeline is always a simple outline. It will take you through the entire process and help you decide the layout. I usually like to jot down all the content on the canvas to get an idea of the length.
Let’s suppose I am making a timeline of the outbreak of World War II. The key details to include in the outline include dates and descriptions. Here is what it will look like.
2. Pick a layout specific to your timeline
Now, use the completed outline as your roadmap for the timeline. Pick a layout that best suits your content. Typically, there are three types of timeline infographics; vertical, horizontal, and snake.
The question is, which one is better for your design? Consider the number of points in the outline and the length of the description. You will see some layouts are better for simple processes, while others are for extensive text.
I usually prefer vertical timelines for historical events, as they are flexible, easy to follow, visually aiding, and carry long descriptions well. However, for long projects with lots of points, snake layouts would be more practical. Also, horizontal timelines are best for project timelines and processes.
3. Create frameworks
Every timeline is built around a basic structure, with branches and nodes. Similarly, within this framework, you will adjust the main center line against the page length. It is also better to adjust the distance between each event and leave spaces for images in this step.
If we extend the example of the WW-II events using a centered vertical timeline, it would look something like this. Top to bottom, I would keep the event in the center and build graphics around it.
4. Add details; dates, text, and images
Now that you have set the structure of the timeline, it is time to add details. Start with images as the reference point of the infographics. Gather the photos and plot them with the corresponding branches in the diagram.
Once done, add the text to your timeline. Choose between headers, subheaders, and body text, depending on the design. For this one, I am using headers for dates and subheaders for descriptions. Limit the description length or it will look messy.
5. Spice it up with colors
Timelines are visual tools; hence, take your time to pop them up with decorative elements. Pick a color scheme that matches your diagram theme.
I am using a three-color scheme for this timeline to ensure a coherent appearance. This diagram uses white, red, and blue colors for description, date, and background respectively. Make sure to keep the text bigger than the description to attract attention.
Ta-da, your timeline is complete within five steps. Enjoy creating your own for the next assignment.
How to Make a Timeline Online in MS Word?
Timelines are one of the best ways to explain complicated processes and events. And making them in Word is almost an unsaid rule in official settings. So, let’s start with this corporate favorite tool. You can use its SmartArt function to make a basic timeline and here is how.
First, open a Word document and change the page orientation to Landscape from the Layout tab. It will help you fit the entire series.
Next, navigate to the Insert tab, click SmartArt, and go to the Process category. You can choose from different layout options. If it is your first time, I would recommend the Basic Timeline.
Once it is on the drawing panel, insert your data in the Text Pane. Be concise and include necessary information like milestones, dates, and small descriptions.
Please note that Word does not calculate time intervals automatically, so adjust them manually from the on-screen prompt.
Finally, it’s time to customize your timeline. Change colors or font details from the SmartArt Styles section. Or, to make certain milestones look prominent, go to the Format tab and customize individual shapes.
Finally, download your timeline. Navigate to the File menu and click Save As > Desired Location.
How to Make a Timeline Online in MS PowerPoint?
Though office workers widely use Word, it is not the best option for it requires a fair amount of manual editing. Even a simple timeline would take hours with this tool. Instead, PowerPoint is an upgrade. It has basic templates and you can display your diagrams directly in client meetings or team discussions. Here is how to make a timeline online with PowerPoint.
Open the PowerPoint dashboard and type Timeline in the search box. It will display a few templates. Choose one and click Create.
Insert data in the left-side pop-up menu. You will see various options to enter the timeline details.
Restyle the timeline from the Format tab like you did in the Word. Now, you can present and discuss it in the next meeting.
Once all the details are in place, save the timeline from the File menu in the top-left corner.
How to Make a Timeline Online with EdrawMind
PowerPoint is a resourceful tool for those just starting. Yet, I find the static templates and restricted customization options impractical for large timelines. Here, switching to professional timeline makers like EdrawMind seems right.
Our team has saved time and effort using its premade templates and visual guidance. It is also beginner-friendly, so no more onboarding training sessions. If you want to give it a shot, here are the simple steps of making a timeline online using EdrawMind.
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Try EdrawMind Online or download its desktop version and log into your Wondershare ID. You may access the software using your social media accounts (Facebook, Google, etc).
Go to the Gallery section from the main menu and type Timelines in the search box. It will display several samples. Find one that fits your task description and click Duplicate.
Once on the canvas, add or remove topics and subtopics from the Start tab.
It is better to switch to the Outline mode for content modifications. It displays information in a linear structure, making it easy to keep track of milestones.
Next, it’s time to make it visually appealing. Add Clipart icons to your timeline from the left-side information panel. Or, visit the Page Style tab to personalize the theme and colors of the diagram.
If you have a scheduled meeting, make a presentation directly. Go to the Slidesmode and press Convert Current File to Slides. Display the timeline in full screen or export it in a PPT format for official use.
Finally, Export your diagram in the desired format from the File menu. You may even download it in a Word, or PDF file.
Tips for Creating Effective Timelines Online
Drafting timelines can be challenging, as you have to capture an entire process in a small diagram. Therefore, it is always better to start with an action plan. Here are some of my tips and tricks that may benefit you.
- Most people undermine a simple outline for your timeline. But understand, your entire timeline design depends on it. I like to mention each event with a date, a small description, and an image.
- Since timelines are visual summaries of complicated processes, do not overcrowd them with words. I usually aim for less than 30 words for each description. It is always better to add icons and illustrations for visual appeal.
- Always make your milestones stand out. You may use bold font, icons, and more. It will draw the reader’s eye to the significant data without extra effort.
- Skip the segments if there are any with no activity. You can also add a zigzag line to indicate a time gap.
- It is better to review your task list frequently and make adjustments accordingly. Discuss with your team and estimate the time and resources for each task. It will help you assign tasks and use time optimally.
Wrapping up
Knowing how to make a timeline online is a skill everyone should have, be it educators or office workers. Timelines are an excellent tool to visually illustrate processes, plan projects, and pitch them to potential investors. However, having multiple tools can make it hard to choose.
Word and PowerPoint are undisputedly the two most reliable options. But if you have an important project with tight deadlines, EdrawMind might be a quick alternative. You can always get help from its AI tools and pre-made templates to reduce workload.
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