How to Create a Timeline in Excel: SmartArt, Templates, and More

A quick tutorial for making project timelines in Excel

Written by Kyle Smith

Last Updated: January 30, 2023

Using SmartArt

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Using a Template

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Using a Pivot Table

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Using a Basic Spreadsheet (Any Version)

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Video

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Q&A

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Tips

There are several easy ways to create a timeline in Excel. You can use the built-in SmartArt feature to create a timeline graphic in a variety of styles. Or, select a premade timeline template if you’re making a more complex timeline. You can also add a timeline to a pivot table or create your own timeline from scratch. This wikiHow will show you how to create a timeline in Microsoft Excel.

Things You Should Know

Go to Insert > Illustrations > SmartArt > Process to create a timeline graphic.
Or, create a new workbook and search for “timeline” in the template search bar.
Add a timeline filter to a pivot table by going to PivotTable Analyze > Insert Timeline.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Using SmartArt

1
Click the Insert tab. This will open the Insert toolbar.^{[1]
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- SmartArt is a built-in Excel feature that makes a graphic layout that you can add data to. It does not transform your existing data.
2
Click SmartArt. It’s in the Illustration tab of the Insert toolbar.
- If you don't see this option click Illustrations in the toolbar first.
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3
Click Process in the sidebar. This will filter the SmartArt options to display only timeline and process-related graphics.
4
Select the Basic Timeline graphic and click OK. It’s a right-facing arrow with three circles. This is a good choice for linear timelines and overall milestones. Once you click OK, your timeline graphic will appear on your worksheet.
- If you're having trouble finding this option, click each of the graphics to see their names.
- You can adapt other Process graphics to use as a timeline. To see the name and description of each graphic, click its icon in the selection menu.
5
Add text to your graphic. By default, the Basic Timeline graphic starts with three text locations. Click each instance of [Text] and replace it with your own.
- To add top-level bullet points, select a bullet point and press ↵ Enter. The timeline graphic will automatically create another circle graphic on the arrow.
- To create secondary bullet points, select a bullet point and press Tab ↹. This will allow you to add bullet points under the top-level titles.
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Click the SmartArt Design tab to edit your timeline. There are a variety of options for making your timeline stand out! Here are a few things to try:
- Change the layout. Click different layouts in the “Layouts” section. This will keep the text you’ve already entered, so you can easily see different options.
- Change the style. Click various styles to find the one that works best for your presentation.
- Change the colors. Click Change Colors to see a drop down menu with different color palettes.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using a Template

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Open Excel and click New. This is a button in the left sidebar next to a piece of paper icon. Using a template is easy, since many versions of Excel come with pre-built formats. You can also download user-created templates from the internet.
- If you prefer working in PowerPoint, you can create a roadmap with milestones in that app instead.
2
Type “timeline” in the search box and press ↵ Enter. The search box is under the “Blank workbook” button. It has the text “Search for online templates” next to a magnifying glass.
- In older versions of Excel, you’ll see a section called “Available Templates” instead of the “Search for online templates” search box.
- Some versions of Excel will show a New from Template button.
- If your timeline tracks the progress of a branching project with many tasks, consider looking for "Gantt chart" templates instead.
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Click a template to select it. You’ll see a list of templates after searching for “timeline.” Clicking a template will open a window with more information about it.
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Click Create. This will open the template as a new Excel file. You’re ready to start editing the template!
- Click objects to select them. You can move the object by clicking and dragging it. Click the Format tab to edit the shape’s color, outline, and text style.
- Double-click text in the template to change the text.
- Some templates will have help text when you click objects, providing more information about that section.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using a Pivot Table

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Open the spreadsheet that has a pivot table. To automatically generate a timeline, your data must be organized into a pivot table. You also need the pivot table analyze menu, which was introduced in Excel 2013.^{[2]
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- This method is great for filtering data by time and making a dynamic timeline. Pivot tables are a useful way to quickly see your information in new ways. There are plenty of interesting tricks in Excel!
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Click anywhere inside the pivot table. This will display the “PivotTable Analyze” tab in the top ribbon.
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Click PivotTable Analyze. This will open a toolbar with options to manipulate the data in the table.
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Click Insert Timeline. A dialog box will pop up showing fields that correspond to a date format. Note that dates entered as text will not be recognized.
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Select the applicable field and click OK. A new box that allows you to navigate through your timeline will appear.
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Click the down arrow next to the date type. This will open a drop-down menu allowing you to change the filter’s scale to years, quarters, months, or days.
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Click a time section to filter by that selection. For example, if you set the date type to months and click the NOV section, your pivot table will show only data from November of the selected year.
- You can expand your selection by clicking and dragging the gray handles that appear next to the selection.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Using a Basic Spreadsheet (Any Version)

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Type the milestones of your timeline in one column. You can name the column header something like “activity” or “deliverable.”
- This method uses the cells of the spreadsheet to create and format your own timeline. This is a good method if you’re just sharing this information with your team, rather than presenting it.
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Fill in the start and end dates for each milestone. This can just be an estimate if you don’t have the exact dates yet. After this, you’re done with the basic format! You can edit the font, colors, and borders as needed. You could even add a line graph if you have data you want to include next to the timeline.
- Create a start and end column next to the milestone titles column.
- Type in the start and end dates for each milestone on your timeline.
- You can also create a notes column to include information about each milestone.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I insert a JPEG image into Excel?

Community Answer

Yes. Just select the cell where you want the photo to appear and select Insert from the menu bar. Click on the Picture option and follow the prompts.
Question

Is it possible to install Excel to an Android Tablet?

Community Answer

Yes, you can find Microsoft Excel in the Google Play store.