How to Create a Timeline in a Powerpoint Presentation

Show critical dates for a project on a timeline.

A timeline shows the progression of a project or illustrates milestones that happen over a period of time. It is usually a linear illustration, but may also consist of layered tiers to show a particularly long timeline on one page. In Microsoft PowerPoint, create a timeline by inserting a SmartArt object on a slide, and then use the SmartArt options and formatting tools to customize the timeline text and layout.

Instructions

1. Open PowerPoint and select "File," and then "Open" to start a slideshow.

2. Select "Insert," and then click "SmartArt," which resides in the Illustrations Group.

3. From the Choose SmartArt Graphic gallery options, select "Process." Select the appropriate timeline layout to insert a timeline graphic into the slide.

4. Enter the appropriate project milestone, date or event by double-clicking "[Text]" and then typing or pasting your information.

5. Use the Formatting Palette to format the text if the default style doesn't suit your needs.

6. Add to the timeline by selecting the SmartArt graphic. Click the timeline entry closest to where you need to add a new entry. From the SmartArt Tools, which reside on the Design tab, click "Add Shape" from the Create Graphic Group. Select "Add Shape After" or "Add Shape Before" as appropriate.

7. Delete an entry by highlighting and pressing the "Delete" key.

8. Move an entry by selecting "Move Up" or "Move Down" from the Create Graphic group, which resides on the Design tab.

Tips & Warnings

• View the PowerPoint Drawing Toolbar to add shape or line objects to your timeline slide.

References

• Microsoft: Create a Timeline

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish