How to Make a Timeline on Microsoft Office Word 2007

Microsoft Word 2007 offers a variety of timeline graphics.

Microsoft Word 2007 is more than just a word processing program--it features a hodgepodge of art, editing and graphic tools that can be used with a variety of projects. With the timeline feature, you can create a basic, step-by-step timeline or create an elaborate timeline with alternative flows and illustrations. Timeline graphics add professional quality to a Word document, and timelines can be customized by changing the layout and colors.

Instructions

1. Click on the "Insert" tab. Under the "Insert" tab click on "Illustrations" and click on "Smart Art." The Smart Art feature adds charts and graphics to Word documents.

2. Click the "Smart Graphics Gallery" and then the "Process" tab. The "Process" tab will open the timeline charts. Each chart serves a different purpose. Some timelines offer a basic, step by step display while others display illustrations, words and dates.

3. Insert text. Click "Text" and begin typing. As you type, notice that the font decreases as more words are added.

4. Add or delete events. To insert or delete events, click "Text" and the text pane box will appear. The green, "add symbol" button adds events and texts while the red, "subtraction" button removes events.

5. Move an event. To move an event, drag the event into its desired position. The move feature provides a simple approach to changing your timeline.

6. Change the timeline by clicking "Change Layout." The layout affects how readers interpret the information. For example, an alternative flow layout timeline explains how a group of information affects a task, while a continuous cycle timeline displays how one action continues on.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware of how many words you use per event. Too many words describing one event may not be readable.

References

• Microsoft: Create a Timeline

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish