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How to Create a Timeline in PowerPoint
Use a template or copy it from another app
By Aaron Peters Aaron Peters Writer Villanova University Aaron Peters is a writer with Lifewire who has 20+ years experience troubleshooting and writing about consumer and business technology. His work appears in Linux Journal, MakeUseOf, and others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on March 5, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email MS Office Powerpoint Word Excel Outlook What to Know
Import: Export the timeline from another program into a graphical format (JPG, GIF, or PNG). Insert the timeline graphic into PowerPoint.SmartArt: Select Insert > SmartArt. Choose a layout. Use text panes to create the timeline. Change colors or styles or reorder elements.Template: Use a PowerPoint template to create a timeline. Move and copy template objects to create new steps or milestones. There are several ways to insert a PowerPoint timeline into your presentation. You can use copy and paste, SmartArt, a template, or an add-in. We show you how to do all four using PowerPoint 2019, 2016, 2013; PowerPoint for Microsoft 365; Powerpoint for Mac; or PowerPoint Online. How to Paste a Timeline From Another Program Into PowerPoint
A straightforward way to get a timeline into your PowerPoint presentation file is to create it in another program, copy it, and paste it into PowerPoint. Just export the timeline from a program like Microsoft Project or Excel into a graphical format such as JPG, GIF, or PNG, then insert the timeline graphic into PowerPoint like you would insert pictures or clipart. It's also possible to link the timeline in a way similar to adding Excel data to Word, which updates automatically when you make changes. How to Make a Timeline in PowerPoint With SmartArt
PowerPoint also offers a built-in function, called SmartArt, which makes adding timelines a breeze. SmartArt objects are configurable graphics that you set up in a point-and-click fashion. To use a SmartArt graphic for a timeline: Go to Insert. Select SmartArt. In the dialog box that appears, browse for the SmartArt graphic type that best suits your need. Items in the Process category are good options. For example, choose Basic Timeline or Vertical Chevron List to get started on your timeline. Select OK to insert the SmartArt into your presentation. The SmartArt graphic appears on the slide along with a text pane where you'll edit the text. Add text to the objects by editing the bullets in the text pane. It works just like a regular list, press Tab and Shift+Tab to make an indent and outdent or press Enter to add a new bullet point. Continue to decorate your SmartArt by changing the colors, choosing a different style, and reordering elements. PowerPoint Online doesn't contain as many SmartArt graphics formats as the desktop version of PowerPoint. The ones mentioned in this article are available. How to Make a Timeline in PowerPoint With a Template
There are pre-configured PowerPoint templates that allow you to quickly piece together a timeline. The PPTX file pictured above is available from the Microsoft Office Template Gallery. Move and copy the existing objects on these timeline templates to create new phases of the timeline, or new milestones and annotations. This method is a bit more hands-on, but it allows you to get the exact results you want. Templates in PPTX format are compatible with all versions of PowerPoint. How to Create a Timeline in PowerPoint With an Add-In
Another approach is to use a PowerPoint Add-in specifically built for creating timelines. Office Timeline is an excellent choice if you're looking to add project timelines (e.g., Gantt Charts), and it's available in a free version. You'll need a few minutes to get up and running with the following steps: Download the Free Edition of the app from the Office Timeline website. Double-click the .EXE file to start the installation. Once the installation is complete, PowerPoint starts automatically, shows a quick introduction wizard, and provides a sample file. Once installed, a new Office Timeline Free tab is added to Powerpoint. This tab contains tools to create new timelines, select the style of timeline to be inserted, and enter or import the data on which the timeline is based. The Office Timeline Add-In is only available for Windows versions of PowerPoint. However, there's also Pincello, a web-based tool that outputs timelines in PowerPoint format. Armed with the above options, you're now prepared to create any type of timeline you want in PowerPoint. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Make a Timeline on Google Slides How to Find and Use Excel's Free Flowchart Templates How to Copy a PowerPoint Design Template to Another Presentation 5 Best Sites for Free Microsoft PowerPoint Backgrounds How to Make a PowerPoint Presentation SVG Files: What They Are and How to Open & Convert Them How to Create a Timeline in Excel How to Make a Brochure in Microsoft Word How to Plan and Create WordPerfect Templates Slide Layouts in PowerPoint How to Insert a Copyright Symbol or Emoji on a PowerPoint Slide How to Make a Word Cloud in PowerPoint 14 Free PowerPoint Game Templates for the Classroom 9 Best Places for Free PowerPoint Templates PPTX File (What It Is and How to Open One) How to Create a PowerPoint Footnote Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies