{"id":11037,"date":"2022-02-08T16:38:08","date_gmt":"2022-02-08T16:38:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mailinvest.blog\/index.php\/2022\/02\/08\/how-to-create-a-project-timeline-in-microsoft-excel\/"},"modified":"2022-02-08T16:38:08","modified_gmt":"2022-02-08T16:38:08","slug":"how-to-create-a-project-timeline-in-microsoft-excel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mailinvest.blog\/index.php\/2022\/02\/08\/how-to-create-a-project-timeline-in-microsoft-excel\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Create a Project Timeline in Microsoft Excel"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"Project<\/p>\n

Are you managing a small project or tasked with creating a timeline for one? Without extensive tools like a Gantt chart<\/a> or expensive software like Microsoft Project<\/a>, you can create a simple project timeline right in Microsoft Excel.<\/p>\n

A basic project timeline shows milestones or tasks with dates in chronological order. This allows you or your audience to see the entire project at a glance and in one spot. Using a SmartArt Graphic built into Excel or a free downloadable template, you can create a timeline for your project to show exactly what\u2019s necessary.<\/p>\n

Tip:<\/strong> While this tutorial walks you through creating a project timeline in Excel, you can use the same features and steps to make that timeline in Microsoft Word or PowerPoint instead.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Create a Project Timeline Using SmartArt<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re not familiar with the SmartArt Graphic tool in Microsoft Office, this handy feature helps you build and insert items in your documents. From a pyramid<\/a> to a matrix to a stylized list, SmartArt Graphics give you a head start on visuals.<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> How to Create and Insert a Pyramid in Microsoft PowerPoint<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Open Excel to the sheet where you want your timeline. Go to the Insert tab, click the \u201cIllustrations\u201d drop-down arrow, and pick \u201cSmartArt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Insert<\/p>\n

When the Choose a SmartArt Graphic window opens, select \u201cProcess\u201d on the left. On the right, find and select the Basic Timeline, then click \u201cOK.\u201d If you prefer, you can pick the Circle Accent Timeline for a fancier visual.<\/p>\n

\"Select<\/p>\n

The Basic Timeline graphic will pop into your sheet for you to add your items. The essential elements of this timeline include blue dots for the milestones or dates with boxes for the corresponding text. You can also add tasks or activities as bullet points within each text box.<\/p>\n

\"Basic<\/p>\n

Customize the Timeline<\/h3>\n

As you add your text, the boxes adjust to accommodate the size. So you save time from formatting them yourself. Plus, you can also add more shapes to lengthen your timeline<\/a> or change the direction of the arrow easily.<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> How to Create a Timeline in Microsoft PowerPoint<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Rather than working with the actual graphic for items, you might try the super simple Text Pane tool. This allows you to add your timeline items, including bullet points<\/a>, within a small window.<\/p>\n

To open the tool, select the timeline graphic, go to the SmartArt Design tab, and click \u201cText Pane\u201d on the left side of the ribbon. Alternatively, click the arrow on the left border of the timeline graphic.<\/p>\n

\"Open<\/p>\n

When the Text Pane opens, create your timeline in an outline format using these actions:<\/p>\n