Timeline Chart

It is a tool used for visualizing time series data. For example, when understanding the time series of events such as in novels and history, visualizing through a timeline chart can make it easier to understand the relevant content more intuitively.

In environments such as the workplace, when managing projects, presenting the project through a timeline chart can visually show the chronological order of events or tasks, making time series information such as start dates, end dates, dependencies, and milestones easy to understand.Using a timeline chart can organize information more easily and effectively communicate it to relevant personnel.In addition, it can also support analysis and decision-making.

This article will introduce the widely usedsteps to create a timeline chart in Microsoft Excelandthe practical tool PicDoc that can quickly generate chartsSince the Excel version is continuously updated, this article will explain the latest production method in 2025.Click here to generate a timeline with PicDoc in one click

How to create a timeline inMicrosoft Excel

In Excel, you can create a timeline chart through the SmartArt function. The following will explain the operation process in detail step by step.

Step 1: Insert a timeline

First, click the 'SmartArt' button in the 'Insert' tab.

Then a window for selecting the chart type will appear.

Click the 'Steps' category, select the 'Timeline' chart, and then click 'OK'.

At this time, the default type of timeline chart will be inserted into the Excel worksheet.

Step 2: Edit the date and order of the timeline

When inserting a timeline chart, a text-entry window will appear on the left side.

Here, you can add fields by pressing the Enter key or delete fields by pressing the Backspace key. After entering text, the corresponding part will be automatically added to the chart.

In addition, in the left part of 'SmartArt Design', you can also add fields in 'Graphic Creation'. Click 'Add heading text' to add content such as explanatory text.

You can freely change the order and level of the timeline through operations such as 'Promote/Demote Level' and 'Move Up/Down'.

If you want to easily create a timeline chart, you can also use PicDoc.Just enter the text, and visual content can be generated with one click..Click here for a free trial.

Step 3: Customize the timeline chart

In the "SmartArt Design" tab, you can also customize the chart. After clicking the tab, you can change a variety of preset layouts, colors, and styles.

After choosing your favorite style and color, you can complete a timeline chart that clearly conveys information!

The completed timeline can be copied and pasted into other software such as PowerPoint or Word.

If you think creating from scratch is too troublesomeExcel also provides online templatesClick "New" in the "File" tab, and you can search for "timeline" templates. After clicking on your favorite template, two worksheets, data and chart, will be inserted. After editing your content in the data table, the chart will be automatically updated.

Tip:Templates usually have a simple structure. If you add complex information that exceeds the structure, it may cause the timeline chart to collapse. Please pay special attention.

You can generate a timeline with one click using PicDoc!

As mentioned above, Excel can create a basic timeline chart, but sometimes it can be inconvenient due to the cumbersome operation. At this timeUse PicDoc to easily create clear and understandable timeline charts.

Operation method: Enter the text of the time series information, and then click the generate button next to it. The AI will automatically parse the information and convert it into a chart.

PicDoc has a rich collection of chart templates and can generate various types of timeline charts within seconds. After selecting your favorite type and style and customizing the text and graphics, you can complete a beautiful and understandable timeline chart!

The generated timeline chart can be downloaded in PNG/JPG/PPT/PDF format and imported into various software such as Word, Excel, or PPT.With PicDoc, you can efficiently convey timeline information in various scenarios.

Conclusion

The above introduced the method of creating a timeline chart in Excel, andPicDoc, a tool that can easily create timelines.

If you can make good use of the production methods introduced in this article, the timeline can be a powerful tool for viewing the chronological order of events or managing project progress. By visualizing timeline information, communication and decision-making can be efficiently promoted.

In addition, using PicDoc can further improve the efficiency of chart production. Whether it is a timeline or a chart showing information flow and relationships, PicDoc is highly recommended.Click here to generate a timeline with one click