How To Make/Create a Timeline in Microsoft Excel [Templates + Examples] 2023

Build a Timeline Template for Microsoft Excel– Step-by-Step Instructions

Microsoft Excel is a database and datasheet application part of the Microsoft Office suite, functioning as a record for inputting various data information to showcase to different audiences. It is an application that individuals use to develop timeline templates more efficiently using grids and tables, presenting the document to stakeholders.

• Step 1: Search for a Timeline Template (Option 1)

  

  Look for different timeline templates for a project or activity by browsing the timeline template landing page by looking at different graphic design templates from Template.net.

• Step 2: Utilize the Search Bar (Option 2)

  

  Aside from the landing page, individuals can look for timelines per category using the search tool from the Template.net website. Select the template to use by clicking on the product banner.

• Step 3: Choose a Timeline Template

  

  After clicking on the image for the specific template, it redirects the user to the product page, where they can access the website’s editor tool to edit the document or graphic design without downloading the template.

• Step 4: Excel File Format

  

  On the right portion of the screen, users click on the dropdown menu to select the file format they wish to use and download for their project. Select the Excel file format for download.

• Step 5: Download the Excel File

  

  After downloading the file, check the downloads folder on the laptop, desktop, or electronic device. Pinpoint the downloaded Excel file, in this case, a zip folder, and extract its contents to access the template.

• Step 6: Open Microsoft Excel

  

  Access the Microsoft Excel application by looking through the Start menu or clicking on the desktop shortcut icon. Open the Microsoft Excel program and access the downloaded template.

• Step 7: Timeline Title

  

  Upon opening the Excel template for the timeline, the users can change the title of the roadmap timeline into the title of their project strategy or plan for future reference.

• Step 8: Lanes

  

  Designate individuals or teams for each step of the timeline, marking their roles and responsibilities during the timeframe duration.

• Step 9: Containers

  

  The containers let the people involved know the specific tasks and responsibilities they have to perform and the following steps right after.

• Step 10: Bars

  

  The bars represent the task and activities that a specific group of people must complete within a timeframe. Teams can also color-code the background of each cell to have visual organization.

• Step 11: Timeline

  

  The timeline helps individuals and teams to know whether they are reaching their goals and milestones for specific dates and quarters in the project.

• Step 12: Finalize and Save

  

  After making all the necessary changes and edits to the timeline template, the person saves the revisions using the Save As button, which they can reuse for future projects.