Create a Timeline in PowerPoint

6 minutes read

@ tutsplus.com

Timelines tell visual stories connecting the past to the present. Learn how to create timelines in PowerPoint from scratch or quickly with premium templates.

Introduction to Timelines in Presentations

Timelines and presentations go hand in hand. One of the most effective ways to tell a story in your presentation is to provide your audience with a timeline that connects the past to the present. When crafting your story, highlight the key events that have led you to your current moment. Timelines can also bridge the gap to the future, helping explain decisions and new directions based on past milestones.

PowerPoint is synonymous with presentations. It’s no surprise that you can build timelines using its features. This tutorial will guide you through creating a timeline with numerous milestones directly within PowerPoint. We’ll cover how to create a timeline from scratch using PowerPoint’s SmartArt feature, as well as how to utilize custom PowerPoint themes to build professional timelines quickly.

Quick Video Tutorial on Creating a Timeline

Before diving in, check out this quick two-minute screencast video that teaches you an easy way to add a timeline to your PowerPoint slide. You’ll learn to use SmartArt to insert a timeline with key dates. These timelines are easy to edit, allowing you to adapt your timeline without starting from scratch if your points change.

Making a Timeline in PowerPoint

Envato Elements offers a premium template that contains timelines suitable for PowerPoint. We will use the Project Timeline PowerPoint Infographics template in this tutorial, which includes over 30 unique slides and various color schemes.

If the timeline included in the template doesn’t fit your needs or if you prefer to create your own, we will explore using the SmartArt feature to do just that.

Please note that I am using macOS with PowerPoint version 16.67. If you are using a different operating system or version of the software, your results may vary.

Two Ways to Create a Timeline

In this tutorial, we will explore two ways to create a timeline in PowerPoint:

Customizing a PowerPoint template timeline
Creating a timeline with SmartArt

Customizing a PowerPoint Template Timeline

The quickest way to create a timeline in PowerPoint is by customizing a template timeline. Using a template simplifies the process, as it was designed by PowerPoint professionals, requiring minimal edits.

Steps to Customize Your Template

1. Add Your Information

To start, click inside the text box where the current text is and highlight the text. Press the Delete key to remove it. Now, you can add your information by typing a title for each point and any additional details you wish to include. You may also delete graphic elements and replace them as needed.

2. Add Animation

Adding animation to text or objects can enhance the emphasis on your timeline. Here’s how to add animation:

Select the text or object you want to animate.
Click on the Animations tab. You will find Entrance Effects, Emphasis Effects, and Exit Effects.
The Entrance Effects menu is already open—choose an animation you wish to use.

3. Preview Your Presentation

Once you’ve finished modifying your PowerPoint timeline template, it’s a good idea to preview your presentation. Click on the Slide Show tab and select either Play from the Start or Play from Current Slide.

Creating a Timeline Using SmartArt

The second method for creating a timeline is through SmartArt. Here are the steps:

1. Add a Blank Slide

If you want to create a timeline in PowerPoint, it’s best to do so on a blank slide. If you have a slide in your template with enough room, you can use that instead. To add a blank slide, click between the two slides in the sidebar where you want it, then navigate to the Insert tab and click New Slide.

With your blank slide selected, click on the Insert tab, and then click on the SmartArt button in the toolbar. From the drop-down menu, choose the Process option, and then select the Basic Timeline option.

3. Adjust Basic Timeline Graphic

After adding the basic timeline graphic to your slide, you can adjust its size by dragging the handles around the graphic as needed.

4. Add Your Information

You will notice a SmartArt Text window next to the graphic. Type your information in this box, and the text boxes will automatically adjust to keep all your text uniform in size.

5. Change Colors

The timeline graphic will appear in a default green color. To change this, click on the timeline arrow and select the Shape Fill button in the toolbar under the Home tab. Choose your desired color from the menu and repeat this step for each circle in the arrow.

Recap and Continued Learning

A timeline is a powerful way to guide your audience from the past into the present. In this tutorial, you learned two effective methods for creating timelines in PowerPoint—using SmartArt or custom templates. Consider integrating a timeline into your next presentation to enhance your storytelling.

For further skills development, check out these tutorials to better connect with your audience:

Premium Timeline PowerPoint Templates at Envato Elements

Envato Elements is a top source for premium timeline PowerPoint templates. With a subscription, you gain access to hundreds of premium templates, along with images, fonts, audio, and more. Utilizing a premium template saves time, allowing you to start with a professionally designed foundation.

Download a Premium Timeline PowerPoint Template Today!

Timelines effectively illustrate processes over time. By using a premium template, you can create a visually appealing timeline in mere minutes. Download a Premium Timeline PowerPoint Template for your next project and streamline your presentation efforts.

Previous page Create a Timeline in Google Slides

Next page Create a Timeline in PowerPoint