Create a Timeline in Google Slides

5 minutes read

@ tutsplus.com

Learn how to select and modify a professional template to create your own Google Slides timeline. We provide step-by-step details in the written instructions. Or, you can jump right into the quick-start video with more condensed instructions:

Quick Overview: Creating a Timeline with Google Slides (Video)

For a brief look at how to make a timeline using professional templates in Google Slides, watch the screencast below:

Guide to Making Great Presentations

Before diving deeper, consider downloading our free eBook: The Complete Guide to Making Great Presentations. This resource will help you master the entire presentation process.

For more detailed instructions, let’s delve into the steps outlined in this tutorial.

Understanding Timelines: Importance and Benefits

Timelines serve as a valuable tool for project teams and can also be used for information dissemination. They provide an effective visual representation of past or planned events.

If your presentation requires a timeline, learning how to create one using Google Slides will be beneficial. While you can use Google Slides’ drawing tools to create your own timeline, the results may not be polished unless you have design expertise. Even professionals can find that creating an attractive timeline takes significant time.

Using a professional Google Slides timeline template can save you time and ensure an appealing design. Check out great Google Slides templates available on Envato Elements or GraphicRiver, which include various pre-designed timelines:

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Timeline in Google Slides

Now, let’s explore how to download and customize a Google Slides timeline template through a step-by-step approach.

Step 1: Download Your Presentation Template

The first step is to download a professional template featuring a timeline slide that suits your needs. For guidance on downloading presentation templates, refer to this helpful tutorial:

How to Quickly Change Themes For Google Slides

For this demonstration, we will use the Marketofy Google Slides template, which includes various graphics and timeline options.

Note: If you’re incorporating a timeline into an existing presentation, you can still utilize a professional timeline template.

Step 2: Rename Your Presentation

After downloading your timeline template, create a copy and rename it to preserve your original file. Right-click on the template in Google Drive, select Make a copy, and rename it accordingly.

Step 3: Remove Unneeded Slides

Open your presentation file, and you’ll be prompted to launch it with Google Slides. Navigate through the slides and delete any templates you don’t need by selecting a slide, right-clicking, and choosing Delete slide.

Tip: To save time, select multiple slides using the Shift key to delete several at once.

Step 4: Choose a Timeline Template

Review the available timeline slide templates and select one that fits your project. For example, here are some layouts you might consider:

Once you’ve made your choice, remove the other timeline slides from your presentation.

Step 5: Customize the Timeline Template

Now that you have selected a template, it’s time to personalize it by:

Adding/Changing Text: Click and replace the template text with your own.
Changing Colors: Update the color scheme to reflect your branding.
Changing Icons: Swap out default icons with ones more representative of your content.
Deleting Timeline Segments: Adjust the timeline segments according to your needs.

Note: If the template contains instructional layers, be sure to remove them before customization.

Adding or Changing Text

Select the text box you wish to modify, highlight the existing text, and type in your new content.

Changing Colors

To change a text color, select the text, click the A under More in the Tools menu, and choose your desired color.

Changing Icons

If you want to replace an icon, access the Icon Set Library within the template folder, select an icon, copy it, and paste it into your timeline presentation. Adjust its color as needed.

Deleting a Timeline Segment

To refine your timeline, delete any unnecessary segments. You can do this by selecting the segment and using the Cut option from the drop-down menu.

Step 6: Presenting Your Timeline

Timelines are complex by nature, so it’s crucial to prepare speaker notes. To add notes, click in the Speaker Note area below your slide and type your notes. These details will not be visible to the audience during the presentation but will assist you as the presenter.

Explore More Google Slides Infographic Templates

For additional Google Slides timeline templates, consider using Envato Elements. This service offers a vast collection of assets, including Google Slides templates, to enhance your presentations.