What to Know
- Import: Export the timeline from another program into a graphical format (JPG, GIF, or PNG). Insert the timeline graphic into PowerPoint.
- SmartArt: Select Insert > SmartArt. Choose a layout. Use text panes to create the timeline. Change colors or styles or reorder elements.
- Template: Use a PowerPoint template to create a timeline. Move and copy template objects to create new steps or milestones.
There are several ways to insert a PowerPoint timeline into your presentation. You can use copy and paste, SmartArt, a template, or an circuit board. We show you how to do all four using PowerPoint 2019, 2016, 2013 ; PowerPoint for Microsoft 365 ; Powerpoint for Mac ; or PowerPoint Online .
How to Paste a timeline From Another Program Into PowerPoint
A straightforward way to get a timeline into your PowerPoint display file is to create it in another program, copy it, and paste it into PowerPoint. Just export the timeline from a program like Microsoft Project or Excel into a graphic format such as JPG, GIF, or PNG, then insert the timeline graphic into PowerPoint like you would insert pictures or clipart. It ‘s besides potential to link the timeline in a way similar to adding Excel data to Word, which updates automatically when you make changes.
How to Make a Timeline in PowerPoint With SmartArt
PowerPoint besides offers a built-in function, called SmartArt, which makes adding timelines a breeze. SmartArt objects are configurable graphics that you set up in a point-and-click fashion .
To use a SmartArt graphic for a timeline :
- Go to Insert .
- Select SmartArt .
-
In the dialogue box that appears, browse for the SmartArt graphic type that best suits your motivation .
Items in the Process category are good options. For example, choose Basic Timeline or Vertical Chevron List to get started on your timeline .
- Select OK to insert the SmartArt into your display .
-
The SmartArt graphic appears on the slide along with a text pane where you ‘ll edit the text. Add textbook to the objects by editing the bullets in the text paneling. It works just like a regular number, press Tab and Shift + Tab to make an indentation and outdent or press Enter to add a newfangled bullet sharpen .
- Continue to decorate your SmartArt by changing the colors, choosing a different vogue, and reordering elements .
PowerPoint Online does n’t contain as many SmartArt graphics formats as the background interpretation of PowerPoint. The ones mentioned in this article are available.
How to Make a Timeline in PowerPoint With a template
There are pre-configured PowerPoint templates that allow you to promptly piece together a timeline .
The PPTX charge pictured above is available from the Microsoft Office Template Gallery. Move and copy the existing objects on these timeline templates to create new phases of the timeline, or newly milestones and annotations. This method acting is a bit more hands-on, but it allows you to get the exact results you want .
Templates in PPTX format are compatible with all versions of PowerPoint.
How to Create a Timeline in PowerPoint With an circuit board
Another approach is to use a PowerPoint Add-in specifically built for creating timelines. Office Timeline is an excellent choice if you ‘re looking to add undertaking timelines ( for example, Gantt Charts ), and it ‘s available in a dislodge version .
You ‘ll need a few minutes to get up and running with the trace steps :
- Download the Free Edition of the app from the Office Timeline web site .
- Double-click the .EXE file to start the installation .
-
once the initiation is complete, PowerPoint starts mechanically, shows a quick introduction sorcerer, and provides a sample file .
once installed, a new Office Timeline Free tab is added to Powerpoint. This check contains tools to create newly timelines, select the style of timeline to be inserted, and enter or import the data on which the timeline is based.
The Office Timeline Add-In is merely available for Windows versions of PowerPoint. however, there ‘s besides Pincello, a web-based cock that outputs timelines in PowerPoint format. Armed with the above options, you ‘re now prepare to create any type of timeline you want in PowerPoint .