There are a number of ways to create a timeline in excel.You can create it from a pivot table if you have a newer version of excel.SmartArt, templates, or simply arranging spreadsheet cells will be required in earlier versions.
Step 1: You can create a new spreadsheet.
A new graphic layout is created by SmartArt.It doesn't change your data, so create a new blank spreadsheet.
Step 2: You can open the menu.
You can either click the SmartArt tab in the ribbon menu or the insert tab if you prefer.This option can be found in excel.
Step 3: The process has a timeline.
In the Insert Smart Art Graphic group, click Process.A right-facing arrow can be found in the drop-down menu.You can use Process graphics to make a timeline.Wait until the hover text appears before you can see the name of the graphic.
Step 4: Add more events.
You start out with a few events.Select the timeline to add more.The left side of the graphic should have a Text Pane on it.To add a new timeline event, click the + button at the top of the text pane.If you don't want to add new events, click the timeline to enlarge it.The right or left side of the box can be pulled out.
Step 5: You can change your timeline.
To add entries, type in the Text Pane box.If you want to guess how to arrange the data, you can copy-paste it into the timeline.You will end up with each column of data as a single entry.
Step 6: The spreadsheet has a pivot table.
A pivot table is needed in order to organize your data.The pivot table analyze menu was introduced in excel.
Step 7: Click anywhere in the pivot table.
The table tools are in the top ribbon.
Step 8: Click to analyze
There are options to manipulate the data in the table with this ribbon.
Step 9: Click on the option to insert a time line.
There are fields that correspond to a date format in the dialog box.Dates will not be recognized if they are entered as text.
Step 10: Click OK if you want to select the Applicable field.
A new box will allow you to navigate through your timelines.
Step 11: The data will be sorted.
You can choose how the data will be sorted.Either by months, years, or quarters.
Step 12: Monthly data can be examined.
The pivot table will show data when you click on a month in the control box.
Step 13: Be sure to broaden your selection.
Click and drag the sides of the slider to widen your selection.
Step 14: A template can be downloaded.
Setting up a template will save you some time.You can check if you already have a template by browsing options in the file.Search online for user-created timelines.Continue on if you don't want to use a template.Look for "Gantt chart" templates if you want to track the progress of a multi-branched project.
Step 15: Start with ordinary cells.
A blank spreadsheet can be used to set up a basic timeline.Put the dates in one row, spacing them out with blank cells in proportion to the time between them.
Step 16: Write your entries.
A description of the event that happened on that date can be written in the cell directly above or below the date.Don't worry if it looks sloppy.The most readable timelines are those with alternating descriptions above and below the date.
Step 17: The descriptions should be close to each other.
The row contains your descriptions.Look for the Orientation button under the Alignment group when you click the Home tab.The Orientation button looks like the letters aBC.Select one of the options on the button.The rotation of the text will make it fit the timelines.Right click the selected cells if you are using the earlier version of the software.Then click on the Alignment tab.Click OK if you want the text to be rotating.