Do you need to look back at historical events or look ahead for future planning? There is nothing like a timeline diagram to help you get a snapshot of this, all on one page. We'll explore some timeline templates for Word that'll fit all types of use cases.
You could create a timeline from scratch, but why waste your time. There are loads of free and premium Microsoft Word timeline templates for you to pick from. If you're on a budget, there are free timeline templates in Word docs to help you out.
You probably want the best possible option and have a budget to work with. To achieve that, check out the selection of MS Word templates from Envato Elements. You'll find timeline templates for Word in various print template formats. These formats include proposal, magazine, brochure, or resume templates. Select a timeline that best suits your needs and start creating.
We'll explore some premium timeline chart templates for Word in the next section.5 Top Premium Microsoft Word Timeline Templates for 2023 (Envato Elements)
Here are some top premium timeline diagram templates for Word from Envato Elements. Use any of these Microsoft Word timeline templates to create an impressive timeline for all your projects quickly:
1. Project Proposal With Timeline
This project proposal is a 24-page template document. It was created in Adobe InDesign but is compatible with Microsoft Word. It comes with loads of other project-related pages. This allows you to pick and work with the pages you need accordingly.
2. SEO Proposal With Timeline in MS Word
Lay out your brief timeline on this one-pager. The template works well if you need to summarize a project timeline. This will work well for audiences that don't need in-depth details. Easily customize this template in MS Word for any project.
3. Proposal With Timeline in MS Word and InDesign
This two-page template allows you to show your timeline in a minimalistic line diagram. It also allows you to include a description for each topic. Break down your timeline into simple steps so anyone can read it easily. This format works well for timelines that need to be shared with external parties.
4. Proposal Contract With Timeline & Invoice Template
This 10-page proposal includes an invoice template so that you're all set to make a deal. It's compatible with InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Microsoft Word.
There is a section with a timeline that can be divided into three major phases, and into three specific tasks within each phase. The three blocks have different colors so that it's easier to identify them. Plus, there's room below the table to add notes.
5. Proposal Template With Timeline for MS Word
This is a 16-page project proposal template that you can use in Microsoft Word and Adobe InDesign. It includes sections to introduce your:
- studio profile
- team
- objectives
- portfolio
- case study
- project description and budget
- data
- quote sign off
- invoice
Most importantly, it includes a timeline template for Word. The timeline page features a timeline chart with black background, with the whole bottom section available for text.
20 Top Free MS Word Timeline Template Examples to Download (2023)
Did you know Envato gives out premium freebies? It could help you if you kept an eye on these. It's a huge opportunity to try out premium digital creative files for free. A Microsoft Word timeline template could be among this month's free downloads.
Get 12 premium files from Envato Elements every month. These could be anything from templates, audio, photos, or video files. Create a free account to access this month's premium freebie files.
Now it's time to explore 20 free timeline templates that are Word docs found online for anyone to use:
1. Free 12-month Timeline Template Word Download
This one-page free timeline template for Word document is broken up into 12 months. This allows you to list down points accordingly.
2. Free Wedding Timeline Checklist
Use this free timeline template for Word to plan tasks according to your wedding timeline. You can check them off as you complete them.
3. Free Project Planning Timeline Template Word
This free timeline template for Word is broken down into days of the month. List down tasks for your project for each day.
4. Free Business Timeline Chart Template Word
This simple and free timeline template for Word has the months of the year in a bar line in the middle of the document. Points for each month go above and below this bar.
5. Free Purple History Timeline Word Template
This free timeline template for Word is vertical and includes several boxes to add text for each stage. Its purple color makes it an attractive option.
6. Morning Routine - Free Timeline Chart Template Word
This free timeline template for Word comes with a time bar in blue and text boxes in green.
7. Free Project Timeline Template Word
Divide your project into phases. You can also schedule the tasks accordingly in this timeline template for Word that is free to download.
8. Free 1-Month Business Plan Timeline Diagram Template Word
In this Microsoft Word timeline template, you can add all your tasks and the steps you need to take in a single month.
9. Free 2-Month Business Plan Timeline Template Word Download
Track your activities for two months with this simple free timeline template for Word.
10. 3-Month Business Plan - Free Timeline Template Word Doc
Plan out your quarterly activities with this timeline template for Word that is free to download.
11. Free Monthly Project Timeline Template Word Download
With this Microsoft Word timeline template, you can track your progress over 31 days.
12. Status Report - Project Timeline Template Word Download
Download this MS Word timeline template and use the status report to get an overview of work done, scheduled tasks, and project timeline.
13. Free Implementation Timeline Word Template
This free timeline template for Word features columns to streamline the organization of your data. It uses a warm color palette to give it a more inviting look.
14. Construction - Project Timeline Template Word Download
List out milestones, activities, and deliverable with this MS Word timeline template.
15. Table - Project Timeline Chart Template Word
This is a blue horizontal timeline template for Word that is free to download, although it doesn't leave much space on the paper.
16. Vertical - Free History Timeline Template Word
This is a minimalistic free timeline template for Word where you can list down events and even include images.
17. Events - Free Timeline Diagram Template Word
This Microsoft Word timeline template allows you to focus on six events by adding an image and text for each of them.
18. Wedding - Free Timeline Diagram Template Word
Brides and grooms can highlight their timeline together on a vertical diagram with this useful free timeline template for Word.
19. Marketing - Free Timeline Chart Template Word
This free timeline template for Word has six text boxes in shades of blue and green.
20. Research - Free Timeline Template Word Doc
This one-page timeline template for Word that is free to download allows you to break down research planning or findings.
Get the Best Premium Microsoft Word Timeline Templates on Envato Elements for 2023 (Unlimited Use)
If you need to impress clients or stakeholders, Envato Elements is your best bet. There are loads of print templates in MS Word that include timeline pages. You can either use the whole template for Word to create an entire proposal or just use the timeline pages on their own.
An Envato Elements subscription gives you access to the entire library of creative assets. All for a low monthly fee.
Save time and work smart with creative assets from Envato Elements. All your future projects will immediately improve and will be nothing short of impressive.
Envato Elements has premium creative files like:
- stock videos and photos
- royalty-free audio and music files
- presentation, web, video, and print templates
- fonts, 3d, and so much more
Now let's discover how to create a great timeline using Microsoft Word.
How to Make a Great Timeline Document in Microsoft Word Quickly
Now that you've got your MS Word timeline template, you're ready to customize it. In this section, we'll go over how you can customize your timeline template for Word. Just follow the steps below.
For the purposes of this tutorial, I'm using the premium template, Project Proposal Landscape.
It’s a stunning twenty-four-page template with free fonts.
1. Add in Text
Before we get into adding the timeline, we'll add our text for the document. We'll just copy and paste our text into the text placeholders. Simply double click the text placeholder, right click, and select Paste.
2. Add a Color Scheme
Next, you'll want to change the templates color scheme to match your projects'. Head over to the Design tab on the top menu header. Next, choose the Color drop-down menu. This displays all the color schemes that you can choose from. Pick the one that best suits your project.
3. Build the Timeline
To create a timeline in our Word template we'll add an arrow and text boxes. Click on the Insert tab. In the toolbar, click the Draw a Shape button. From there, you can click on the arrow option. Resize the arrow to fit in your design.
4. Add in Images
Now it's time to add in our images to the document. Most templates will have image placeholders for this. To add in an image, choose the Insert head option. Next choose the Pictures icon and select the Picture from File... option. From there, choose the image you want to add from your computer.
5. Check for Spelling and Grammar
An often overlooked part of creating any type of document is the spelling and grammar. Make sure that you don't have any misspelled words and the grammar is correct.
Let's look at some timeline design tips.
5 Quick Microsoft Word Timeline Template Design Tips for 2023
Let's explore five quick tips that'll help you create the best possible timeline page. These tips will immediately improve your work and help you impress your audience. New to Microsoft Word? Check out this Quick Start Guide.
Here are the five tips:
1. Use a Premium Pre-built Template
Complete proposal templates are another great option for finding and using timeline templates. If you're planning a business project, there are premium full project templates on Envato. These multipurpose print templates have relevant pages you'll need for various use cases.
Take your time while browsing and download a template that allows you to do what you need to. Be picky during this initial stage. A suitable template saves time and turns into an impressive document.
2. Be Consistent With Your Branding
Once you've picked your premium business template in MS Word, it's time to make changes. You can change the color scheme and even fonts according to your brand identity. Also, include your logo. Your template will immediately be in line with your branding. You'll look more professional to your audience as well.
3. Draw Attention With Bright Colors
Bright colors draw attention to essential parts of a document. It's the easiest way to add more focus or differentiate elements. Your proposal or project plan instantly becomes more visually pleasing too. Thankfully with a professional timeline template for Word, all the design elements are taken care of.
4. Keep It Minimal
Keep all pages clean and to the point. Try doing the following:
- Use infographics to visualize processes, facts, and figures.
- Turn paragraphs into bullet points.
- Be selective with the information you include. Not everything is necessary.
- Have timelines with fewer sections. It's easier to follow.
5. Use More Visuals
Visuals like photos, infographics, icons, or illustrations attract attention. They're key design elements to any document. They are all taken care of when you use a professional Microsoft Word timeline template. If you need to add your visuals, check out our options from Envato Elements.
5 Top MS Word Timeline Template Trends
There are plenty of reasons why you might want to use a timeline template for Word. Maybe it'd be helpful to organize an important business proposal, or perhaps you want to plan your team's next project.
Whatever the reason, take a look at the following trends to make sure you make the best of your timeline:
1. Add Background Images
One way to make your timeline much more eye-catching is as simple as adding a background image. If you've just got a few elements on the timeline, the image helps you grab the reader's attention. A low-contrast, black and white picture will do the trick.
2. Split Into Stages
When you've got many activities to accomplish within your timeline, a good idea is to divide the tasks by major stages. This helps you understand more clearly which tasks need to be completed before you can move on to what's next.
3. Try Sorted Boxes
This is one of the most common techniques used in timelines and it never gets old. Sorted boxes help maintain a clean look, while limiting the text to the bare minimum to keep the focus on the times.
4. Use Bar Graphs
One of the most common trends in timelines is to use a type of horizontal bar chart to illustrate in what order the tasks need to be done and how long each will take. This is particularly useful for project timelines.
5. Highlight With Colors
You may need to add lots of text and numbers to be clear about what each step of your timeline is all about. That's why colors can be lifesavers, helping to keep the viewer's attention on the most important details.
Discover More Top Microsoft Word Template Designs
You haven't found what you've got in mind? Check out other multipurpose MS Word templates for inspiration. These three articles below have loads of MS Word templates for you to pick from.
18+ Best Free Microsoft Word Flowchart (Process Map) Templates 2023
20 Best Free Microsoft Word Business Document Templates (Download 2022)
Best of 2022: 28+ Microsoft Office Word Document Templates to Download Now
Benefits of Using Professional MS Word Templates
Why use free templates? While they can come in handy and get you out of trouble, free templates have more generic designs and tend to offer less features.
Premium templates, on the other hand, can do much of the work for you. Here are some of the advantages that professional templates offer:
- They work with various formats. Edit the text in Word and the images in Photoshop. There are many premium templates that allow you to do so.
- More special designs. By paying a fee, no matter how small, you're actually buying a more thoughtful and unique design.
- Modern and trendy. Many of the free templates that you find online were created many years ago. Professional templates are up to date.
- Enjoy high resolution. Colors, images, and visual elements are usually at the highest resolution.
- Customize as needed. If any element doesn't work for you the way it's arranged, just change it! Make sure your template works the way you want it to.
Benefits of Envato Elements (The Power of Unlimited Use)
Envato Elements is a unique service. It's a flat-rate subscription that includes thousands of great Microsoft Word templates for a single flat-rate price.
Sign up for Envato Elements. You'll get access to thousands of unlimited-use creative assets. Choose from web themes to MS Word templates and more — all for one low price.
Common Microsoft Word Timeline Questions Answered (FAQ)
Microsoft Word is a very in-depth document software. That is why we created this FAQ section for you. To help you getting your common Microsoft Word timeline questions answered:
1. Can You Make a Timeline in Word Quickly?
Yes, you can! Microsoft Word is very flexible. It's got the necessary tools to create a basic timeline very quickly. For a detailed tutorial on how to do this, check out the article below:
2. Can I Add Background Images to My Timelines?
You absolutely can. Background images are a great element to add to your timelines. They add that much needed interest and professional polish. Check out the tutorial to find out how to add and edit background images:
3. Can I Create a Custom Page Layout for my Timeline Document?
Having a custom page layout gives you the ultimate flexibility in your design. This will help you start your timeline with a head start. The article below explains how you can create your custom page layouts and create templates out of them:
4. Does Microsoft Word Have a Spelling and Grammar Checker?
Yes, it does! Having all your text spelled correctly is incredibly important. If you've got errors in your document, you'll look unprofessional. The guide below goes over how to use the spelling and grammar checker:
5. How Do I Add Page Numbers to my Document?
Page numbers can help you keep your timeline document organized and can even be required.
Learn more in this tutorial on how to add not only page numbers, but also headers and footers:
Looking to improve you Word documents? Check out the section below!
Learn More About Making Great Word Documents in 2023
There are always tricks and tips you can use to improve any of your Word document creation. Pin this Microsoft Word Tutorial Guide as a favorite and refer to it from time to time. It's a compilation of how-to tutorials. These tutorials will help you with just about any questions you may have about MS Word.
Here are three examples:
How to Quickly Format Basic Text Styles in Microsoft Word Documents
How to Make Awesome Page Layout Designs in Microsoft Word (+Video)
How to Add Headers, Footers, and Page Numbers in Microsoft Word
Get a Premium Microsoft Word Timeline Template Today!
There are tons of free timeline templates in Word found online for everyone to use. They may not be the best option if you need to impress current or potential clients. A premium Microsoft Word timeline template is the way to go.
Start your search at Envato Elements. An active subscription unlocks access to professional creative assets, including premium MS Word timeline templates. Download any digital file as and when you need it without any extra monthly costs.
Get your hands on a premium print template that includes a timeline page and start creating like a pro. Subscribe and download one now!
Editorial Note: This post has been updated with contributions from Daniel Strongin and Renata Martin Intriago. Daniel is a freelance instructor for Envato Tuts+. Renata is a staff writer with Envato Tuts+.
