Do you want to add a timeline infographic to Google Docs? Learn how to use a timeline template with Google Docs. Plus, discover how to make a timeline from scratch.
Creating a timeline for your project can be helpful for many reasons.
- A timeline can be used to help make sure that your employees are on the right track.
- It can also be used to keep track of what work has been done.
- You can also use a timeline to show an investor when a product or project will be done
There are two ways to add a timeline to Google Docs:
- Add an Infographic.
- Create a Timeline.
In this tutorial, you'll learn both methods.
Jump to content in this section:
Timeline Infographic Example
Use a timeline infographic if you can’t find a timeline template for Google Docs. Here’s more information about the infographic that'll be used in the tutorial:
The timeline infographic used in this tutorial is Timeline Infographic from Envato Elements.
The Timeline Infographic comes with:
- a timeline infographic with six different color schemes
- includes Adobe Illustrator, EPS, JPG, and PDF files
- icons and text stickers.
How to Add a Timeline Graphic Template Image to Google Doc
After you’ve chosen a timeline infographic, you’ll want to add it to your Google Document. Here’s how:
1. Download the Graphic
First, choose a timeline template for Google Docs from Envato Elements. Once you've selected a timeline template or graphic, you need to download it.
To download your timeline template or infographic, press the red Download button at the bottom of the screen.
2. Add the Graphic to Google Drive
After downloading your timeline template or infographic, add the file to Google Drive.
To add it, click on the +New button. When you click on this button, a menu appears. Choose the right option for you.
Once you’ve located your file, double-click on it. You’ll know that the file is uploaded when you see it at the bottom of your window in an Upload Complete window.
3. Modify the Infographic Template
Once you've downloaded your infographic template, you need to modify it to include your information.
For this template, you can modify it in Adobe Illustrator or photo editing software. If you're new to Adobe Illustrator, this tutorial can help:
Once your template is customized, you're ready to add it to your Google Doc.
4. Open Google Docs
The next step is to add your timeline template to Google Docs. Open the document to which you want to add your timeline template or infographic.
In this tutorial, I’ll be adding the infographic to a blank document. You could also add the timeline to a report or other document.
5. Add Your Infographic to Google Docs
To add your infographic to Google Docs, click Insert in the menu. Next, click on Image from the menu that drops down. Then click Drive to upload your infographic from Google Drive.
6. Infographic in Google Drive
After you click drive, your image opens a Google Drive sidebar. Double-Click on the infographic that you want to use.
Here’s what the edited photo looks like in Google Docs:
You've just added a timeline to Google Docs. As you can see, using a pre-built timeline template gives you a more professional design.
Make Your Own Timeline in Google Docs
Didn’t find the exact timeline template that you're looking for? You can create it! Here’s how to create your own timeline in Google Docs:
1. Fix Page Orientation
A horizontal timeline will fit better if you can change the page orientation to landscape. A vertical timeline will fit better if the page origination is portrait. To change the page orientation, click File, then Page Setup.
After you click Page Setup, a Page Setup window appears. In the orientation section, click on the Landscape option. Click the blue OK button to save.
2. Insert a Drawing
You can create a timeline from scratch if you aren’t using timeline templates. To do this, open Google Docs and click Insert. From the menu that drops down, choose Drawing and then New.
3. Draw the Line
To draw a line, click on the Line button. To choose the arrow type, click on the arrow next to the button. From the menu that drops down, choose the Arrow option.
You can also change the arrow at the end of the line. Click on the Line End button in the ribbon. Next, choose Arrow from the menu that drops down.
4. Change the Line Thickness
The thin line will look better if you make it thicker. To make the line thicker, click on the Line Weight button. Choose the line thickness you want. I chose 4px, and it looks like this:
5. Add Events
After drawing the line, you need to add events to the timeline. To add events, draw a textbox for each event.
To draw text boxes, click on the Text Box button. After I click the button, my cursor turns into a text box drawing tool. Use the tool to draw as many text boxes as you need.
Type your text inside the text boxes.
6. Connect Your Events to Your Timeline
To connect your events to your timeline, click the Line button from the drop-down menu and choose the line option.
To change the line thickness, use the Line Weight button. I used a thinner line weight.
Your timeline now looks like this:
7. Save and Close
To exit the Drawing window, click the blue Save and Close button. This saves your work and adds it to your document. Your finished timeline should look like this:
To make your timeline bigger, drag the handles around your timeline to resize it.
You could also change the color of the text or lines.
The Best Source for Timeline Templates (With Unlimited Use)
Envato Elements is the top source for finding winning timeline templates.
So, what is Envato Elements? It’s a subscription service where you pay a low monthly fee to become a subscriber. Once you've subscribed, you gain unlimited access to digital assets. These assets include:
- timeline templates
- graphics
- fonts
- images
- and more
You save time when you use premium templates. You'll have more time because you don’t have to create a template from scratch. Professionals make every template look stylish and impressive. Choose between many timeline options, including vertical timeline templates and horizontal timeline templates.
Once you download a template, you only need to add your text and images in the placeholders. A good template is easily customizable, so you still can if you like to add a personal touch to your presentation.
Find Google Docs Templates
Didn’t see what you’re looking for? Here are some articles that feature more Google Docs templates:
15 Best Free Word & Google Docs Annual Report Templates to Download 2024
22 Best Premium & Free Certificate Templates for Google Docs (Download 2024)
16 Free & Premium Google Docs Business Card Templates To Make Great Designs
30 Free Google Calendar Templates For Google Slides, Docs, and Sheets
Learn More About Google Docs
To learn more about Google Docs, read these articles:
How to Mirror an Image in Google Docs
How to Design a Flowchart in Google Docs
How to Upload & Import a Word Document Into Google Docs
How to Use Google Docs When You’re Offline
Download a Premium Timeline Template or Infographic Today!
You've just learned how to make a timeline using timeline templates and how to make a timeline from scratch.
There are many free timeline templates for Google Docs and infographics online that you can use. But free templates aren’t as high quality as premium templates. A premium template or infographic is the way to go if you want to impress your audience.
Envato Elements is the best value for digital creatives. After becoming a subscriber, you gain unlimited access to thousands of digital assets. So, take advantage of this deal and sign up today!
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