![\"Free](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Construction-Gantt-chart-timeline-light-mode-1600x696.webp\")
What Is a Project Timeline Template?<\/h2>\n
A project timeline template is a project planning tool that helps project managers easily create project timelines by simply adding tasks, due dates and milestones.<\/p>\n
There are two main types of project timeline templates. Excel project timeline templates and timeline templates for project management software, which are usually made with Gantt charts with robust project planning<\/a> and scheduling features such as task dependency mapping, critical path analysis and resource scheduling.<\/p>\n An Excel project timeline is a good alternative for beginners because it is a basic project planning tool and most people are familiar with Excel. However, Excel project timelines have limitations. If you want a more advanced project timeline<\/a>, you can open the project timeline template in ProjectManager.<\/p>\n This project timeline template for Excel should be used during the project initiation and project planning phases of a project\u2019s life cycle, as it helps project managers, project management offices (PMOs)<\/a> or anyone planning a project with the process of scheduling project tasks in a Gantt chart timeline to understand the sequence in which they must be completed.<\/p>\n This allows us to lay the groundwork for the entire project plan as it makes it easier to determine the resources and costs associated with executing those tasks. However, while it should be created during the initiation or planning phases, the project timeline template will help throughout the project execution phase<\/a> as a project tracking and reporting tool.<\/p>\n Once the project starts, the project timeline template can be used to monitor project progress and communicate its status to stakeholders. It provides an outline of the project deliverables<\/a>, which notes when and what the deadlines are. There are many ways to update stakeholders and a project timeline template is one of their first glimpses into how the project will progress.<\/p>\n Simply download our free project timeline template for Excel to get started, or if you need a more robust project scheduling<\/a> tool, try the Gantt chart view in ProjectManager for free.<\/p>\n The main selling point of a project timeline template is that it\u2019s a visual tool that\u2019s similar to a Gantt chart<\/a>, one of the most popular project scheduling tools there are. This is ideal for visual thinkers, but everyone benefits when they can see the entire project plan laid out before them.<\/p>\n Making a Gantt chart in Excel<\/a> can be very time consuming, which is why this Excel project timeline template saves project managers time and offers team members a familiar interface to track their work. At a glance, they\u2019ll discern the tasks, when they need to be completed and where the milestones are.<\/p>\n However, while a project timeline template for Excel is an essential planning and scheduling tool, it’s also limited in its project management features, especially as you move into the project execution phase, where it quickly loses its value, unlike project management software with stronger project monitoring<\/a>, control and reporting capabilities.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s review the benefits and disadvantages of using this free project timeline template for Excel in more depth.<\/p>\n There are several organizations and parts of an organization that can benefit from using a free project timeline template. Here are only some examples.<\/p>\n Project-based organizations use a project timeline template for Excel throughout various situations in the project lifecycle<\/a>. For example, in the project initiation phase, this template outlines the phases and tasks to help provide a stakeholder roadmap.<\/p>\n During the scheduling phase, the timeline template breaks the project into key milestones, phases and specific tasks. Other use cases include tracking resource allocation<\/a>, milestones, risks and deliverables.<\/p>\n A PMO may also use a timeline template to improve project planning, execution and oversight. An Excel project timeline template is standardized to help ensure project planning is consistent across projects. This makes it easier for the PMO to enforce best practices and methodologies<\/a>.<\/p>\n The template itself also provides additional project visibility of the project timeline to make it easier to track progress and identify issues. PMO templates<\/a> provide a method to generate status reports, identify key milestones and pinpoint how resources are being spent.<\/p>\n The project manager is usually the owner of the project timeline. They\u2019re responsible for building it, and adjusting it throughout the project life cycle, but the data they use can come from a multitude of sources. For one, historical data can help you figure out what tasks are needed, how long they\u2019ll take and what resources<\/a> and costs they\u2019ll require.<\/p>\n While the task of creating the timeline falls under the purview of the project manager, stakeholders and team members all contribute. Stakeholders are the reason for the project and their investment means whatever expectations they have should be addressed.<\/p>\n For this reason, the project manager also uses project timeline templates as a project reporting<\/a> tool to keep project stakeholders informed on the project’s progress and status.<\/p>\n Department heads or functional managers may also leverage a project management timeline template to better plan, track and manage different departmental activities. For example, it helps them better allocate resources as they visualize the workload<\/a> and identify potential bottlenecks. It also helps predict future expenses based on historical data. The ongoing access to this important project data can help department heads and functional managers achieve better results.<\/p>\n Project teams have practical knowledge of the work. They were assembled because of their skills and experiences working on similar projects and therefore can offer great insights into what\u2019s needed and how long things will take to accomplish the project goals<\/a>.<\/p>\n Project team members can use the project timeline template for Excel to break the larger project into tasks and milestones<\/a> to better understand expectations. They can also use it to track progress, monitor task completion and assign tasks to team members.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s take a closer look at the included sections in our free project timeline template for Excel.<\/p>\n In the general project information section, list the project name, sponsor<\/a>, manager and date.<\/p>\n Next comes the project scheduling data section. Here, list each task name, start date, end date, duration, priority, percentage of completion and key deliverables<\/a>.<\/p>\n Once the project scheduling data is entered, it will automatically populate the stacked bar chart portion of the project timeline<\/a> template.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There are many benefits to using an Excel project timeline template, regardless of the industry.<\/p>\n There\u2019s a lot you can\u2019t do with an Excel project timeline. Here are some of the main disadvantages of using a project timeline template for Excel.<\/p>\n ProjectManager is an online project planning software<\/a> that has the features you need to create project timelines that are much more dynamic than Microsoft Excel, Powerpoint, Google Sheets and Office Timeline templates.<\/p>\n Download our free project timeline template and you\u2019ll simply have to fill out the various fields that are already laid out for you. The basic structure of project timelines is simple: tasks and their start and end dates. This project timeline Excel template captures this data and automatically populates the spreadsheet into a visual timeline.<\/p>\n Tasks are small, manageable pieces of work. Each task is a step towards a deliverable, leading to the final deliverable, which is the project objective. Simply write the name of your task down in the task column. Our template has some sample tasks, but you can enter as many as you\u2019ll need to complete the project. You can download our work breakdown structure template<\/a> to help you identify the tasks that make up your project.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This is the date you want the work to start on executing the task. It\u2019s simply the day, month and year. These dates might be estimations, but that\u2019s fine as they can always be changed. If you do edit your timeline, that information will instantly reflect on the visual side of the template. Estimating is a big part of project planning. You can use a PERT chart or the critical path method<\/a> to help you with this process. Again, this is the estimation of the task\u2019s conclusion. When you expect the work on the task to be completed or the deadline by which it must be done. Just add the day, month and year. This endpoint with the previous start point will chart your timeline.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In this field of the project timeline template, the amount of days between the start date and the end date is automatically calculated. This is called the duration or how long the task is estimated to take. Remember, these dates are your best estimation<\/a> of how long everything will take based on research. They\u2019ll likely change, but the template is designed to be flexible.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Not all project tasks are of equal importance. The priority level represents whether the task is high, medium or low priority. This information is helpful to both the project manager and the project team to better determine what tasks should take importance before others. This can also benefit resource allocation as it\u2019s easier to see what resources will be needed<\/a> to complete the high-priority tasks.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In the project deliverables<\/a> section, this is where you should get specific about what deliverables are tied to each task. While not every task is directly linked to a specific deliverable, many are. For example, for the \u201corder materials\u201d task, the correlated deliverable is \u201cpurchase orders.\u201d At a glance, it\u2019s easy to see what is expected for various deliverables and keeps teams better informed on expectations throughout the project timeline.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This Excel project timeline template also generates a project timeline for you, in the form of a stacked bar chart. Similar to a Gantt chart tool<\/a>, this chart lets you visualize tasks on a project timeline as shown in the image below.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This is a project metric<\/a> that closely tracks the progress of tasks within a project. For example, a task that is 50% complete means that half of the required work for that task has been completed. Having one streamlined place to track the progress of tasks helps oversee the pace of work and can spot potential delays. This data also provides project managers with a better understanding of the overall project health so they can make any needed adjustments.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n While this Excel template is extremely helpful, other related timeline templates<\/a> can help build and oversee project timelines.<\/p>\n The Google Slides project timeline template is a great tool for making basic timelines and sharing them with stakeholders. Since Google is a widely used tool, it\u2019s easy to collaborate on the timeline with internal and external stakeholders so everyone is on the same page.<\/p>\n The PowerPoint project timeline template is the ideal tool for explaining to project team members what their tasks are and the key dates associated with each task. We even show you a simple and straightforward process to build the template.<\/p>\n Use the program evaluation review technique (PERT) chart<\/a> template to schedule, organize and coordinate project tasks. It uses nodes to break down each task into more detail to provide information to the project manager about the minimal time needed to execute a project.<\/p>\n The critical path template makes it easy to calculate the critical path<\/a> of every project. This means the tasks that need to be completed to deliver the project successfully. In other words, it helps define the project length and create efficient schedules.<\/p>\n Creating a project timeline is only a small part of project planning. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve created a library of free project management templates<\/a> to help you plan, schedule and track projects. Here are some of them.<\/p>\n A timeline template provides the basis for defining when your project deliverables are due. Use project management software to turn that timeline into a dynamic schedule. ProjectManager<\/a> has online Gantt charts so you can build powerful project plans that link dependencies, set milestones and create subtasks. Plus, you can track the costs and resources needed to execute project activities. Set the baseline and then compare actual versus planned progress to keep on track. You can even see the critical path within your timeline to know what tasks are essential to achieving your goal.<\/p>\n Once you download your Excel project timeline template and start building your project plan, you\u2019ll quickly discover some roadblocks. Our free Excel template is a fine tool to get started or for a static visual document to outline the chronological tasks in your project. However, managing a project involves much more than just project timelines. If you\u2019re looking to super-size your timeline so that it\u2019s integrated into a holistic project management software then try out ProjectManager.<\/p>\n First, you\u2019ll want to take advantage of the free 30-day trial<\/a>. Then follow these steps. Get your Excel project timeline template into ProjectManager. It\u2019s easy. Just use the import button, choose the file and import. You can also just open the Gantt chart view on the software and input the data manually or use one of the many industry-specific templates to get started.<\/p>\n Import the project timeline Excel template and the information you collected will populate the Gantt chart. If you\u2019re starting from scratch, you\u2019ll have to add those start and finish dates in the appropriate columns. This will then reflect on the timeline side of the Gantt chart. You\u2019ll see the duration indicated by a bar connecting the start and endpoints.<\/p>\n Add milestones to your online Gantt chart. Your project milestones are represented by diamond icons on the timeline. They represent important dates in the project and are used to note the end of one project phase and the start of another. This breaks the project into more manageable bits. Connect tasks that are dependent on one another by simply dragging and dropping one to another. Dependent tasks are those that can\u2019t start or end until another starts or ends. Identifying these dependencies helps avoid bottlenecks later on in the project. Milestones and dependencies are just the beginning of how using a project management tool can take your timeline to the next level. You can even assign tasks from the Gantt, attaching files and giving teams detailed descriptions of what needs to be done.<\/p>\n Then tag the task for priority or to make it easy to find. Our online tool gives your real-time data, which means that teams can collaborate on the same platform even if they\u2019re working remotely without having to download any files.<\/p>\n With our built-in resource tracking tools, it\u2019s easy to keep a close eye on project costs<\/a>. For example, use our team page to see who is under or overallocated on tasks to make adjustments accordingly. We also have secure timesheets that the team can submit for approval once they\u2019ve completed their tasks. The workload chart is also an essential tool for estimating and tracking project costs as there\u2019s a clear breakdown of hours, even for tracking subcontractors.<\/p>\n The critical path<\/a>\u00a0includes the tasks that must be completed for the project to be successful. Instead of calculating the critical path by hand, do so using our award-winning Gantt chart. This visualizes the critical path so project managers can help prioritize tasks and allocate resources accordingly. Simply add the tasks to the Gantt chart, assign start and end dates and link dependencies. Then, drag and drop tasks as needed to reassign them.<\/p>\n Managers can oversee their progress with dashboards<\/a> and reports. There\u2019s even a workload page to see who is overallocated and reallocate their work to keep teams productive. Once you\u2019ve imported your Excel timeline template into our software you have the tools you need to control every aspect of your project all from one place.<\/p>\n It organizes your work for greater efficiency. Why jump from one application to another and download countless files when all you need to bring in a successful project is altogether in one online tool? For more information, check our 5-step guide to make a timeline<\/a>.<\/p>\n For more information on how to create and manage a project timeline, watch the video below. Jennifer Bridges, PMP, gives you a number of crucial tips that can help you get the most out of your project timeline template.<\/p>\nWhen to Use a Project Timeline Template<\/h2>\n
![\"ProjectManager's](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Project-timeline-template-1600x640.png\")
<\/a>Why Use a Project Timeline Template?<\/h2>\n
Who Should Use a Project Timeline Template?<\/h2>\n
Project-Based Organizations<\/h3>\n
Project Management Offices (PMOs)<\/h3>\n
Project Managers<\/h3>\n
Department Heads or Functional Managers<\/h3>\n
Project Teams<\/h3>\n
What Is Included in This Free Project Timeline Template for Excel?<\/h2>\n
General Project Information<\/h3>\n
![\"ProjectManager's](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Project-timeline-template-general-project-information.png\")
\nProject Scheduling Data<\/h3>\n
![\"ProjectManager's](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Project-timeline-template-project-scheduling-data-600x315.png\")
\nStacked Bar Chart<\/h3>\n
![\"ProjectManager's](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Project-timeline-template-stacked-bar-chart-600x264.png\")
\nBenefits of Using an Excel Project Timeline Template<\/h2>\n
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Disadvantages of Using an Excel Project Timeline Template<\/h2>\n
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How to Use This Free Project Timeline Template for Excel<\/h2>\n
1. Create a Task List<\/h3>\n
![\"Filling](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Project-timeline-template-for-Excel-task-list.png\")
\n2. Add Due Dates<\/h3>\n
![\"Adding](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Project-timeline-template-adding-due-dates.png\")
\n3. Calculate the Duration of Each Task<\/h3>\n
![\"Using](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Project-timeline-template-estimating-task-duration.png\")
\n4. Assign a Priority Level to Project Tasks<\/h3>\n
![\"Assigning](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Project-timeline-template-assigning-priority-levels.png\")
\n5. Identify Project Deliverables<\/h3>\n
![\"Identify](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Project-timeline-template-identify-key-deliverables.png\")
\n6. Create a Visual Project Timeline<\/h3>\n
![\"Stacked](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Project-timeline-template-stacked-bar-chart.png\")
\n7. Track the Percentage of Completion of Tasks<\/h3>\n
![\"Monitor](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Project-timeline-template-project-scheduling-data-table-1.png\")
\nWhat Other Project Management Templates Can Help You Build a Project Timeline?<\/h2>\n
Google Slides Project Timeline Template<\/a><\/h3>\n
PowerPoint Project Timeline Template<\/a><\/h3>\n
PERT Chart Template<\/a><\/h3>\n
Critical Path Template<\/a><\/h3>\n
Project Management Software Takes Project Timeline Templates Further than Excel<\/h2>\n
![\"ProjectManager's](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Manufacturing-gantt-chart-light-mode-costs-exposed--1600x772.png\")
<\/a>How to Import your Excel Project Timeline Template Into ProjectManager<\/h2>\n
![\"ProjectManager's](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/import-light-mode-pop-up-1600x748.png\")
\nAdd Start and End Dates<\/h3>\n
![\"ProjectManager's](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/how-to-make-a-gantt-chart-example.webp\")
<\/a>\nSet Project Milestones<\/h3>\n
![\"how](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/how-to-make-a-gantt-chart-identify-project-milestones.webp\")
<\/a><\/p>\nLink Task Dependencies<\/h3>\n
![\"how](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/how-to-make-a-gantt-chart-linking-task-dependencies.webp\")
<\/a>\nAllocate Resources and Estimate Project Costs<\/h3>\n
![\"ProjectManager's](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/construction-gantt-resources-costs-150-1600x856.jpg\")
<\/a>\nIdentify the Critical Path<\/h3>\n
![\"ProjectManager's](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/critical-path-light-mode-gantt-construction-1-1600x772.png\")
<\/a>\nMonitor Project Progress with Real-Time Project Dashboards and Reports<\/h3>\n
![\"ProjectManager's](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Dashboard-IT-Light-2554x1372-1-1600x860.png\")
<\/a>\nProject Timeline Tutorial Video<\/h2>\n