How to Use Excel for Project Timelines

1. Open the Excel worksheet.
2. Click the 'Insert' tab on the command ribbon.
3. Click the 'SmartArt' button in the 'Illustrations' group. A dialog box with a list of commands and timeline diagrams appears.
4. Click 'Process' in the list.
5. Click the preferred timeline diagram.
6. Click 'OK.' A 'SmartArt Tools' ribbon appears. The timeline template appears on the worksheet.
7. Type the text in the '[Text]' area. A text pane appears to the side. If the text pane does not display, click the left-arrow control on the side of the timeline to open. The text box can display dates, events or other project news for your timeline.
8. Click the 'Design' or 'Format' tabs on the ribbon for more options, such as changing the layout or color. For example, the timeline can appear at an angle when you click the 'Bird's Eye Scene' button in the 'SmartArt Styles' group in the 'Design' tab.
9. Move or re-size the template by pulling on the frame handles.