How-To Guide

How to Create a Timeline with SlickTimeline

This guide shows how to create a professional timeline quickly, customize the look, export it, and save it for later editing using the built-in project code feature.

Quick Start (2 minutes) Adding Phases / Tasks Adding Milestones Customize Timeline Style Export to SVG / PNG / PDF Save and Load with Project Code

Quick Start (2 Minutes)

  1. Open SlickTimeline.
  2. Enter a timeline title in the Project section.
  3. Add phases with start and end dates.
  4. Add milestones for key events (approval, launch, sign-off).
  5. Preview the timeline live and export it for presentation use.
Tip: Start with the built-in Examples dropdown, then edit the data to fit your use case.

Adding Phases / Tasks

Phases are the horizontal bars on the timeline. Each phase has a name, a start date, an end date, a color, and an optional description.

How to add a phase

  1. Click the + button in the Phases / Tasks section.
  2. Enter the phase name.
  3. Set the Start and End dates.
  4. Choose a phase color (HEX input is supported).
  5. Add an optional description for supporting context.

Editing faster

  • Click a phase bar in the preview to jump directly to that phase card in the editor.
  • Use the up/down arrows on the phase card to reorder rows in the chart.
  • Collapse cards you are not editing to reduce scrolling.

Adding Milestones

Milestones are single-date markers such as approvals, launches, deadlines, or sign-offs.

  1. Click the + button in the Milestones section.
  2. Enter a milestone name and date.
  3. Choose a color for the marker.
  4. Optionally add a note (displayed in the editor and available for future enhancement).
Tip: Milestone labels are clickable in the preview. Hover for a tooltip, then click to jump to the milestone card.

Customize Timeline Style (Without Overpowering Your Colors)

The Timeline Style control changes the timeline chrome (background tint, borders, title and axis styling) without overriding your phase and milestone colors.

  • Paper White (default): clean white presentation look
  • Graphite: more executive / neutral
  • Teal Gray: modern and calm
  • Muted Indigo: subtle premium feel
  • Warm Steel: understated warm neutral

Use Theme Mode (Light/Dark) for builder display preference and export preview style.

Export to SVG, PNG, or PDF

The builder supports multiple export options from the preview toolbar.

  • SVG: best for editing in design tools and scaling without quality loss
  • PNG: best for slide decks, docs, and quick sharing
  • PDF: uses your browser’s print dialog (Save as PDF)
Tip: For presentations, PNG and PDF are usually the fastest options. Use SVG when you need scalable or editable vector output.

Save and Load Later with Project Code (No Upload Required)

SlickTimeline includes a copy/paste project code workflow. You can keep your timeline code in Notes, Notepad, Google Docs, or any text tool, then paste it back later to continue editing.

How to save your work

  1. Click Code in the preview toolbar.
  2. The modal opens with your current timeline code already filled in.
  3. Click Copy Code.
  4. Paste the code into your preferred text storage tool.

How to continue editing later

  1. Open the builder again.
  2. Click Code.
  3. Paste your saved code into the code box.
  4. Click Load Code.
PTL1.<encoded-project-payload>.<checksum>

The code is versioned and designed for portability, so it can evolve as new features are added.

Best Practices for Cleaner Timelines

  • Use short phase names and milestone names for readability.
  • Use milestone markers only for key events (avoid overloading the chart).
  • Keep colors consistent by category or phase type.
  • Reorder phases/milestones using up/down controls to improve presentation flow.
  • Use the preview-first workflow: click visual elements to edit quickly.
Ready to build your timeline?
Open the free builder and create a presentation-ready timeline in minutes.
Open Free Builder