Timeline template

Track your project's progress and ensure on-time delivery.

What is a timeline template?

A timeline template is a tool that helps you plan, organize, and track the stages and tasks of a project over time. It’s a visual diagram that outlines key milestones and deadlines your team needs to know. By providing a clear and accessible timeline, you empower the one in five knowledge workers who spend 11+ hours in meetings each week to stay informed and focused without the need for yet another time-consuming meeting. By using a timeline template, you can see and track the phases of a project or workstream and quickly share with others what to expect. Get started on your own template, with Mural as your online timeline maker.

Benefits of using a timeline template

• A project timeline template helps keep your project organized and visible from a high level, making it easier for your team to stay on the same page.

• Get visibility into when everything is due. A project timeline template ensures everyone is accountable for their portion of the project.

• Seeing progress and upcoming milestones can be a huge motivation for your team, keeping momentum going throughout the project.

• Use a visual timeline to identify potential bottlenecks or issues before they become major problems, allowing for proactive adjustments.

How to use the timeline template

Step 1: Define your project’s scope

Start by outlining the overall objectives and deliverables of the project. A collaborative timeline may require input from multiple stakeholders, so get clear on the scope before you begin.

Step 2: Identify key milestones

What are the major milestones or phases of the project? Think of your mural as a project tracking template. Identify significant points or achievements that mark the completion of a major segment of the project.

Step 3: Create the timeline

Now, the fun part of project visualization — load tasks, milestones, and dates into your timeline. Don’t be afraid to make it look as fun and engaging as your team is. Need to get your creative juices flowing? Here’s an example we’ve whipped up for you.

Step 4: Assign responsibilities and send to your project team

Allocate tasks to team members, ensuring everyone knows their roles and deadlines. Send out your visual project plan to the team so they’re fully aware of their roles in the project.

Tips for using our timeline template

• Set clear objectives: Clarity makes every project move more smoothly, so make sure that you have defined goals before kicking off.

• Teamwork makes the dream work: Encourage team members to add their insights and updates to the timeline so they can stay aligned and accountable. 

• Integrate your other project tools: Mural can sync with your other tools, like your project management software, to streamline your workflow and ensure that your timeline aligns with other project elements.