The 8 best project management timeline templates in 2024

Are you feeling swamped by deadlines? You’re not alone! Managing a project can get messy pretty quickly without the right tools. That’s where project management timeline template comes to the rescue. Whether you're juggling multiple projects or just trying to streamline your workflow, a project timeline template could be just what you need!  

What is a project timeline template? 

A project timeline template maps out an entire project from start to finish, so you know exactly where you’re going and how to get there. Think of it as an upgraded calendar that helps you keep track of tasks and deadlines. Whether you’re managing a marketing campaign, product launch, or a web development project, a project timeline template makes it easier to keep everything on track. 

A project timeline template can also help with task prioritization, tracking milestones, and resource allocation. It allows everyone on the team to see when tasks are due, who is responsible for what, and how each task affects the overall project. For projects with tight deadlines or complex workflows having a well-structured timeline keeps everything running smoothly. 

In this article, we dive into how these templates work, why they’re a total game-changer for managing projects, and how to customize them to fit your specific needs. Ready to get your project across the finish line? Let’s jump in! 

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8 best project timeline templates 

When it comes to managing projects, having the right project timeline template can make all the difference. Whether you’re tracking client deliverables or just trying to keep everything on schedule, the right tool will help you stay organized and on track. 

Here are eight of the best project management timeline templates to try in 2024: 

1. Teamwork.com  

If you’re struggling to manage multiple clients and projects, and to keep your team on the same page, Teamwork.com is your go-to solution. 

It’s not just about managing tasks; it’s about optimizing how your entire team works together, ensuring that every project is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. Teamwork.com’s project timeline template gives you a bird’s-eye view of your entire project, allowing you to plan, track, and adjust. 

Pros:  

• Comprehensive task management: With Teamwork.com, you can break down big projects into manageable tasks and subtasks, assign them to the right team members, and track progress in real time. This level of detail ensures that nothing gets overlooked, no matter how many moving parts your project has. 

• Gantt chart view: The project timeline in Teamwork.com isn’t just a static calendar—it’s a dynamic Gantt chart that lets you see how all the pieces fit together. You can easily adjust timelines by dragging and dropping tasks, making it easy to see the bigger picture. 

• Time management: Teamwork.com goes beyond just tracking tasks. It allows you to manage your resources effectively, showing you who’s working on what, how much time they’ve logged in, and whether they’re on track to meet deadlines. This is perfect for agencies where resource allocation can make or break a project. 

• Client collaboration: Client relationships are the foundation of any successful business. With Teamwork.com you can share timelines and updates directly with clients, and it’s easy to keep them in the loop without overwhelming them with long emails. This helps build trust and keeps projects running smoothly. 

• Scalability: Whether you’re a small agency or a large corporation, Teamwork.com scales with your needs. You can manage multiple projects and teams all within the same platform, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking to grow without having to search for a new tool each time. 

• Customizable templates: No two projects are the same, and Teamwork.com recognizes that. You can customize the project timeline template to fit the unique requirements of each project or client, resulting in better workflows. 

Cons:  

• Learning curve: It might take a little time to get used to all the features, but the good news is that Teamwork.com offers 24/7 support, and its Academy provides all the training videos you’ll need to get the show on the road. 

2. Excel project timeline template

If you prefer the basics, the Excel project timeline template is a good choice. It’s like having a blank canvas that you can shape to your exact needs. Excel’s straightforward grid format is perfect for those who enjoy detailed customization and a hands-on approach to project management. 

Excel Pros:  

• Easy to use: Most people are already familiar with Excel, which means you can hit the ground running without a steep learning curve. The interface is user-friendly, and you can quickly set up your timeline using basic functions you might already know. 

• Highly customizable: You can use formulas, colors, and conditional formatting to tailor your timeline to fit your project needs. 

Excel Cons:  

• Manual updates required: If a task gets delayed or a deadline changes, you must tweak the dates and details yourself. This can be time-consuming, especially if you’re juggling multiple projects. 

• Limited advanced features: While Excel is great for a basic project timeline, it doesn’t come with advanced project management features. You won’t get things like automatic reminders, detailed Gantt charts, or tools for tracking who’s working on what, which can cause delays.

3. Google Sheets project timeline template 

Google Sheets offers a cloud-based solution that’s perfect for real-time collaboration. If you need a timeline that’s accessible from anywhere and can be edited by multiple people at once, Google Sheets is perfect for you. 

Google Sheets Pros:  

• Real-time collaboration: Google Sheets lets multiple people work on a project at the same time. Everyone can see changes immediately, which makes it easy to collaborate and keep everyone on the same page. 

• Free to use: Google Sheets is completely free if you have a Google account, so you don’t have to worry about additional costs. It’s a great choice if you have a limited budget. 

Google Sheets Cons:  

• Basic functionality: While great for simple timelines, Google Sheets doesn’t offer advanced project management features like task management or time tracking. This will make it harder to see where you're spending most of your time. 

• Limited customization: The visual and functional customization options are more basic compared to other tools. Creating visually appealing project timeline charts might require extra effort and creativity. 

4. Notion project timeline template 

Notion integrates timelines with other productivity features in one flexible workspace. If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution that combines notes, tasks, and project planning, Notion could be a great fit.

Notion Pros:  

• Highly customizable: You can tweak the timeline to fit your exact needs, whether that means adjusting the layout or integrating other Notion features. It’s flexible enough to adapt to a variety of project styles and workflows. 

• Collaborative: Team members can easily collaborate within Notion, sharing updates and making changes in real-time. It’s great for keeping everyone in sync and hitting deadlines. 

Notion Cons:  

• Complex setup: Setting up a detailed timeline or complex projects in Notion might require more effort and customization compared to other tools. As a result, you might need to spend a bit of time learning how to use the tool. 

• Performance issues: Notion can sometimes be a bit slow, which might affect your workflow if you’re handling big projects. 

5. Miro project timeline template 

Miro is an online collaborative whiteboard platform that’s designed to help teams brainstorm, plan, and execute projects visually. It’s widely used for everything from brainstorming sessions to complex project management, offering a flexible canvas where teams can map out ideas, timelines, and workflows in real-time. 

Miro Pros:  

• Highly visual: Miro’s project timeline template is visual, making it easy to see your entire project at a glance. It allows team members to quickly grasp the project’s scope. 

• Flexible and customizable: The template is highly customizable, so you can easily adapt it to suit the specific needs of your project. 

Miro Cons:  

• Limited offline access: Since Miro is cloud-based, you won’t be able to read whiteboards offline, which might cause delays if you’re on the go. 

• Lacks intuitive interface: You might find yourself trying to click or drag in a certain way, expecting a specific action, but Miro doesn’t always respond as expected. This can lead to some frustration as you try to get projects set up. 

6. Float project timeline template 

Float’s project timeline template is a straightforward tool designed to help teams stay on top of their schedules and resources. With its user-friendly interface, it's perfect for visualizing how tasks and deadlines line up across your project. 

Float Pros:  

• Easy to use: The intuitive drag-and-drop feature allows you to adjust tasks and deadlines by simply dragging items on the timeline, which makes work a breeze. 

• Customizable views: You can easily switch between different views (like weekly or monthly) to get the perspective you need, whether you’re looking at daily tasks or project phases. 

Float Cons:  

• Limited access: You can only access the project timeline template on the paid plan. 

• Lacks financial integration: Float doesn’t handle financial tasks like tracking revenue and resource allocation. You might need to use other tools to keep track of this information and handle invoicing. 

7. Linear project timeline template 

Linear is a project management tool that simplifies your workflow with its clean and intuitive timeline template. It gives you a straightforward way to plan and track your projects, making it easy to stay on top of deadlines. 

Linear Pros:  

• Straightforward design: Linear’s timeline template is super easy to use with its no-fuss design. You can quickly set up and manage your project without getting bogged down by complex features. 

• Seamless integration: It integrates smoothly with other tools you might be using, like GitHub or Slack, which helps keep everything in sync and saves you from juggling multiple platforms. 

Linear Cons:  

• Limited customization: The template’s simplicity can be a double-edged sword because it’s not very customizable, so if you need specific features or tweaks, you might find it a bit restrictive. 

• Basic reporting: The reporting features are basic, so if you need in-depth analysis or custom reports, you might use other tools to fill in the gaps. 

8. Microsoft Word project timeline template 

Microsoft Word isn’t just for writing documents; it can also be used to create project timelines with its built-in templates. It’s a go-to option if you’re looking for something simple and familiar. 

Microsoft Word Pros:  

• Customizable: You can easily tweak the template to fit your needs, from changing colors and fonts to adding extra details, making it quite versatile for basic projects. 

• No extra costs: If you already have Microsoft Office, you also have access to its additional features, including the project timeline template. 

Microsoft Word Cons:  

• Limited functionality: Word’s timeline templates are basic and might not offer the advanced features you’re looking for, like resource management and Gantt charts. 

• Manual updates: Keeping your timeline up to date requires manual updates, which can be a hassle if your project scope frequently changes. 

Why Teamwork.com’s project management templates are perfect for your business 

Teamwork.com’s project management template is like having a personal assistant for your projects ---- it keeps everything running smoothly and efficiently. It’s not just about having a bunch of features, it's about how those features work together to make your job easier.  

Teamwork.com is designed to fit your workflow seamlessly, helping you manage tasks, track progress, and collaborate with your team without the usual headaches. It’s all about giving you a clear view of your projects and making sure nothing falls through the cracks. Teamwork.com has you covered, making project management less of a chore and more of a breeze.

Project timeline template FAQ's

What are the benefits of a good project timeline template? 

1. Organized sequences: A project timeline template helps you line up tasks in the right order. A good timeline ensures you’re always one step ahead. 

2. Clear deadlines: Deadlines are the bread and butter of project management. The right project timeline template helps you set and stick to them, making sure nothing slips through the cracks.  

3. Tracking milestones: Your team's achievements keep everyone motivated. A timeline template lets you mark and track these milestones so you can celebrate progress along the way. 

4. Smooth co-ordination: Some tasks can’t start until others are finished, and keeping track of these is crucial. A good project timeline template helps you visualize these connections, so you’re not blindsided when one task affects another. 

5. Resource allocation: Whether it’s team members, budget, or materials, project timeline templates help you allocate resources effectively, avoiding bottlenecks and ensuring everything runs smoothly. 

What types of projects does a project timeline template work for? 

A project timeline template works for any project where you need to keep track of deadlines, whether it's a simple task list or a bit project with many stages.  

What’s the difference between a project timeline and a Gantt chart?  

A project timeline is a basic visual representation of your project’s schedule, while a Gantt chart is a more detailed version that shows task dependencies and progress overtime. 

Who should create and manage the project timeline template?  

Typically, the project manager creates and manages the project timeline template to ensure it aligns with the project’s goals. 

When should you build out your project timeline template?  

You should build out your project timeline template as soon as you start planning the project, so you have a clear roadmap from the start and can adjust it as needed. 

How can you ensure your project timeline template is effective at keeping your project on schedule?  

To keep your project on schedule, regularly update the timeline with actual progress, communicate any changes to your team, and make changes to address any delays or issues.