Timeline template for Google Docs

Edit the timeline below, open Export & share and choose Copy as image, then paste it into your Google Doc with Ctrl+V (Cmd+V on a Mac). Prefer a file? Export a PNG and use Insert → Image → Upload from computer.

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Drawing a timeline inside Google Docs

  1. Go to Insert → Drawing → New.
  2. Draw a straight line with the Line tool, then add small shapes for each event.
  3. Add a text box above or below each shape with the date and a label.
  4. Press Save and close to drop the drawing into your doc.

It works, but every marker is placed by hand, so keeping events to scale means measuring yourself, and moving one date means nudging shapes around. Building the timeline here and pasting the image is faster.

Google Docs timeline questions

Does Google Docs have a timeline template?

Google Docs has no built-in timeline tool or dedicated timeline template, so most people draw one with Insert → Drawing or paste in an image made elsewhere. Google Slides does have timeline diagrams (Insert → Diagram → Timeline).

How do I insert this timeline into Google Docs?

Choose Export & share → Copy as image and paste into the doc. If copying is blocked, export a PNG and use Insert → Image → Upload from computer.

Can I make a timeline from a Google Sheets list?

Yes. Copy the rows in Sheets (title, start date, optional end date, category, note), choose Paste from spreadsheet under the timeline and paste. Then copy the finished timeline into your doc.

Is this OK for school projects?

Yes. It is free, needs no account or email, and works on Chromebooks. Timelines are saved in the browser, so export a JSON backup or copy a share link before switching computers.