Timeline.js

Let's work through our The Life and Times of Malcolm X example using Timeline.js. Remember, before you get to a point where you are using a tool to create your timeline, you should have all of your information/research about your topic gathered and easily available. This will make the process much faster and easier. Once more, the template we have created can take you a far way to getting there:

Timeline development worksheet - Blank-2.docx

At the point of working with the tool, your template should be filled out, so that you can easily transfer information over.

Follow these steps to begin creating a timeline using Timeline.js

Navigate to the Timeline.js website.

Start here - this is a video that gives you a high level overview of creating a digital timeline using Timeline.js and the steps that you need to complete to create a timeline.

2. You will need to create a Google spreadsheet to create your timeline. Timeline.js provides you with a template. You can download it here, and add it to your own Google Drive by selecting "Make a Copy:

Get the Spreadsheet Template

Timeline.js has lots of tips for working with this Google Spreadsheet, which you can find here:

Making a Timeline from Google SpreadsheetsLinks to an external site.

Each row of the template acts as one event/milestone/node that you want to highlight, much like the template document that you would have filled out prior to working with your selected tool.

3. The content in your template will transfer over to the content that you need to fill out in Timeline.js Google sheet. Not all of the fields might fit exactly, but most will. Be consistent in how you fill the fields out.

Please look at the example using the Life and Times of Malcolm X:

First, I collected all of my information using the template using research that I had previously done. Each row is an event I want to highlight in his life

Because I had taken the step to prepare this in advance, I am able to easily copy over the information to the Timeline.js spreadsheet, which you can see here: Malcolm X example Timeline template.docx

You would fill out the rows, one by one, with the various moments/events relevant to your own topic. Once you complete the template, you can simply start copying over the necessary information to the Timeline.js' Google sheet template. The initial information gathering helps you to stay organized, and helps keep all of your information in one spot.

Work through your own content, event by event (or row by row), until your spreadsheet is complete. You can edit this Google Sheet at any time.

4. Once it is complete, you can publish your Google sheet by going to File --> Share --> Publish to the Web.

5. Once your spreadsheet is published, you will need to generate a link that you can then easily share. Follow the instructions on the Timeline.js --> Make a TimelineLinks to an external site.. Copy the published link on your Google Sheet.

To find this information, go to your File--> Share --> Publish to the Web, and copy the necessary link to publish the timeline, as it should appear for you:

Image of published Google Sheets link that needs to be copied over

Meanwhile, have the Timeline.js website open as well. Paste the link from your published sheet into Timeline.js's link generator, which you can find about halfway down the page, or alternatively, here: https://timeline.knightlab.com/#make

Image of where to paste your Google Sheet link using the Timeline.js generator

6. You can then generate a link that you will be able to share (both link and embed code). You can copy the link (and the embed code, if you would like) to be able to share with others. Here is the completed Life and Times of Malcolm X timeline.Links to an external site.