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Free Project Timeline Template for PPT

Show your project plan on one clear slide. Start from a template, or open the maker and type your phases.

How to build a project timeline slide

  1. List the phases, such as discovery, design, build, test and launch, with the date each one starts or ends.
  2. Mark the decision points your audience cares about: approvals, go/no-go meetings, launch day.
  3. Pick a layout. Arrow process for sequential phases, classic line for dated milestones, Gantt for overlapping work.
  4. Add one-line notes only where they change a decision, e.g. “needs legal sign-off”.
  5. Download the .pptx and paste it into your status deck. Update it each week in seconds by reopening the maker.

Project timeline examples

  • Website redesign: discovery → wireframes → design → build → QA → launch over 10 weeks.
  • Product launch: kickoff, research, beta, launch and review across two quarters.
  • Event planning: venue, speakers, ticket sales, final agenda and event day.
  • Employee onboarding: week 1 welcome through week 12 review.

Project timeline vs. Gantt chart

A project timeline answers “when are the big moments?”, which suits sponsors and clients. A Gantt chart answers “who is doing what, and what overlaps?”, which suits the delivery team. Many status decks use both: a timeline slide up front and a Gantt chart in the appendix. Both are available here as editable timeline PPT templates; see also roadmap templates for longer-range plans.

Common mistakes on project timeline slides

  • Listing every task: use phases, and link to the plan for details.
  • Mixing “Week 3”, “14 March” and “Q2” on one slide.
  • Even spacing that hides a long gap. Use “To scale” spacing when timing matters.
  • No status: add “On track”, “At risk” or today's phase to the subtitle.

Project timeline template FAQ

What is a project timeline template?

A slide that shows a project's phases and key milestones in date order, so a sponsor or client can see the plan at a glance. It is simpler than a Gantt chart: it shows when things happen, not every task and dependency.

How many milestones should a project timeline have?

Five to seven is ideal for one slide. Combine small tasks into phases, and keep detailed task lists in your project tool or in a Gantt chart.

Can I show week numbers instead of dates?

Yes. Type “Week 1”, “Week 4” and so on. You can also use “Day 30” or “Q2 2026”. With Classic, Cards and Minimal styles, To-scale spacing works with these too.

How do I make a Gantt chart in PowerPoint?

Choose the Gantt / swimlanes style (Pro), enter a start and end date for each task and, optionally, a team. The maker draws the time axis and bars as editable PowerPoint shapes.