Quick answer
Create a blank Coda doc, name it, then type /table to build a feature list with columns for status, priority, owner, and dates. Add a /timeline view linked to that table, set start and end date fields, then share the doc with your team to collaborate on updates.
Steps at a glance
- Click '+ Blank Doc' to start a new roadmap document
- Name the doc so your team can find it
- Type /table to create your feature-tracking table
- Add columns for status, priority, dates, and owner
- Type /timeline and select the table as its source
- Set Start Date and End Date fields
- Share the doc and assign owners to features
Summary
A Coda product roadmap combines a structured table of features with a visual timeline view, all inside one live document. Instead of a static spreadsheet, your team edits the same source data and sees roadmap changes reflected instantly across every view.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1
Start a new document
Open Coda and click '+ Blank Doc' from your workspace home screen. This gives you an empty canvas to build your roadmap structure from scratch, without any preset formatting to work around.
Step 2
Name your roadmap
Click the title field at the top of the doc and give it a clear, descriptive name like 'Q3 Product Roadmap' or '2025 Feature Roadmap.' A specific name helps teammates find the right doc quickly if you're managing multiple projects, and you can organize related documents further using pages.
Step 3
Insert your feature table
Click the + icon on a new line, type /table, and select 'Table' from the menu. This table becomes the single source of data that every other view in your roadmap, including the timeline, will pull from.
Step 4
Build out your columns
Add columns for feature name, status, priority, release date, and owner so the table captures everything your team needs to track. You can always add more columns to the table later as your workflow evolves, and use rows for each new feature as ideas come in.
Step 5
Add a timeline view
On a new line, type /timeline and select 'Timeline' from the menu, then choose your feature table as the data source. This turns your flat list of features into a visual, chronological view of what's shipping when.
Step 6
Set your date fields
Open the timeline view's configuration options and map the 'Start Date' and 'End Date' columns from your table to the timeline's date fields. Coda will automatically plot each feature as a bar spanning its planned build and launch window.
Step 7
Assign owners and share the doc
Use the owner column to assign tasks to specific teammates, then click 'Share' in the top-right corner to invite collaborators. Everyone with access can update statuses or dates directly, and the timeline view refreshes automatically.
Why this matters
You're juggling scattered spreadsheets, sticky notes, and slide decks to explain what's shipping next, and stakeholders keep asking for updates. Building the roadmap directly in Coda gives everyone one live source of truth, so status changes and date shifts show up instantly without you resending files.
Frequently asked questions
Can I build a full product roadmap on Coda's free plan?
Yes. Tables, timeline views, and doc sharing with a reasonable number of collaborators are all available on Coda's free plan, making it possible to build and maintain a complete roadmap without upgrading.
Do I need to start from a template?
No, you can build a roadmap from a blank doc as described in this guide, but starting from a pre-built roadmap template can save setup time if you want standard columns and views already in place.
How do I show roadmap progress at a glance?
Use a status column with values like 'Planned,' 'In Progress,' and 'Shipped,' then color-code or filter the timeline view by status so anyone opening the doc can immediately see where each feature stands.
Can I turn my roadmap into a Kanban-style view instead?
Yes, since the timeline and table both pull from the same data, you can add a separate [Kanban board view](/guides/coda/create-a-kanban-board) grouped by status alongside your timeline for a different way to track progress.
Related guides
Continue with more step-by-step guides for getting work done.
How to Add Columns to a Coda TableLearn how to add, rename, and configure new columns in a Coda table using the built-in plus button and column type menu.
How to Add Rows to a Coda TableLearn how to add rows to a Coda table using the plus icon, keyboard shortcuts, or right-click menu for precise row placement.
How to Assign Tasks in CodaLearn how to assign tasks in Coda using Person-type columns, filters, and sharing settings so every team member sees exactly what they own.
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