Quick answer
To use timeline view in Notion, open or create a database, click the + next to your existing views, select Timeline, and choose a date property to plot entries. Drag items to reschedule them, resize edges to adjust duration, group by status, and add dependencies to visualize how project phases connect.
Steps at a glance
- Create a new page or open an existing database
- Click the + icon to add a Timeline view
- Select a date property to plot entries chronologically
- Drag timeline cards to reschedule dates instantly
- Resize card edges to change item duration
- Group or filter entries by status, owner, or priority
- Share the page or invite members to collaborate
Summary
Timeline view in Notion displays database entries along a horizontal calendar, letting you plan projects, sprints, or launches by date. It's built directly into Notion's database system, so any database with a date property can be viewed as a timeline instantly, without extra setup or paid plans.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1
Create or open a database for your timeline
Timeline view works on top of any Notion database, so start by opening one you already have or building a new one. If you're starting fresh, you can /guides/notion/create-a-database and add columns like status, owner, or start and end dates before switching views. Existing task lists, project trackers, or content calendars all work as a base for a timeline.
Step 2
Add a Timeline view
Click the + icon next to your existing view tabs at the top of the database, or type /timeline on a blank line to insert one directly. From the view type menu, select "Timeline." Notion generates a horizontal chart plotting each database entry across a calendar, using whichever date property it finds first.
Step 3
Choose the date property Notion uses to plot entries
Since timelines rely on dates, click the view's settings (the ••• menu) and confirm which date property is driving the chart — this could be a due date, start date, or a custom date field. If your database doesn't have one yet, add a date property from the property panel first. Entries without a date value won't appear on the timeline until you set one.
Step 4
Start from a template if you want a head start
If you'd rather not build a timeline from scratch, open the template picker when creating a new page and search for project or roadmap templates that already include a Timeline view. You can also browse ready-made options using /guides/notion/add-templates to pull in a pre-built structure and adjust the properties afterward.
Step 5
Customize layout, zoom, and grouping
Use the zoom controls in the top-right corner of the timeline to switch between day, week, month, quarter, or year views depending on how granular your project is. Group entries by status, owner, or category from the view settings, and layer on filters or sorting the same way you would in any other view.
Step 6
Reschedule items and add dependencies
Drag a timeline bar left or right to shift its dates, or drag either edge to shorten or extend its duration — changes save automatically to the underlying database. To show how tasks relate, connect entries with dependencies so shifting one item visually flags the ones that follow it, and consider nesting related work as sub-items for more detail.
Step 7
Share your timeline with your team
Once your timeline reflects the current plan, click Share in the top-right corner of the page to set permissions and generate a link. Add teammates as editors so they can update dates directly on the chart, and manage who has access by inviting people to the workspace.
Why this matters
You're juggling a product launch with dozens of overlapping tasks, and a simple list isn't showing you what's happening when. Switching to timeline view turns your database into a visual schedule, so you can spot conflicts, reassign dates by dragging, and keep every teammate aligned on deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a paid Notion plan to use timeline view?
No. Timeline view is available on Notion's free plan for any database, though workspaces on paid plans may have higher limits on total blocks and file uploads.
Can I add sub-items or dependencies to a timeline?
Yes. You can nest sub-items under a main entry for more detailed project breakdowns, and add dependencies to visually connect tasks that rely on each other's completion dates.
Can timeline dates sync with a regular calendar app?
Yes. You can connect a database with date properties to Notion Calendar, which lets you see your timeline entries alongside other meetings and appointments, and update dates from either place.
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