21 Best Office Timeline Alternatives Reviewed In 2024
Best Office Timeline Alternatives Shortlist
Here’s my pick of the 10 best software from the 21 tools reviewed.
Get free help from our project management software advisors to find your match.
Finding the right tool for creating professional timelines is vital for effective project management and communication. While Office Timeline is a popular choice, several alternatives offer unique features and capabilities that might better suit your needs.
To help you find the best Office Timeline alternatives, I tested and reviewed several timeline software. Using my extensive experience in project management, I compared the results to determine the top solutions on the market. Whether you need enhanced customization, collaborative features, or integration with other software, these tools provide compelling options for any project.
What is Office Timeline?
Office Timeline is a user-friendly add-in for Microsoft PowerPoint that allows users to create visually appealing project timelines and Gantt charts. It simplifies the process of transforming complex project data into easy-to-understand visuals for reports, meetings, and presentations.
Why Look for an Office Timeline Alternative
Although Office Timeline is a valuable tool, there are several reasons you might be looking for an alternative. For example, you might find you and your team:
- Need More Features: Office Timeline might lack the advanced features necessary for managing complex project timelines. Exploring alternatives could provide the additional capabilities you need.
- Prefer Different Integrations: If you rely on tools outside of Microsoft Office, you might seek software that offers broader integration options. As a result, an alternative could better fit your workflow.
- Require Advanced Collaboration: Office Timeline's collaboration features may fall short of your team's requirements, leading you to find a tool that offers better collaborative capabilities.
- Desire Greater Flexibility: For more customization in your timelines, Office Timeline might be too limited. An alternative solution could offer the flexibility to tailor your timelines to your specific needs.
- Need Better Value: Office Timeline's pricing might not suit your budget or offer the value you expect. Looking at other options could provide a better balance between cost and features.
Exploring alternatives to Office Timeline can unlock new possibilities for your project management and presentation needs. By considering these alternatives, you can find a solution that perfectly aligns with your unique requirements and preferences.
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Best Office Timeline Alternatives Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Hub Planner | From $7/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Trello | From $5/user/month (billed annually) + free plan available | Website |
| ProofHub | From $45/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Preceden | From $10/user/month (billed annually) + free plan available | Website |
| Tiki-Toki | From $150/user (billed annually) | Website |
| Timeline Maker Pro | From $149 (one time purchase, billed annually) | Website |
| Gantt.io | From $8/user/month + free plan available | Website |
| GanttPRO | From $7.99/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Zoho Projects | From $4/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Wrike | From $10/user/month (min of 2 seats) | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare Software-
Wrike
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2 -
Hub Planner
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2 -
Miro
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8
Best Office Timeline Alternatives Reviews
Below, I’ll provide a detailed analysis and overview of each alternative to Office Timeline. Each review will outline the advantages and disadvantages, features, and ideal scenarios for each tool.
Hub Planner is a tool designed for scheduling and resource management. It stands out in resource planning due to its strategic overview of project allocations and team availability.
Why it's a good Office Timeline alternative:
Hub Planner provides an advanced view of resource scheduling and utilization. Its focus on avoiding overbooking and maximizing resource efficiency makes it suitable for those prioritizing detailed resource management over traditional timeline views.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include resource scheduling and management, project planning and forecasting, time tracking and timesheets, budget management, custom reporting and analytics, real-time availability and utilization tracking, and drag-and-drop interface for ease of use.
Integrations include Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, iCal, Zapier, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Seamless integration with other tools
- Robust reporting capabilities
- Intuitive resource scheduling
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Steep learning curve for new users
Trello is a tool that facilitates team collaboration on projects. It’s best for visual project management due to its intuitive boards, lists, and cards for a clear visual status of projects.
Why it's a good Office Timeline alternative: Trello offers a highly visual and intuitive interface for managing projects and timelines through customizable boards, lists, and cards. Its flexibility and ease of use make it ideal for teams to collaborate in real-time, track project progress, and manage tasks efficiently, without the need for extensive setup or training.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable boards, lists, cards, and other views such as Timeline and Calendar.
Integrations include Slack, Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, Evernote, GitHub, Mailchimp, Salesforce, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive integration options
- Multiple views for project tracking
- Intuitive and customizable interface
Cons:
- May lack advanced project management features for some users
- Paid plans may be costly for larger teams
ProofHub is a project management tool that simplifies team collaboration and project execution. It’s best for proofing and file approval due to its integrated markup tools that streamline the review process.
Why it's a good Office Timeline alternative: ProofHub offers advanced project management features without charging per user, making it a cost-effective alternative to Office Timeline. Its proofing and file approval capabilities stand out for teams that require efficient feedback and sign-off processes.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include task management with to-do lists and Kanban boards, Gantt chart project planning, time tracking, custom workflows, and file sharing. It also offers proofing tools for feedback and approvals, real-time collaboration with chat and discussions, project templates, and calendar integration.
Integrations include Dropbox, Google Drive, Box, and OneDrive.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive set of project management and collaboration features
- Unlimited users are allowed on both plans
- Flat pricing model with no per-user fee
Cons:
- May be higher cost for small teams
- Limited customer support
Preceden is a timeline maker designed for various applications, from project management to education. Its layer-based timeline views enable users to manage and visualize complex data efficiently.
Why it's a good Office Timeline alternative: Preceden’s distinctive layer-based views facilitate the organization of timelines with multiple activities. This capability is particularly beneficial for complex project management, positioning it as a noteworthy alternative to Office Timeline.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include unlimited timeline creation, unlimited event addition, and export options, including links, PDFs, images, HTML embeds, PowerPoint presentations, and spreadsheets.
Integrations include Microsoft Powerpoint and Microsoft Excel.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multiple export options for sharing and presentations
- AI-generated timelines for quick setup
- Layer-based views for complex timelines
Cons:
- No offline access
- Moderate learning curve
Tiki-Toki is a web-based timeline creation software that allows users to create interactive and visually appealing timelines. It’s suitable for various applications, from educational purposes to business presentations, and supports easy sharing and embedding of timelines on websites.
Why it's a good Office Timeline alternative: Tiki-Toki’s unique 3D timeline view offers a dynamic and visually engaging way to present historical data or project timelines. This makes it a compelling alternative to Office Timeline for those who want to add a new dimension to their presentations.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include interactive timeline creation, support for images, videos, and audio, multiple view options including 2D and 3D views, extensive customization options, embedding timelines on websites, sharing capabilities, category-based event filtering, collaboration tools for team projects, a variety of timeline templates, and easy integration with social media platforms.
Integrations include YouTube and Vimeo.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Web-based with no downloads required
- Interactive multimedia timelines with images, videos, and audio
- Unique 3D timeline visualization
Cons:
- Customization options may be limited compared to other tools
- Pricing may not be suitable for all budgets
Timeline Maker Pro is a strong timeline creation tool. It stands out for its auto-scheduling features, which streamline the process of organizing events on a timeline.
Why it's a good Office Timeline alternative: Timeline Maker Pro’s unique auto-scheduling capabilities helps teams automatically arrange events in a logical order. This feature is useful for creating timelines that require precise sequencing and scheduling, making it a strong alternative to Office Timeline.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include one-click timeline creation, intuitive event entry through a spreadsheet-style interface, customizable themes, various timeline formats like bar charts, Gantt charts, and flag charts, and options for printing, publishing, and sharing timelines in multiple formats.
Integrations include Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft PowerPoint.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- No annual license subscription fees
- One-click timeline chart creation with multiple styles
- Auto-scheduling features for efficient timeline organization
Cons:
- Primarily designed for Windows platforms
- Limited collaboration features
Gantt.io is a tool that simplifies the creation of Gantt charts with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. It's best for those who need a straightforward solution for charting project timelines.
Why it's a good Office Timeline alternative: Gantt.io provides teams with a user-friendly interface, which makes it easy to create and manage Gantt charts. Its simplicity and efficiency make it a strong alternative to Office Timeline, especially for users who prioritize ease of use over complex features.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include interactive Gantt charts, drag-and-drop functionality, multi-user editing, customizable templates, time-travel to view project history, and high-resolution export options.
Integrations include Google Ads and Microsoft PowerPoint.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- High-resolution and SVG exports
- Unlimited number of Gantt charts
- Simple drag-and-drop interface
Cons:
- No real-time collaboration
- Limited to 30 elements per chart on the free plan
GanttPRO is an online project management tool that leverages Gantt charts for planning and collaboration. It's interactive Gantt charts allow team members to work together synchronously, enhancing overall collaboration.
Why it's a good Office Timeline alternative: GanttPRO emphasizes collaboration and real-time updates, which are essential for dynamic project environments. Its ability to facilitate immediate communication and adjustments among team members makes it a strong alternative to Office Timeline.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include interactive Gantt chart creation, task and milestone tracking, project templates, resource management, custom fields and colors, budget tracking, time tracking, and project baselines for progress comparison.
Integrations include Slack, Google Drive, Jira, and Microsoft Teams.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Native integrations with popular tools
- Comprehensive project management features
- Real-time collaboration on Gantt charts
Cons:
- Some advanced features may have a learning curve
- A minimum of 5 seats is required for the starting price
Zoho Projects is a project management tool designed to help teams organize tasks, track milestones, and collaborate effectively. With features that cater to project timelines, task dependencies, and scheduling, Zoho Projects gives you flexibility in visualizing and managing project workflows.
Why it's a good Office Timeline alternative:
I chose Zoho Projects because of its advanced timeline management features, including Gantt charts, which provide a detailed view of project schedules and dependencies. With Gantt charts, you can easily map out project timelines, set milestones, and adjust deadlines as projects evolve, helping your team stay on track. Additionally, its dependency feature allows you to connect tasks that rely on one another, making it easy to visualize the sequence of project activities and monitor any delays.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include task management, Gantt chart customization, task dependencies, timeline visualization, issue tracking, project templates, task prioritization, timesheets, reporting tools, task recurrence, custom fields, and project calendars.
Integrations include Cliq, Bookings, TeamInbox, WorkDrive, Sign, Office Suite, ZeptoMail, Calendar, Learn, Voice, and ToDo.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable templates
- Document management for easy file storage
- Extensive timeline management
Cons:
- Mobile app has fewer features than desktop version
- Limited offline functionality
Wrike is a project management tool that helps teams plan, execute, and track their work. It offers various features to manage tasks, timelines, and resources effectively. With Wrike, you can organize projects, collaborate with your team, and monitor progress in real-time.
Why it's a good Office Timeline alternative:
Wrike's Gantt chart feature allows you to visualize your project timelines and dependencies, making it easier to plan and adjust schedules as needed. This helps your team stay on track and meet deadlines. Additionally, Wrike's dynamic request forms enable you to collect project information efficiently, ensuring all necessary details are captured upfront.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include workload management, time tracking, task prioritization, custom workflows, calendar view, file sharing, real-time editing, project templates, request forms, approvals, and reporting.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Adobe Creative Cloud, Google Drive, Microsoft SharePoint, OneDrive, Wrike for Gmail, Google Sheets, Power BI, Miro, and Trello.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Workflow automation capabilities
- Good resource management features
- Various project views such as Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and calendars
Cons:
- Limited storage on lower-tier plans
- Can be complicated to learn the platform
Other Office Timeline Alternatives
Below is a list of additional Office Timeline alternatives that I shortlisted. While they didn’t make the top 10, they’re still valuable and worth further research.
- Smartsheet
Best for spreadsheet-like project views
- Asana
Best for workflow automation
- Basecamp
Best for team collaboration tools
- Resource Guru
Best for resource management
- monday.com
Best for workflow automation
- Kantata
Best for professional services automation
- Jira
Best for Agile software development teams
- ProjectManager
Best for real-time project planning
- Visor
Best for streamlined budget tracking
- ClickUp
Best for task versatility
- GanttProject
Best for Microsoft Project compatibility
Related Project Management Software Reviews
If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these other related tools that we've tested and evaluated:
- Project Management Software
- Resource Management Software
- Workflow Automation Software
- Time Tracking Software
- Task Management Software
- Collaboration Tools
- Gantt Chart Maker
- Productivity Tools
- Project Tracking Software
- Project Scheduling Software
Office Timeline Alternatives Selection Criteria
The criteria for choosing an Office Timeline alternative should directly address buyer needs and common pain points, ensuring that the software serves its intended purpose effectively. As an expert who has personally tried and researched these tools, here are the requirements I use when evaluating software:
Core Functionality: 25% of Total Weighting Score
- Ability to create detailed and visually appealing timelines
- Features for adding, editing, and tracking tasks within the timeline
- Tools to mark and monitor significant project milestones
- Functionality to assign and manage resources effectively
- Features for generating progress reports and updates
Additional Standout Features: 25% of Total Weighting Score
- Offer simultaneous editing and live updates
- Features like critical path analysis provide deeper insights
- Unique templates to allow for highly personalized timelines
- Integrate seamlessly with other project management software
- Automated task scheduling enhances efficiency by adjusting timelines based on task dependencies.
Usability: 10% of Total Weighting Score
- A user-friendly design that minimizes the learning curve
- Simple task and timeline adjustments using drag-and-drop features
- Easy access across different devices and operating systems
- Flexible settings to tailor the tool to individual user preferences
- Interactive elements that enhance user engagement, such as clickable milestones and task links
Onboarding: 10% of Total Weighting Score
- Availability of comprehensive and easy-to-follow training videos
- Guided tours that help users familiarize themselves with the tool's features
- Pre-built templates to kickstart timeline creation
- Regularly scheduled webinars for in-depth learning
- Responsive chatbots that provide instant support and guidance
Customer Support: 10% of Total Weighting Score
- 24/7 customer support availability
- Quick response times for resolving issues
- Extensive online resources, including FAQs and documentation
- Access to dedicated support representatives for personalized assistance
- Active user communities for peer support and knowledge sharing
Value For Money: 10% of Total Weighting Score
- Competitive and flexible pricing plans that cater to different budget sizes
- High value in terms of features offered for the price
- Availability of a free trial period to evaluate the tool before purchase
- Discounts for long-term commitments or bulk purchases
- Clear and fair refund policies for unsatisfied customers
Customer Reviews: 10% of Total Weighting Score
- High overall satisfaction ratings from users
- Positive feedback regarding specific features and functionalities
- Consistent praise for ease of use and intuitive design
- Customer Service: Strong customer service reviews highlighting responsiveness and helpfulness
- Reviews that emphasize the tool’s reliability and performance
Key Features of Office Timeline Alternatives
Here are some key features of Office Timeline that your alternative software should be able to replicate or improve upon to be a good fit:
- Create Swimlanes: Turning complex data into easy-to-read project roadmaps helps to visualize different aspects of a project in a clear and organized manner. This feature allows you to manage multiple projects or teams efficiently by distinguishing between various workflows within a single timeline.
- Unlimited Collaboration: Sharing timelines with anyone, anywhere, and collaborating in real-time ensures that all stakeholders are on the same page. This feature facilitates seamless communication and updates, enhancing teamwork and project alignment regardless of geographical locations.
- Multiple Timescales: Displaying up to three timescales on your timeline for detailed scheduling provides a more strategic view of project phases. This feature allows for precise planning and tracking of tasks over different periods, making it easier to manage long-term projects and deadlines.
- Import Project Data: Importing up to 150 items from tools like Jira, Project, Excel, or Smartsheet streamlines the integration of existing project data into new timelines. This feature saves time and reduces the risk of data entry errors by leveraging already available information from various project management tools.
- Timeline and Swimlane Templates: Accessing a gallery of professional templates for quick creation simplifies the timeline-building process. This feature offers a variety of pre-designed templates, enabling users to produce polished and effective timelines without starting from scratch.
- Customization Options: Personalizing timelines with shapes, colors, sizes, fonts, and date formats enhances the visual appeal and clarity of your project plans. This feature allows you to tailor timelines to meet specific aesthetic and branding needs, ensuring that presentations are both informative and visually engaging.
- Unrestricted Downloads: Downloading complete PowerPoint timelines for presentations provides flexibility and convenience. This feature allows you to incorporate detailed timelines directly into your presentations, making it easier to share and communicate project plans during meetings.
- Visual Project Management: Building detailed timelines quickly with various status indicators and task details improves project oversight. This feature provides visual cues that highlight the status of different tasks, helping project managers to monitor progress and address issues promptly.
- Technical Support: Receiving assistance and unlimited free updates with a subscription ensures that users have access to the latest features and reliable help. This feature guarantees ongoing support and enhancements, making the software a sustainable and long-term solution for project management.
- Data Integration: Importing data from project planning tools for automatic PowerPoint timeline creation automates and simplifies the timeline creation process. This feature ensures that your timelines are up-to-date and accurately reflect project details by pulling data directly from other planning tools.
From creating detailed swimlanes and customizing timelines to enabling real-time collaboration and seamless data integration, these features collectively support efficient and effective project planning. By leveraging these advanced functionalities, teams can improve communication, streamline workflows, and deliver compelling project presentations.
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