5+ Vertical Timeline Templates

When we think of time, the Western concept of linearity has dominated most minds. It is indeed an effective way of plotting out timelines in a graph. Tracking milestones across a line does not have to be a horizontal one, however, which is another popular construction of the linear time concept. These stylish vertical timeline templates will show you how you can use a more convenient format to display this information. Vertical timelines will be easier to display and read on most kinds of screens as well as standard paper orientations.

Select a timeline template from this collection and click the download buttons to see how you can get them. Many will be available for free, though there are editable templates also for sale. Check them out.

Vertical History Timeline Template

Blank Vertical Timeline Template

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Vertical Timeline Template in Word

Why Use a Vertical Timeline?

You may be preparing a timeline for various projects and in a variety of settings. Many school projects from your earlier schooling, for instance, will have students track the life cycle of a frog or tree on such a timeline. In personal and business, timelines are often used in project management and planning.

A Personal Timeline can be used to track milestones and achievements in one’s life. It is also used to record progress on some goal or project. A Blank Timeline or an editable one from this collection can be outfitted to serve any of these purposes.

It’s surprising that the horizontal timeline is the most common kind—it might have something to do with the way standard calendars are read horizontally. But a vertical timeline is in many ways the superior choice for these reasons:

• It allows flexibility when representing priority. Sometimes you want to place the most recent achievements as the first item in the line, but this is impossible in a horizontal timeline, which is always read left to right. The vertical timeline will allow you to flip the line either way and start with the most recent or the earliest event.
• It facilitates easier reading. Aesthetically and ergonomically, the vertical timeline is just as easy to follow with the eyes as following a horizontal one. The definite advantage is that vertical is the optimal orientation for reading on screens and paper without having to turn, scroll, or otherwise reorient.

As you can see from these examples, you can also have some free reign with the design, making it as simple or as creative as you wish.

Vertical Timeline Template for Students

Vertical Timeline PSD Template

Free Vertical Timeline Template

Notes on Using These Timeline Templates

At least one of these templates is for sale (Vertical Timeline PSD Template, available as a pack of editable vectors and JPG files for $7 USD standard license—we are not responsible for any price changes).

The other timelines are either for instant free downloads in zipped folders, or you will be able to download them for free at the affiliate site’s page. Just click the download buttons to find how you can get each product.

If using for commercial projects, be sure to check for any licensing restrictions that may apply. The free downloads can be used with attribution. They will look great on a report for your Business Timeline.

And don’t forget to check out our archives for more timelines—we have collections for wedding timelines, personal timelines, more business timelines, keynote timelines, project timelines, and other blank timelines for general uses.

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