Definition

The Timeline view in Notion is a special database view that arranges items horizontally along a continuous scale based on their date properties. Each record appears as a block on the timeline, spanning from its start date to its end date. This view helps teams visualize schedules, track project phases, and see how tasks overlap over time. Timeline supports multiple date fields and lets you group or color items by categories like assignee, status, or project. You can zoom in or out to see days, weeks, months, or quarters, making it flexible for both detailed daily planning and long-term roadmapping.

Usage & Context

Use the Timeline view when you need a visual representation of tasks, milestones, or events that occur over a period. For example, product teams often use it to plan sprints and releases, marketing teams map campaign timelines, and HR teams schedule onboarding processes. It’s also great for mapping content calendars and editorial workflows. To set up a Timeline, add or open a database, switch to the Timeline view, and select the date property you want to plot. You can adjust the timeline’s time window, group items by any property, and drag blocks to change dates directly on the chart.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add a Timeline view?: Open your database, click “Add a View,” choose “Timeline,” name it, then select the date property you want to map on the timeline.
Which date properties can I use?: You can use any Date property in your database. If you need start and end dates, use a Date range property to span each item automatically.
Can I edit dates directly on the timeline?: Yes. Drag and resize blocks on the timeline to adjust start and end dates, or click a block to open the record and edit its Date property.
How do I group or color items?: Use the “Group by” and “Color” options in the view menu to categorize items by Select, Person, or Status properties for clearer visual organization.

Benefits

Timeline view transforms rows of dates into an intuitive visual schedule, improving team alignment, preventing overlaps, and helping stakeholders quickly grasp project progress in a single glance.

Related Terms

Calendar View

Database Views & Filtering+2

A database view displaying items on a monthly calendar layout based on a date property, helping you organize events, tasks, and deadlines chronologically.

Board

Database Views & Filtering+2

A Board is a Kanban-style database view in Notion that displays items as draggable cards in columns, ideal for visual workflow and project management.

Gallery

Database Views & Filtering+2

Gallery view lets you display database items as image-driven cards in a grid. Ideal for portfolios, mood boards, and visual content libraries.

Table

Database Views & Filtering+2

A Table is a core database view in Notion that presents entries in rows and columns for easy data organization and management.

View

Core Concepts+2

A View in Notion is a saved perspective of a database that configures filters, sorts, and layout (Table, Board, Calendar, and more) for tailored data display.

Conclusion

Notion’s Timeline view is an essential tool for anyone managing schedules or projects. By turning date data into an interactive visual map, it streamlines planning, enhances collaboration, and ensures everyone stays on track throughout complex workflows.

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