How to make a Timeline in Excel?

rayv

New Member
Joined
May 5, 2002
Messages
2
Hi there,

I've got a question for you Excel-Gods :)
I have to make a timeline. I have divided the movie in segments which have different durations. What I want to do is make a visual representation of how the movie is divided in these segement. The idea I have in my head is a timeline that represents 90 minutes and every segment has a different colour and I must be able to place comments along the timeline to make comments on specific points in the movie. I'm a total Excel newbie so talk to me if you like as if I'm completely stupid :) So if you know how to do it or have suggestions, please explain it clearly.

Thankx
 

Excel Facts

What is the shortcut key for Format Selection?
Ctrl+1 (the number one) will open the Format dialog for whatever is selected.
METHOD #1A: Vertical
Create times down col. A (fill down)
Leave col. B blank.
Then manually color the cells in Column B (Format > Cells > patterns).
Tye text in col C as appropriate.

METHOD #1B Horizontal

Place the start time of each new segment in the first cell of each colum
Place the descriptive text for that segment in the third cell in each column, below the appropriate start time.
Manually color the cells in the second row.
Set the column width of each column so that it is approximately correct. (ex 1 min = 10). You'll need to play with the text formatting to get it to look good. Try angled text and/or wrap text or shrink to fit. Format > Cells >Alignment)


METHOD #2 To use a chart:

A B C
1 Action Segment Time Total Time
2 0
3 Shouts 5 5
4 Jumps 5 10
5 Dies 2 12

Type in Col A and Col C

Eqn in col B: ex Cell B3 = C3 - C2
Edit > Fill down that equation to fill col B

Select it all.
Select Insert > Chart
Data in rows
Select bar chart chose the 2nd or third one on the top row of choices to give a stacked bar chart.
Insert in a new sheet.

This will give the bars you are looking for. The site link in the previous post may be ble to place the labels on it for you. Alternatively, you can Select View > Toolbars > drawing and then use the drawing tools to label the chart.

METHOD #3
Search the microsoft site for "excel gantt chart". They have a doc that shows how to make a project type chart that is probably better for you.

ie:
Time : 1 2 3 4 5
Shouts XXXXXXXXX
Cries xxxxxxxxxxx
Dies xxxxxxxx

METHOD 4: Do the above roughly by hand:
Type your events down column A
Accross row 1, enter times (again, use the data fill command or drag to get the numbers to increment automatically)

And have fun with it!

Brian
 
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