I downloaded what I believe to be a MS Excel project timeline template (.xlsx). There's a table at the bottom and a corresponding (reactive) timeline with milestones above that is populated by inserted table date, title, width information.

All was proceeding swimmingly until I added a goodly number of table data points (lines). When I scrolled up to the timeline image after a while, it was 'scrunched' to fit 1 page wide. I've never run into a situation like this. I've always had to involve page break preview and page setup to control the 'normal' expansion of sheets both across and down.

There must? be 'something' in this sheet that's restricting the timeline to 1 page. I need to release that restriction but have no clue where to look?

[Start edit] I forced the page layout to 100%. No change in the page break preview--still 1 page. I then clicked on the chart image of the timeline, grabbed the lower right corner and expanded the chart to where the text was no longer scrunched and was clearly readable. I went back to page break and still 1 page.

Is it therefore not possible for a chart image to involve more than 1 page wide? That just doesn't seem right. There's surely tons of instances where folks have huge data sets that require multiple pages of chart representation?


Mark

Can you upload the template with some data?

Sure--

I've entered 'Test n' for each of my timeline's current milestone descriptions. All other instances of the sheet remain the same.

Mark

Attached Files

Timeline with milestones_Upload Test.xlsx (19.4 KB, 13 views)

In the attached I inserted a page break somewhere between Test 19 and Test 20. Can't be exact as the tests in the image don't align with cell borders. Please remember that you can only set page breaks when you are in a cell outside the image.

I am not quite sure if this is of any help however.

By the way - I think the Project Timeline in the attached is just a newer version of the one you provided.

Attached Files

ProjectTimeline.xlsx (25.2 KB, 11 views)

Big help but more questions, largely my lack of chart knowledge. I'll # for clarity.

1. The entire sheet now has a black background color vs. MS' that had none. I clicked on the upper left corner (all), then ribbon\font\fill\none. This resulted in the background color going none but also wiped out all the chart text. Obviously, I chose the wrong method to eliminate background color?

2. Your sheet has an 'assigned to' data field that is not needed. If I clear the contents of the column the space still appears on the chart. I can't delete the column, it'll mess with the chart?

3. I did as you said and added another page break. However, if I do the same in my timeline version (view, page break preview, right click cell just under chart where I want the break, click insert page break) no page break line appears?

4. On my version timeline, the default (and the way I would like to see it) displays all dates vs. yours being selected. Additionally, the default style for my dates is angled, allowing them to fit. Where can I change that view setting? I've right clicked the date image rectangle and tried several of the click options but cannot find an obvious method to change the date appearance?

If this turns into too much of a PITA, I can go back to my version and create individual worksheets for whatever number of activities easily fit on one page then print out whatever number of worksheets are then required.

Mark

The attached is also from Microsoft - see at this link (at the bottom):

https://templates.office.com/en-us/P...ine-TM00000005

1. White text on white background becomes invisible.

2. Not sure what you mean.

3. But what happens if you actually make a print out?

4. I use Excel 2016 so it may be different for you if you use another version, but I did as follows:

- Click the x-axis
- Format axis
- Text Options
- Labels
- Specify interval unit: 1
- Label Position: Low

Size and Properties
- Text direction: Horizontal
- Custom angle: 36 (change as you like)

Attached Files

ProjectTimeline_2.xlsx (27.5 KB, 10 views)

I take no responsibility for the template.

I only tried to help you out with some issues regarding a template you had chosen yourself.

Don't misunderstand--I was simply stating a fact of my status. You assisted with my choice and I do appreciate the effort.

Mark