Timeline JS, an open-source interactive timeline creator
Timeline creators
Description: Timeline JS is a web-based tool used to create interactive timelines. To create a timeline on Timeline JS, users input data into a Google Sheets template, such as text, images, videos, Google Maps, Tweets, or backgrounds, and follow the required steps. It is free to use and open-source. Users do not need to sign up for an account to start creating timelines; they can simply access the Google Sheets template and publish their timelines directly. Timeline JS was developed by Northwestern University Knight Lab.
Evaluation: Timeline JS is a user-friendly and open-source tool for making interactive timelines and presentations, suitable for storytelling, representing historical events, or project managing. While it may seem a little daunting at first, it is quite easy to use if following the instructions correctly.
Cost: Free
Usability and tech notes ▼
Time efficiency Time needed to learn how to use a tool and its time-saving potential: Medium; users have to get familiarised with the instructions and working with Google Sheets, but then it becomes fairly easy to use.
Interface language(s) The number of languages in which the tool is currently available/adaptable to: English.
Respect for privacy What data does the tool collect and why? What security measures are there? GDPR compliant? : High (?). Timeline JS does not contain a privacy policy and is thus difficult to assess. The website does not seem to collect cookies and the whole project is open source, not-for-profit, and designed for educational purposes only. On the other hand, timelines are public, but it is unlikely that someone without the timeline link finds it through search engines. See more here.
Saving work for future use Can work be saved for future use?: Yes, users can access and edit their timeline as long as they have the related Google Spreadsheet.