---
title: Timeline Overview
description: The Timeline offers a high-level view of upcoming dates and deliverables for all stakeholders to see.
---

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1. [Join - Help Center](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge?hsLang=en)
2. [Timeline](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/timeline?hsLang=en)
3. [Timeline](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/timeline?hsLang=en#timeline)

# Timeline Overview

## The Timeline offers a high-level view of upcoming dates and deliverables for all stakeholders to see.

### Timeline View

The **Join Timeline** consists of an Item Distribution chart and an interactive Gantt chart listing scheduled activities.

![](https://success.join.build/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Apr-03-2026-07-18-52-1312-PM.png?width=670&height=395&name=undefined-Apr-03-2026-07-18-52-1312-PM.png)

***Tip:**  Zoom into a section of the Timeline by clicking the  ![Screenshot 2026-03-31 at 4.21.13 PM](https://success.join.build/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-03-31%20at%204.21.13%20PM.png?width=16&height=20&name=Screenshot%202026-03-31%20at%204.21.13%20PM.png) icon in the top right corner. Reset the zoom level by clicking the ![Screenshot 2026-03-31 at 4.21.08 PM](https://success.join.build/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-03-31%20at%204.21.08%20PM.png?width=18&height=19&name=Screenshot%202026-03-31%20at%204.21.08%20PM.png) icon in the top right corner.*

### **Item Distribution Chart**

At the top of the Timeline page, there is a chart showing the count of Items with decisions or due dates for each time period. This is a great way to track which Items are past due (red), which ones are upcoming (yellow), and which ones have already had a decision made (grey).

Hovering over a bar will give you a summary of the Items in that time period, and clicking the hyperlink will take you to the [Items List](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/items-list?hsLang=en) filtered for that time period.

![](https://success.join.build/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Apr-03-2026-07-23-44-9312-PM.png?width=670&height=109&name=undefined-Apr-03-2026-07-23-44-9312-PM.png)

***Tip:** Use the Item Distribution Chart to ensure upcoming work is spread out evenly across the weeks–this helps keep your workflow balanced.*

### Timeline Gantt

The timeline visualizes your project plan and tracks progress. Use different activity types to highlight key events and milestones.

#### Types of Activities

There are four main types of activities in the Join Project Timeline:

1. **Phases** - A span of time in the project during which other work occurs.  
     1. Phases can contain Tasks and Milestones.
     2. Phases have a Start Date, End Date, and a Duration derived from their children.
     3. On the Timeline, Phases appear as dark blue bars with end ticks when expanded.
     4. Examples: Schematic Design, Estimating, Preconstruction, Construction
2. **Milestones** - A significant point in time during the project, typically tied to a document issuance or published Estimate/Budget. 
     1. Milestones have a Start Date only (no End Date or Duration).
     2. On the Timeline, Milestones appear as flags.
     3. Examples: 50% Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP)
3. **Tasks** - A multi-day activity. 
     1. Tasks have a Start Date, End Date, and Duration.
     2. On the Timeline, Tasks appear as light blue bars.
     3. Tasks with a zero-day duration are automatically converted to **Events**.
     4. Examples: Out to Bid, Permit Review, Mechanical Buyout, or Elevator Fabrication
4. **Events** - A zero-day occurrence that is important to be aware of or track. 
     1. Events have a Start Date and End Date on the same day, and a zero-day duration.
     2. On the Timeline, Events appear as red-orange diamonds.
     3. Examples: Proposal Due, Notice to Proceed, Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) Meeting, Project Turnover

***Tip:** Plan your work by assigning Items to upcoming **Events** (zero-day activities) such as OAC meetings or decision deadlines.*

### Connecting Items to Activities

Connect Items to Timeline Activities to provide schedule context and clarify when work is happening or being coordinated in the project.

#### **Why connect Items to Activities?**

Connecting Items to Activities helps teams:

- Understand when an Item is relevant in the project timeline
- Align work with key milestones or phases
- Improve visibility and accountability across cross-functional teams
- Reduce ambiguity about ownership and timing

Common Scenarios:

- Link an **Item** to a *critical* *procurement Task.*
- Link an **Item** to an upcoming or related *OAC Meeting.*
- Link an **Item** to a handoff event, such as *Notice to Proceed.*

Connecting Items to Activities ensures everyone shares the same understanding of what needs to happen and when, helping teams move work forward with confidence.

#### **Connecting an Item to an Activity**

##### **From the** **Timeline**:

1. Click the linked text in the Items column to open the side panel.
2. Use the **+Add related Item** button to connect Items.

##### ![timeline with sidebar](https://success.join.build/hs-fs/hubfs/timeline%20with%20sidebar.png?width=670&height=409&name=timeline%20with%20sidebar.png) **From** **Item Details**:

1. Select a related Activity to assign to an Item.

![Screenshot 2026-04-03 at 12.46.05 PM](https://success.join.build/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-04-03%20at%2012.46.05%20PM.png?width=670&height=529&name=Screenshot%202026-04-03%20at%2012.46.05%20PM.png)

##### **From Items List**:

1. Select one or more Items by checking the box next to each to activate the **Bulk Item Editor**.
2. Click the **Edit Items** button.
3. In the **Activities** field, select an Activity from the dropdown and then click **Apply Changes**.

![bulk edit](https://success.join.build/hs-fs/hubfs/bulk%20edit.gif?width=670&height=430&name=bulk%20edit.gif)

***Note:** Read more about [why you should showcase a Timeline in Join](https://success.join.build/en/knowledge/why-timeline?hsLang=en).*

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