Skip to main content
A
ARCrosskeee
Participant
January 8, 2019
Question

Is Illustrator the Right Tool to build Timeline?

  • January 8, 2019
  • 5 replies
  • 2579 views

A timeline was developed in Indesign but I think perhaps it should be done in Illustrator.  id like to experiment with colors, layout, etc.  Does anyone have any thoughts on which is the better tool and know of any helpful tutorials?  Thanks.

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    5 replies

    Sjaani
    Community Expert
    SjaaniCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    January 9, 2019

    I would think it will be easiest to continue in InDesign. You mention wanting to be able to adjust parts of it.

    If a table is used this would make adjustment flow more easily.

    Using Illustrator would likely mean making a lot of additional adjustments (moving extra lines around) in order to make one square bigger for example.

    manal shanableh
    manal shanableh
    Legend
    January 8, 2019

    Defenitly InDesign is the right tool, it is easier to use tables.

    Joely10623436
    Community Expert
    Joely10623436Community Expert
    Community Expert
    January 8, 2019

    If you already have the Timeline inside InDesign – i would stay with ID. Much easier to emprove Layout/Design/Details from here.

      Monika Gause
      Community Expert
      Monika GauseCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      January 8, 2019

      Will your timeline be equally complex?

      In InDesign you might be able to use tables for this (if it's a simpler timeline)

      in Illustrator brushes and arrowheads come to mind.

      Do you expect a lot of changes in the review process?

        A
        ARCrosskeeeAuthor
        Participant
        January 9, 2019

        Thanks for the input.  I intend to keep the timeline fairly simple in layout.  There will be changes along the way so I would like it to be fairly customizable with regards to total length, adjusting lengths for individual periods of time, adding and removing lines below each section, etc.  Ive noticed that tables is very helpful for managing text.  At least the text remains centered in the cell of the table.  it seems that Illustrator does not have this same ability.

        Myra Ferguson
        Community Expert
        Myra FergusonCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        January 8, 2019

        As far as layout and colors, I would think you could use either. If you want to do more, like be able to animate it by zooming into an area, you can bring your Illustrator file into Animate CC.

        Do you have a link or image of a sample Timeline you're using as inspiration?

        If you do a search for tutorials, you might want to specify "Illustrator timeline chart." Otherwise, you might get tutorials for how to use timelines in animation software.

          Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
          Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices