What TimelineJS Offers for Free Timeline Projects
If you are looking for a free way to add a timeline to your website, TimelineJS is worth checking out. This tool is open-source, which means anyone can use it without paying. It works best if you use Google Sheets. You fill out a special template with your events, dates, and links. Once it’s ready, you get a link or code to add to your website.
TimelineJS is a good choice if you want something simple that still looks clean. It shows your timeline in a horizontal scroll format and works well on both computers and mobile devices. It supports photos, videos, and even tweets. But keep in mind that you must follow the format carefully. If you don’t, the timeline may not work. This tool is often used by schools, media projects, and anyone who needs a no-cost solution.
How Tiki-Toki Gives You a Visual Timeline Builder
Tiki-Toki is another tool that helps you build timelines for the web. It has a more visual setup compared to TimelineJS. With Tiki-Toki, you don’t need a spreadsheet. Instead, you log into the platform and enter each timeline event using their editor. You can upload images and choose how the timeline looks. There are options for vertical and 3D timeline views.
This tool feels more like a timeline app than a spreadsheet. You get more control over colors, font sizes, and event layout. Tiki-Toki has a free version, but it only lets you make one timeline. For more features or timelines, you need to pay. Still, the interface is user-friendly. If design matters more to you than data input, this might be a better option.
Which One Works Better for Collaboration?
If you need to work with a team, TimelineJS may be more useful. You can share the Google Sheet with others, and each person can add or edit content at the same time. There is no need to create separate logins or accounts. This makes it easy for classroom groups, media teams, or non-profit projects.
Tiki-Toki can also be used with a group, but it does not support real-time editing in the same way. If you want to give someone access, you have to log in to the same account or upgrade to a paid version with more user features. So, for shared work with no money involved, TimelineJS offers more flexibility.
Visual Style Differences Between the Two Tools
TimelineJS has a clean and simple style that works well for formal uses. The layout is horizontal, with a main line and a box for each event. It’s not fancy, but it looks neat and does the job. You can use your own images and videos to give it more personality.
Tiki-Toki, on the other hand, is more colorful and flexible. It has different layout styles and lets you build timelines that look more like storybooks. Some people use it for creative writing, family history, or museum exhibitions. The 3D view is eye-catching and unique, but it may not work well on every device. If you want your timeline to stand out in style, Tiki-Toki may be a better match.
What About Embedding on a Website?
Both tools allow you to embed your timeline into a website. With TimelineJS, you copy and paste an iframe code. It’s simple and works on most platforms. Tiki-Toki also gives you an embed code, but the free version has some limits. For example, it may show branding or not display full features unless you upgrade.
If your goal is to keep your website clean and fast, TimelineJS usually loads quicker and has fewer style conflicts. Tiki-Toki’s extra features can make it slower or cause layout problems on some web pages. So, think about what type of site you have before choosing.
Use Case Examples: Education, History, and More
Many schools and learning platforms use TimelineJS because of its no-cost setup and ease of use with Google Sheets. It’s often used to show history lessons or research timelines. Non-profit websites and blog posts also benefit from this style.
Tiki-Toki is common in storytelling or display projects. People use it for visual timelines of family events, company history, or creative work. It looks more custom, so if you want to impress visitors with the design, this tool may give you better results.
You may even find these tools used in topics outside of education. For example, some users who write about non-tech subjects, such as UK casinos not on GamStop, have used simple timelines to display brand launch dates or legal milestones.
Summary: Which Timeline Tool Should You Choose?
To decide between TimelineJS and Tiki-Toki, think about what matters most to you. If you want a free, fast, and group-friendly option, TimelineJS may be the better fit. It’s good for simple visuals and easy updates.
If you want a timeline that stands out and you don’t mind logging into a platform or paying a bit more for extra control, Tiki-Toki is worth a try. It’s best when looks and style are more important than raw data.
Both tools help you bring history, projects, or product launches to life. The right one for you depends on what you value—speed, control, or creativity.