How to Display Blog Posts in Timeline Layout?

blog post timeline
TL;DR · Quick Summary
  • Choose the right plugin — Pick a timeline plugin compatible with your platform (e.g., Cool Timeline Pro for WordPress) to display blog posts in a structured, chronological layout.
  • Vertical or Horizontal — your call — Both layouts are supported; vertical works great for storytelling flows, while horizontal suits milestone-style progressions.
  • Multiple setup methods — You can build your timeline using Gutenberg blocks, the Classic Editor, or Elementor widgets — no coding required.
  • Shortcodes make it simple — Copy-paste a shortcode into any page or post to instantly embed your timeline wherever you need it.
  • Preview before you publish — Always preview your timeline to confirm post display, colors, fonts, and layout look exactly right before going live.

Displaying blog posts in a timeline layout can be a great way to showcase the chronological progression of your content. There are several ways to achieve this, depending on the platform you’re using to host your blog.

Here are some general steps to display your blog posts in a timeline layout:

Choose a timeline plugin

Look for a timeline plugin that’s compatible with your blogging platform. WordPress, for example, has several timeline plugins available, such as Cool Timeline Pro.

Install and activate the plugin

Follow the installation instructions provided by the plugin developer to install and activate the plugin on your website.

Configure the plugin settings

Each timeline plugin will have its own settings to configure. Typically, you’ll need to choose a timeline layout (horizontal or vertical), select the post types to display in the timeline (in this case, blog posts), and customize the appearance of the timeline (e.g., colors, fonts, icons, etc.).

Create Vertical Post Timeline

A vertical post timeline is used to create a story timeline from the existing post, you can easily integrate the timeline of WordPress default posts or custom posts using the below-mentioned methods:

Using shortcodes:

  • Just copy the shortcode from the demos and paste it to your page or post.
  • Search “Timeline Story Block” in the Gutenberg block editor.
  • You can use Elementor timeline plugins like “Timeline Widgets Pro” to add a story timeline in Elementor.

You can easily Create Vertical  Content Timeline Using Below mentioned Methods

With Gutenberg:

  • To create a vertical timeline, go to Pages/Posts >> Add new page/Post >> Search Content Timeline shortcode.
  • From the timeline setting on the right menu bar select the layout.
  • There are multiple design options to create a vertical layout choose the “Vertical” option.
  • Customize the timeline design as needed and Publish the page.

With Default Classic Editor:

Step 1:

Go to Pages/Post >> Add new page/post >> Click Add Timeline shortcode.

Step 2:

  • From the top select box option choose the Post Timeline.
  • Click on select layout option and choose the “Vertical” option from the dropdown.
  • Select the required settings from the other options and click on Insert Shortcode.

Create Horizontal Post Timeline

Horizontal content timeline used to create story timeline from the existing post, you can easily integrate Timeline of WordPress default posts or custom posts using the below-mentioned methods:

To create a vertical timeline, go to Pages/Post >> Add new page/Post >> Choose Content timeline shortcode.

From the timeline setting on the right menu bar choose the layout for the timeline.

There are multiple layout options to create a vertical layout choose the “Horizontal” option.

Change shortcode setting using Gutenberg.

Add Shortcode With Default Classic Editor:

Step 1:

To create a Vertical Content Timeline, go to Pages/Post >> Add new page/Post >> Click on Add Timeline Shortcode.

Step 2:

From the Top select box option choose the Post Timeline.

Click on select layout option and choose the Horizontal option from the dropdown.

Select the required settings from the options and click on insert shortcode.

Preview and publish the timeline

Preview the timeline to ensure that it displays your blog posts correctly and looks the way you want it to. If everything looks good, publish the timeline on your website.

Depending on the timeline plugin you choose, the specific steps and options may vary. However, most timeline plugins will provide detailed documentation and support to help you set up and customize your timeline.

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