Let viewer switch timelines between timescale and list mode

Feature Upgrade · Timelines · Created by nnie
accepted
timeline
With the timeline update we got an awesome new mode: timescale, where we could condense timelines into multiple tracks and see which events happened in the same year. Before this we had list mode as the only timeline, which showed events in order and could give more immediate context to each event. Each of these modes have distinct advantages, timescale allows to see events in context, while list is better for reading about each events. As it is right now, we have to chose one or the other when presenting our timelines to the viewer.   The feature upgrade I'd really like to see is an option for the viewer to switch a timeline from timescale to list mode, and back. That way they can enjoy both a macro and micro view of a worlds history. I believe this would also make it easier for people to understand just how flexible WA timelines are, and make timelines more consistent to explore.   One potential way to do this right now would be to duplicate the timeline and let people switch modes with a link. However, it would be a lot smoother if the viewer themselves could do so in the timeline view.

The Team's Response

Thanks for the suggestion! We see no reason not to do it and it could be useful to readers, so it will be bundled in the next minor timeline update (the creator of the timeline will still be able to set which is the default mode).
Current score

58/300 Votes · +15803 points

Votes Cast

  • +1

    by DreiAugenFisch
    on 2025-03-11 23:20
  • +300

    by TazztheMonster
    on 2025-03-11 23:19
  • +100

    by DragonHeart[8787]
    on 2025-03-11 18:02
  • +300

    by 12oz of juice
    on 2025-03-11 07:37
  • +300

    by A Frightened Velociraptor
    on 2025-03-10 21:29
  • +300

    by Writing Bishop
    on 2025-03-09 16:43
  • +1

    by Blossom Tree Art
    on 2025-03-08 11:21
    I think there should be an option for a creator to turn off the feature for individual timelines, but do think it would be cool.
  • +100

    by A Mischievous Goblin
    on 2025-03-04 14:32
  • +300

    by NovaTerra
    on 2025-03-04 13:50
  • +300

    by Mikronyx
    on 2025-03-03 22:27
  • +300

    by MKHETH II
    on 2025-03-02 01:44
  • +1

    by Tzae
    on 2025-02-28 18:02
  • +100

    by D3vilmade
    on 2025-02-28 08:46
  • +100

    by Tecknaragnes
    on 2025-02-27 18:48
  • +300

    by SmokingKitten
    on 2025-02-27 11:52
  • +300

    by Bernana
    on 2025-02-27 01:40
  • +300

    by A Adorable Dimensional Horror
    on 2025-02-25 13:32
  • +300

    by kerahope
    on 2025-02-24 20:57
  • +300

    by JoellaKay
    on 2025-02-23 20:33
  • +300

    by BCGR_Wurth
    on 2025-02-22 22:34
  • +300

    by warchild1x
    on 2025-02-22 08:30
  • +300

    by A Fierce Unicorn
    on 2025-02-21 23:42
  • +100

    by LittleRaider
    on 2025-02-21 18:55
  • +300

    by Jacob-W
    on 2025-02-21 13:59
  • +300

    by bphilippe
    on 2025-02-21 08:03
  • +300

    by Burnburnbaby
    on 2025-02-21 03:10
  • +300

    by Frod0_baggins
    on 2025-02-20 16:43
  • +300

    by oaster2000
    on 2025-02-20 12:07
  • +300

    by Mahdi Avendesora
    on 2025-02-20 08:34
  • +300

    by A Fierce Unicorn
    on 2025-02-20 02:55
  • +300

    by Those2Nerds
    on 2025-02-20 01:43
  • +300

    by Nulcheck
    on 2025-02-20 00:10
  • +300

    by Charlotte and Clara
    on 2025-02-19 19:25
  • +300

    by WeStanNikolai
    on 2025-02-19 12:28
    Love this idea! Sometimes you want to see which events happend simultaneously, and sometimes you want more details on the events!
  • +300

    by Kranjax
    on 2025-02-19 12:09
  • +300

    by Demongrey
    on 2025-02-19 10:07
  • +300

    by Blue Fairy 74
    on 2025-02-19 10:00
    Even though I have no idea how to program it (sorry about that), what if you combined the best of both timelines into one? For example, I like the clarity of the old version with the insertion of images into the events and with the new version I like how you can insert background images e.g. maps to demonstrate the changes between the eras. I know that this is not what you are suggesting, but I thought I would add it here. I am still very much in favor of your suggestion.
  • +300

    by Asmo
    on 2025-02-19 08:33
  • +300

    by TheDoctor292
    on 2025-02-19 03:46
  • +300

    by AsterVela
    on 2025-02-18 21:29
  • +300

    by PhntmDrgn
    on 2025-02-18 20:44
  • +300

    by A Adorable Kitten
    on 2025-02-18 11:04
  • +300

    by nemilyk
    on 2025-02-18 05:54
  • +300

    by ATrueDuality
    on 2025-02-18 05:44
  • +300

    by Kittymonster
    on 2025-02-17 17:10
  • +300

    by HunterChristmas1247
    on 2025-02-17 16:53
  • +300

    by JetpackMonkey
    on 2025-02-17 15:55
  • +300

    by kaixabu
    on 2025-02-17 15:41
  • +300

    by DMFW
    on 2025-02-17 15:21
    Great idea! The display of a timeline is a presentation feature which is distinct from editing it and if it can currently be rendered in different ways according to the desire of the editor, why not let viewers select instead and have the best of both worlds? My only additional thought is that the editor should be able to pick the default view in an analogous way to the way we pick (for example) default zoom and centre in a map. I also like the "old school" way of viewing timelines and would retain those as another style.
  • +300

    by MandoMc
    on 2025-02-17 14:34
  • +300

    by Kummer Wolfe
    on 2025-02-17 14:17
    Very good idea!
  • +300

    by Buzzard
    on 2025-02-17 12:24
    Great idea!
  • +300

    by Michael Chandra
    on 2025-02-17 12:09
  • +300

    by Leijona
    on 2025-02-17 11:41
  • +300

    by Graylion
    on 2025-02-17 11:11
    This is a really, really, really great idea.
  • +300

    by Mochimanoban
    on 2025-02-17 11:10
  • +300

    by Ononomad
    on 2025-02-17 11:06
  • +300

    by Tyrdal
    on 2025-02-17 11:03
    Thats something I didnt know I needed, but its so obvious now- fully in support of that.
  • +300

    by nnie
    on 2025-02-17 11:00