We created a Microsoft Excel template file as users may find it quicker to create multiple events in an Excel file on their desktop, rather than entering events one-by-one inside TimelinePad. If an Excel file is used to import multiple events, those events can still be modified, and new events can be created, inside TimelinePad.
In order to use a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to import hundreds of events into a TimelinePad Case File, you have to use the Microsoft Excel template file that is included in TimelinePad as the spreadsheet has to be formatted correctly.
First, download the Excel template file by tapping on Share > Download Excel Import Template. In the resulting dialog you can save the template file to a location available to you, e.g. Save to Files > iCloud Drive.
IMPORTANT: When you open the Excel template file it must not be modified in any way to ensure a successful import after you enter your own data. Do not make any changes to the template, including modifying its structure or formatting. Additionally, copying and pasting data from another source into the template can also paste unsupported formatting, which may prevent the import from working correctly.
In the Excel template file, only two of the fields are required for an event to be created in TimelinePad after importing the template: Start Date and Title. The other fields can be populated or left blank as desired. After you enter your data to create events in the Excel file you should save it to a location that is accessible to the TimelinePad app, such as On My iPad or iCloud Drive (as long as it’s downloaded and available locally).
When you’re ready to import the Excel template with your data, tap on Plus > Import Excel File and tap on the Excel template file you want to import. After the import you will receive an alert showing how many events were created, and if any events were unable to be imported. (If any events in the Excel file were unable to be imported you can view the report with the reason why, e.g. there was no Title for the event, or an event had an End Date that occurred before the Start Date.)
IMPORTANT: After you tap on OK for the alert after the import, all the events that were imported will be selected. If you do multiple imports into a timeline, this is a great opportunity to assign an icon/color/tag to all the events you just imported to separate them from other events in the timeline. For example, if all the imported events are related to the defendant, you could assign the color blue to easily differentiate the defendant events.