Exporting Timelines

Export Formats

Thea allows you to export your timelines in two professional formats:

• PDF: Perfect for sharing and printing
• Word (DOCX): Editable document format

How to Export

1. Open the timeline you want to export
2. Click the Export button (or menu icon)
3. Select your desired format:
   • Export as PDF
   • Export as Word
4. Wait for the export to generate
5. The file will automatically download to your computer

PDF Export

PDF exports include:

• Timeline visualization
• Complete list of events
• Event details (date, party, action, description)
• Category information with color coding
• Optional: Linked exhibits

Best for:

• Court filings
• Client presentations
• Archival purposes
• Printing physical copies

Word Export

Word exports provide:

• Fully editable timeline document
• Table format with all event details
• Categories and color coding
• Easy to customize and add notes

Best for:

• Reports that need further editing
• Adding case-specific commentary
• Sharing with team members for collaboration
• Creating drafts

Export Options

When exporting, you can customize what's included:

Content Options

• Include descriptions: Add full event descriptions (recommended for detailed reports)
• Show categories: Display category labels and colors
• Include exhibits: List linked exhibits with each event
• Show players: Include party/player information
• Add source citations: Show which documents events came from

Filtering Options

• Date range: Export only events within a specific period
• Category filter: Include only specific categories
• Player filter: Export events involving specific players
• Custom selection: Manually choose which events to include

Visual Options (PDF)

• View mode: Export using your current view (Category Rows, Unified, or List)
• Include markers/ranges: Show timeline annotations
• Zoom level: Control timeline density
• Legend: Include category legend

File Naming

Exported files are automatically named based on:

• Timeline title
• Export date
• Format (PDF or DOCX)

Example: Financial_Timeline_2024-10-25.pdf

Tips for Better Exports

Before Exporting

1. Review your timeline: Check for errors or missing information
2. Update descriptions: Ensure all events have clear descriptions
3. Verify dates: Confirm all dates are accurate
4. Check categories: Make sure events are properly categorized
5. Test the view: Preview how your timeline looks before exporting

Format Selection

• Use PDF when you need a static, unchangeable document
• Use Word when recipients need to edit or add comments

Large Timelines

For timelines with many events:

• Consider exporting by date range
• Break into multiple files by category
• Use filtering before export to focus on relevant events

Troubleshooting

Export is Taking Too Long

• Large timelines may take a minute to generate
• Check your internet connection
• Try exporting fewer events at once

Export Quality Issues

• Ensure your timeline data is complete
• Check that categories have colors assigned
• Verify dates are properly formatted

File Won't Open

• Ensure you have the appropriate software:
  • PDF: Adobe Reader, Preview (Mac), or any PDF viewer
  • Word: Microsoft Word 2016 or later, or compatible app
• Try a different export format
• Check that the download completed successfully
• Verify file isn't corrupted (check file size—should be at least a few KB)

Formatting Issues

Problem: Colors look washed out or wrong

• Check your PDF viewer's color settings
• Try viewing in a different application
• For printing, use "Print as image" option in PDF settings

Problem: Timeline visualization is cut off

• Export uses current zoom level—adjust before exporting
• For large timelines, consider exporting in segments by date range
• List view is better for very long timelines

Missing Content

Problem: Some events are missing

• Check if filters were active when you exported
• Ensure all events are visible in the current view before exporting
• Try refreshing the timeline and re-exporting

Problem: Exhibit information not showing

• Verify "Include exhibits" option was checked
• Exhibits only appear if they're linked to events
• Check exhibit links are saved properly

Sharing Exported Files

After exporting, you can:

• Email the file to clients or team members
• Upload to document management systems
• Print for physical distribution
• Archive for case records

Note: Exported files are static snapshots. Any changes to your timeline after export won't be reflected in previously exported files.