=== Cool Timeline (Horizontal & Vertical Timeline) ===
Contributors: narinder-singh,satindersingh,coolplugins
Tags: timeline, history, roadmap, horizontal timeline, vertical timeline
Donate link: https://cooltimeline.com
Requires at least:5.6
Tested up to: 7.0
Stable tag:3.3.5
Requires PHP: 5.6
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

Showcase your story or company history, events, and roadmap in an interactive timeline using the powerful Cool Timeline plugin.

== Description ==

### Horizontal & Vertical Timeline, History Timeline Slider

https://youtu.be/wvD2-m0FEcE

Cool Timeline is an advanced WordPress plugin that helps you easily create timeline sliders for your website. You can use it to display your company’s history, product roadmaps, personal stories, or key events in a vertical layout.

Using Cool Timeline, you can create timeline stories in two ways:

1. **Gutenberg Timeline Block:** Add and manage timeline stories easily using the built-in block in the WordPress editor. Great for showing steps, events, or roadmaps with a clean design.
2. **Shortcode-Based Classic Timelines:** Using the classic editor? Just add a simple shortcode to display your timeline on any page or post and customize it the way you like.

### Key Features
* **Timeline Slider:** Display your stories in a stunning vertical or horizontal timeline layout.
* **Gutenberg and Classic Editor Support:** Create timelines easily using the Gutenberg block or a simple shortcode. This works with both new and classic WordPress editors.
* **Smart Shortcode Generator:** Use shortcodes to display timeline slider anywhere on your site without needing the code.
    * **Cool Timeline Shortcode:**
[cool-timeline layout="default" skin="default" date-format="F j" icons="YES" show-posts="20" order="DESC" story-content="full"]
* **Works with Page Builders:** Compatible with popular page builders like Gutenberg, WPBakery, and Classic Editor. Elementor and Divi users can also create timelines with additional plugins.
* **ASC/DESC Order:** Arrange your timeline stories in ascending or descending order as needed.
* **Customizable Description:** Choose to show either a summary or the full description for each timeline story, depending on how much detail you want to present.
* **Story Order (ASC / DESC):** Sort your stories in ascending (oldest to newest) or descending (newest to oldest) order based on your timeline.
* **Date Format:** Choose from various date formats to display your timeline stories according to your requirements.
* **Customizable Colors & Fonts:** Change colors, fonts, and styles to fit your brand or website design.
* **Pagination:** Set how many stories you want to display per page to easily manage multiple timelines.
* **Icons or Dots:** Highlight events using custom icons or simple dots to visually distinguish each story on the timeline.
* **Content Alignment:** Align your timeline content left, right, or center to match your website’s style and improve readability.
* **Multiple Timelines:** Create and manage several timeline sliders on one site, like company history, product updates, or personal stories.
* **Animation Effects:** Add subtle animations to your timeline items as they appear, making the overall experience more interactive and engaging.

[🔗Check Free Version Demos](https://cooltimeline.com/demo/cool-timeline-free/?utm_source=ctl_plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=demo&utm_content=view_free_demos)

## Where can you use the Cool Timeline?

- **Company History Showcase:** Display your company’s growth and key milestones in a timeline format.
- **Event Highlights:** Present a timeline of events for conferences, seminars, or special occasions.
- **Product Launch Timeline:** Highlight the different stages and key dates leading up to a product or service launch.
- **Personal Journey:** Share your personal story, career progression, or life journey using a timeline.
- **Project Roadmap:** Create a visual timeline of project phases, deadlines, and achievements.
- **Achievements and Awards:** Showcase significant accomplishments, recognitions, and awards over time.
- **Nonprofit or Charity Timeline:** Present the key initiatives and impact of your nonprofit organization through a timeline.
- **Portfolio Showcase:** Display your work history or project portfolio in chronological order.
- **Historical Events Documentation:** Document important historical events or milestones in a timeline.
- **School or Educational Timeline:** Highlight significant academic events, school history, or student progress.
- **Wedding or Family Timeline:** Capture important family milestones like weddings, anniversaries, or life events.
- **Event Planning:** Outline and share a detailed timeline for upcoming events or project plans.
- **Real Estate Development:** Display the various stages of a property’s development from start to completion.
- **Startup Journey:** Share your startup’s timeline, from idea conception to growth and scaling phases.
- **Sports Achievements:** Highlight key moments and accomplishments in an athlete’s or team’s career.

= Cool Timeline Pro Features =

Upgrading to the **Cool Timeline Pro** plugin unlocks the advanced features like access to multiple layouts, including Horizontal layout, Category-Based Timelines, Ajax Load More, Multimedia ( images, videos & slideshow), and more:

* **Timeline Slider Designs:** Cool Timeline Pro offers 4 layout types
      * Vertical Timeline
      * Vertical Compact Timeline
      * Vertical One-Side Timeline
      * Horizontal Timeline

Each with 6+ design styles like Classic, Modern, Elegant, etc., and 3 skins (Light, Dark, Colorful). [Check All Demos](https://cooltimeline.com/demo/cool-timeline-pro/?utm_source=ctl_plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=demo&utm_content=view_pro_demo).

* **Advance Customization:** Set different colors for each timeline story, making your timeline more visually interesting.
* **Add Images & Videos:** Make your timeline stories more interactive by adding images, videos, and slideshows.
* **Multiple Timelines:** Create and manage several timelines on one site, like company history, product updates, or personal stories.
* **Smart Shortcode Generator:** Use shortcodes to display timelines anywhere on your site without needing to code.
* **Works with Page Builders:** Compatible with popular page builders like Gutenberg, WPBakery, and Classic Editor. Elementor and Divi users can also create timelines with additional plugins.
* **Custom Labels:** Use labels instead of dates for events, such as process steps or historical periods like AD/BC.
* **Category Filters:** Add filters so users can sort timeline stories by category.
* **Blog Post Timeline:** Display your blog posts in a timeline layout, highlighting your content by date.
* **Ajax Load More & Pagination:** Add pagination and “load more” buttons to easily manage timelines with many stories.
* **Scrolling Navigation:** Add scrolling navigation to let users move through long timelines more quickly.
* **Custom Icons:** Replace default dots with icons or custom images to make your timeline more personalized.
* **HTML/Links Support:** Add “Read More” links or custom HTML in timeline stories to guide users to full content or other pages.
* **Customizable Date Formats:** Choose from various date formats to display your timeline stories as you like.
* **Animation Effects:** Add animation effects to your timelines to make them more engaging for visitors.
* **Premium Support:** Get dedicated support as a Pro user for any help or questions.

🔗[Check Pro Version Demos](https://cooltimeline.com/demo/cool-timeline-pro/?utm_source=ctl_plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=demo&utm_content=view_pro_demos) | [Get Pro](https://cooltimeline.com/plugin/cool-timeline-pro/?utm_source=ctl_plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=get_pro&utm_content=get_pro#pricing)

= Check Our Other Timeline Plugins =
* **Timeline Widget For Elementor:** Showcase your company history, product roadmap, and personal journey in vertical & horizontal layout directly inside Elementor. [View Demo](https://cooltimeline.com/demo/elementor-timeline/free/?utm_source=ctl_plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=demo&utm_content=twea_free_demo)
* **Timeline Block For Gutenberg:** Create interactive timelines directly within the WordPress Block Editor to display step-by-step tutorials, a company’s history, and a product roadmap. [View Demo](https://cooltimeline.com/demo/gutenberg-timeline-block/?utm_source=ctl_plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=demo&utm_content=tbg_free_demo)
* **Timeline Builder:** Create a small timeline inside the Gutenberg block editor using a vertical or horizontal timeline. [View Demo](https://cooltimeline.com/demo/timeline-builder-pro/?utm_source=ctl_plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=demo&utm_content=tbp_view_demo)
* **Timeline Module Pro For Divi:** Showcase your personal story or company history using stunning vertical or horizontal timelines directly inside the Divi Builder. [View Demo](https://cooltimeline.com/divi/?utm_source=ctl_plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=demo&utm_content=tmdivi_pro_demo)

**Use of 3rd Party Services:** This plugin connects to the Cool Plugins API to display information about related plugins inside the dashboard. It also offers optional usage tracking and optional feedback submission on deactivation. Data is sent only after explicit user consent. No hidden tracking is performed, and no frontend visitor or site user data is collected. For more details, please review our [Data Usage Policy](https://my.coolplugins.net/terms/usage-tracking/), [TOS](https://my.coolplugins.net/terms/), and [Privacy Policy](https://my.coolplugins.net/terms/privacy-policy/).

== Installation ==

Certainly! Here are the improved installation steps and guidelines for the Cool Timeline plugin:

### 3 Ways To Install Cool Timeline

#### 1. Automatically Install via WordPress Admin Panel
* Open your WordPress admin panel.
* Navigate to **Plugins > Add New**.
* In the search bar, type **'Cool Timeline'**.
* Locate the Cool Timeline plugin from the search results.
* Click the **Install Now** button.
* Once the installation is complete, click the **Activate** button to enable the plugin on your website.

#### 2. Install via Zip File
* Download the Cool Timeline plugin from the [WordPress plugin directory](https://wordpress.org/plugins/cool-timeline/).
* Save the downloaded zip file to your computer.
* Open your WordPress admin panel.
* Navigate to **Plugins > Add New**.
* Click the **Upload Plugin** button.
* Select the downloaded zip file and click Install Now.
* Once the installation is complete, click the **Activate** Plugin button to enable Cool Timeline.

#### 3. Install the Plugin via FTP
* Download the Cool Timeline plugin zip file from the [WordPress plugin directory](https://wordpress.org/plugins/cool-timeline/).
* Extract the zip file on your computer.
* Open your FTP manager (e.g., FileZilla).
* Connect to your website’s server.
* Navigate to the **wp-content/plugins** directory.
* Upload the extracted Cool Timeline folder (not the zip file) to this directory.
* After uploading is done, go to your WordPress admin panel.
* Navigate to Plugins and find Cool Timeline in the list.
* Click the **Activate** button to enable the plugin.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= How do I create a timeline using Cool Timeline? =
Creating a timeline is easy. Simply create posts, set images, and assign dates to them. The plugin will automatically organize your posts in chronological order, either ascending or descending, based on your preference.

= Can I choose any historical date/year? =
The year starts from 1970 in the free version but in [pro version](https://cooltimeline.com/plugin/cool-timeline-pro/?utm_source=ctl_plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=get_pro&utm_content=faqs) you can choose any historical year from 1000 to 2050 to create a story inside Cool Timeline or you can also add custom text instead of date/year.

= What is plugin shortcode & how can we use it? =
Here is the full shortcode of the Cool Timeline plugin:-

> [cool-timeline layout="default" skin="default" date-format="F j" icons="YES" show-posts="20" animation="FadeInOut" order="DESC" story-content="full"]

= Can I use the timeline slider for blog posts or projects? =
Of course! The timeline slider can display blog posts, project steps, or product roadmaps, making it flexible for different use cases.

= Is the plugin responsive and mobile-friendly? =
Yes, the Cool Timeline plugin is fully responsive and ensures that your timelines look great on any device.

= Can I use Cool Timeline with the Gutenberg editor? =
Yes, Cool Timeline includes an advanced Timeline Block for Gutenberg, allowing you to easily create elegant timelines using pre-made presets.

= Can I create multiple timelines based on different categories? =
The timeline category option is only available in our Pro version, so you need to purchase Pro if you want to create category-specific **multiple timelines**.

= What is the Horizontal Roadmap Timeline Slider? =
 The Horizontal Roadmap Timeline design allows you to represent your project or company plans and phases in a visually compelling horizontal format.

= Is it possible to create both horizontal & vertical timelines? =
You can only create **vertical timeline** in our free version. But we have cool design options to create both vertical and horizontal timelines in our Pro version.

= Is the plugin translation-ready? =
Yes, the Cool Timeline plugin is translation-ready and has already been translated into four languages: German, French, Indonesian, and Italian.

=  What types of content can I showcase with Cool Timeline? =
Cool Timeline is versatile and allows you to showcase various types of content, such as company history, project milestones, personal achievements, event timelines, and product roadmaps.

=  Does Cool Timeline support RTL (Right-to-Left) languages? =
Yes, Cool Timeline supports RTL languages, making it suitable for websites with languages such as Arabic, Hebrew, and Persian.

=  How often is Cool Timeline updated? =
The developers regularly update Cool Timeline to add new features, improve performance, and ensure compatibility with the latest versions of WordPress.

 = Where can I find the Cool Timeline plugin on GitHub? =
You can find the Cool Timeline plugin on its official GitHub repository at <a href="https://github.com/narinder9/cool-timeline">Github</a>

= How can I report security bugs? =
You can report security bugs through the Patchstack Vulnerability Disclosure Program. The Patchstack team help validate, triage, and handle any security vulnerabilities. [Report a security vulnerability.](https://patchstack.com/database/vdp/cool-timeline).

== Screenshots ==

1. WordPress Timeline plugin frontend view.
2. Cool Timeline story creation screen with instructions.
3. Timeline Block for Gutenberg preview.
4. Timeline Block for Gutenberg story preview.
5. Cool Timeline PRO Vertical Layout.
5. Cool Timeline PRO Single-Sided.
6. Cool Timeline PRO Horizontal view.
7. Create any type of timeline using Cool Timeline PRO.

== Changelog ==

= Version 3.3.5 | 07 July 2026 =
* **Updated:** Upgraded Block API to Version 3.
* **Updated:** Upgraded Swiper to v12.1.2.

= Version 3.3.4 | 24 June 2026 =

* **Fixed:** Fixed PHP error.

= Version 3.3.3 | 12 June 2026 =

* **Fixed:** Fixed PHP undefined get_current_screen() function error.

= Version 3.3.2 | 11 June 2026 =

* **Improvements:** Code Improvements & Optimization

= Version 3.3.1 | 22 April 2026 =

* **Fixed:** Deprecated issues in the latest PHP version.

= Version 3.3.0 | 12 March 2026 =

* **Improvements:** Improved dashboard design and usability.

= Version 3.2.4 | 19 Feb 2026 =

* **Fixed:** Issues reported by “Plugin Check” plugin.

= Version 3.2.3 | 12 Feb 2026 =

* **Updated:** Textual Changes.

= Version 3.2.2 | 06 Feb 2026 =

* **Fixed:** Incorrect plugin slug that could prevent proper installation.

= Version 3.2.1 | 30 Jan 2026 =

* **Fixed:** Issues reported by “Plugin Check” plugin.
* **Fixed:** Styling issues in Cool Timeline block editor.

= Version 3.2 | 30 Dec 2025 =

* **Fixed:** Pagination issue on static pages.
* **Updated:** Default story image links.  

= Version 3.1 | 09 Dec 2025 =

* **Tested Up To:** WordPress 6.9.
 
= Version 3.0.9 | 18 Nov 2025 =

* **Improvement:** Enhanced CSS styling for the timeline sidebar menu.

= Version 3.0.8 | 22 Sep 2025 =

* **Fixed:** Fatal error caused by incorrect folder path.

= Version 3.0.7 | 22 Sep 2025 =

* **Improved:** Other plugin recommendations.
* **Improved:** Rating div styling.

= Version 3.0.6 | 25 August 2025 =

* **Fixed:** Addressed security vulnerabilities.
* **Improved:** Enhanced overall code quality.
* **Improved:** UTM link updates.

= Version 3.0.5 | 09 July 2025 =

* **Fixed:** Wrong URL issue.

= Version 3.0.4 | 09 July 2025 =

* **Added:** Enhanced user opt-in options for better customization.

= Version 3.0.3| 23 June 2025 =
* **Updated:** Org Assets update.

= Version 3.0.2| 23 June 2025 =

* **New:** Integrated migration of timeline announcements  
* **Tested Up To:** WordPress 6.8.1  
* **Updated:** UTM tracking link  
* **Improved:** Minor performance and UI enhancements  

= Version 3.0.1| 21 Apr 2025 =
* **Fixed :** Text Domain issue.
* **Tested Up To:** WordPress 6.8

= Version 3.0.0 | 19 Dec 2024 =
* **Added:** Support for List & Button blocks in descriptions of Cool Timeline Block.
* **Added:** Option to change or remove element positions (e.g., media after description or title) in Cool Timeline Block.
* **Fixed:** Deprecated JavaScript error in the block editor in Cool Timeline Block.
* **Improved:** Updated Icon Library to prevent JavaScript errors in Cool Timeline Block.

= Version 2.9.9 | 09 Dec 2024 =
* **Tested Up To:** WordPress 6.7.1
* **Fixed:** Load text domain issue fixed.

= Version 2.9.8 | 26 Sep 2024 =
* **Improved:** Fixed PHP errors.

= Version 2.9.7 | 25 Sep 2024 =
* **Fixed:** Required file not found issue.

= Version 2.9.6 | 25 Sep 2024 =
* **Fixed:** Fatal Error created in V2.9.5.

= Version 2.9.5 | 25 Sep 2024 =
* **Improved:** Security improvements.
* **Removed:** Deprecated Gutenberg Instant Timeline Builder.

= Version 2.9.4 | 26 Aug 2024 =
* **Added:** Divi timeline module admin notice and tab on get started page.
* **Fixed:** Vertical one-side pagination alignment issue.

= Version 2.9.3 | 11 June 2024 =
* **Added:** popup open link on date label in horizontal layout
* **Fixed:** php fatal error issue with empty shortcode.
* **Fixed:**  pagination arrow styling issue.
* **Improved:** Horizontal timeline next/previous buttons.

= Version 2.9.2 | 04 April 2024 =
* **Fixed:** RTL css issue.

= Version 2.9.1 | 08 March 2024 =
* **Added:** HTML accessibility attributes
* **Improved:** Video content updated on the get started page for better documentation

= Version 2.9.0 | 05 March 2024 =
* **Added:** Shortcode Live Preview button in Classic Editor
* **Added:** Get Started page in timeline admin setting for plugin information
* **Fixed:** Image Position issue.
* **Fixed:** Setting translation issue.
* **Fixed:** Horizontal Read More Display issue.
* **Fixed:** Year lable font family issue.
* **Fixed:** Vertical Icon, Icondot and Arrow styling issue in responsive device.
* **Fixed:** Year label styling issue in responsive device.

= Version 2.8.3 | 19 December 2023 =
* **Added:** Post Per Page Option in Horizontal Layout.
* **Fixed:** Animation issue.
* **Fixed:** Compact CSS issue.
* **Fixed:** Wrong Comment CSS issue.

= Version 2.8.2 | 11 December 2023 =
* **Fixed:** PHP fatal error issue with 7.0 PHP version.

= Version 2.8.1 | 08 December 2023 =
* **Removed:** Remove unused files.

= Version 2.8 | 08 December 2023 =
* **Added:** WordPress default Image, Heading and Paragraph core blocks for more features.
* **Added:** migration option in instant timeline builder to migrate into Cool Timeline Block.
* **Fixed:** Editor side PHP errors.
* **Improved:** Cool Timeline Block static CSS replaced with variable based CSS.
* **Improved:** Shortcode Block Design Improvement and Removed Extra code.
* **Removed:** Remove Heading, Image and Paragraph setttings from Cool Timeline Block.

= Version 2.7.1 | 17/10/2023 =
**Fixed:** Minor Security fix

= Version 2.7 | 07/09/2023 =
* **Fixes:** Fixed an issue with the conditional loading of styles and assets.
* **New Features:** Added an "Add New Story" button to the story toolbar.
* **New Features:** Introduced a "Go To Settings" button in the story settings panel.
* **New Features:** Included new settings for Heading Tags.
* **New Features:** Integrated a new Font Icon library.
* **Improvements:** Fixed an issue with icons and center line positioning.
* **Improvements:** Removed the old Font Icon library for better performance.
* **Improvements:** Fixed an issue with icons and center line positioning.
* **Improvements:** Addressed the ALT Tag issue in images.
* **Compatibility:** Tested and verified compatibility with WordPress 6.3.

= Version 2.6.1 | 20/03/2023 =
* **Fixed:** Minor design issues with compact layout
* **Fixed:** Minor textual changes
* **Updated:** changed constants
* **Tested up to:** Tested upto WordPress 6.2
* **Updated:** updated links and assets

= Version 2.6 | 15/03/2023 =
* **Added:** Integrated New Cool Timeline Shortcode Block 
* **Added:** Integrated New Glightbox
* **Improved:** Updated Year section position in one-sided layout.
* **Improved:** Horizontal layout settings and design.
* **Removed:** PrettyPhoto Popup.
* **Improved:**Responsive design and timeline elements.
* **Improved:** Improved settings Tabs
* **Remove:** Cool Timeline Shortcode Generator removed from Gutenberg
* **Fixed:** Fixed styling issue

= Version 2.5 | 11/01/2023 =
* **Integration:** Alternating setting option
* **Integration:** Content alignment Setting
* **Integration:** Title bottom spacing setting
* **Integration:** Description Bottom spacing setting
* **Integration:** Item spacing setting
* **Integration:** Icon box size setting
* **Integration:** Icon size setting
* **Integration:** Line size setting
* **Integration:** Container padding setting
* **Improved:** Content update / CoolTimeline Timeline Builder Block
* **Updated:** Dashboard API.

= Version 2.4.5 | 28/09/2022 =
* **Improved:** Minor textual changes

= Version 2.4.4 | 15/04/2022 =
* **Improved:** Used sanitize_text_field  and removed PHP filter vars

= Version 2.4.3 | 14/04/2022 =
* **Improved:** Updated settings framework latest version

= Version 2.4.2 | 08/04/2022 =
* **Improved:** Updated settings framework latest version
* **Improved:** replace date function with gmdate() for better date function support.
* **Improved:** attribute and HTML output in overall code.
= Version 2.4.1 | 06/04/2022 =

* **Improvements:** Removed all CDN and external images and JS file links.
* **Improvements:** loaded all images from the plugin folder.

= Version 2.4 | 05/04/2022 =
* **Fixed:** Major security issue.
* **Improved:** overall code improvements.

= Version 2.3.3 | 02/02/2022 =
* **New:**  Quick Date Select Button in  Timeline Story Setting meta box
* **Fixed:**  Pagination issue on the home page.
* **Fixed:** Minor CSS issue in horizontal Layouts.

= Version 2.3.2 | 17 Nov 2021 =
* **Improved:** Added check for WordPress 4.9 versions.

= Version 2.3 | 09 Nov 2021 =
* **New:** Added image size option, Font Awesome icons, color and typography settings for each element of Cool Timeline Gutenberg Timeline Block
* **New:** Added right-aligned one-sided timeline layout in Cool Timeline Gutenberg Timeline Block
* **New:** Story position(left/right) option or both-sided layout of Cool Timeline Gutenberg Timeline Block

= Version 2.2.3 | 22 Oct 2021 =
* **Fixed:** Fixed missing icon issue
* **Fixed:** Loaded settings framework only on cool_timeline post type and settings panel
* **Fixed:** Conflict with WP Quiz PRO and CMB2
* **Improved:** Minor code improvements

= Version 2.2.2 | 07 Oct 2021 =
* **Fixed:** Shortcode generator generating the wrong shortcode
* **Fixed:** review notice bug

= Version 2.2 | 05 Oct 2021 =
* **Added:** integrated New settings panel
* **Added:** integrated New meta boxes and shortcode generator
* **Added:** Vertical story position settings
* **Improved:** improved overall code managed codes in functionality base class
* **Improved:** managed assets management in a standalone class
* **Improved:** folder structure

= Version 2.1 | 13 July 2021 =
* **Added:** Story Ordering/sorting feature in Instant timeline builder block
* **Added:** Extended support for older Years from 1800 to 1970 years and dates 
* **Added:** Alt tag in Instant Timeline Builder images
* **Fixed:** VC addon integration not working
* **Fixed:** story wrong order bug
* **Fixed:** Timeline Year issue in the Spanish language
* **Updated:** Gutenberg Timeline block code and libraries
* **Updated:** Deprecated libraries from the timeline block
* **Updated:** tested up to 5.8
<strong>More:- check <a target="_blank" href="https://bitbucket.org/!api/2.0/snippets/CoolHappy/7XXdBp/91a4ecee991e51318af6635e383e96f7b125dbc5/files/changelog">changelog.txt</a> file here.</strong>
== Upgrade Notice ==

= Version 3.3.4 | 24 June 2026 =

* **Fixed:** Fixed PHP error.
