Documentation
Everything you need to know about using DissertationPath to manage your dissertation timeline
Quick Start Guide
Watch this 2-minute overview to get started quickly
Video tutorial coming soon!
Getting Started
Learn the basics of creating your first timeline
Timeline Management
Track progress and manage your dissertation journey
Working with Templates
Pre-built templates and customization options
Account & Settings
Manage your account and preferences
Creating Your First Timeline
Creating a timeline in DissertationPath is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to get started:
- Browse Templates: Navigate to the Templates page to see available dissertation timeline templates.
- Select a Template: Choose a template that best fits your dissertation phase (e.g., PhD Timeline, Masters Timeline).
- Customize: Set your start date, timeline title, and customize any milestone details.
- Create: Click the Create Timeline button to generate your personalized timeline.
Tip: You can always edit your timeline later to adjust dates or add custom milestones.
Understanding Templates
Templates are pre-built timeline structures designed for common dissertation workflows. Each template includes:
- Milestones: Key phases of your dissertation (e.g., Literature Review, Data Collection, Writing)
- Dependencies: Relationships between milestones showing what must be completed first
- Time Offsets: Suggested timeframes for each phase based on typical dissertation timelines
Tracking Progress
Keep track of your dissertation progress by marking milestones as complete:
- Visit your timeline detail page
- Use the checkboxes next to each milestone to mark them complete
- Watch your progress bar update in real-time
- Completed milestones are highlighted in Sage Mist green
Complete
In Progress
Not Started
Using the Gantt Chart
The Gantt chart provides a visual representation of your entire dissertation timeline:
- Horizontal Timeline: Shows your dissertation duration from start to end date
- Milestone Markers: Each milestone appears as a marker on the timeline
- Progress Bar: The colored portion shows your overall completion percentage
- Hover for Details: Hover over any milestone marker to see its title
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I edit my timeline after creating it?
Yes! You can edit your timeline title, description, and mark milestones as complete or incomplete at any time. Simply visit your timeline and click the Edit button.
How do dependencies work?
Dependencies show which milestones must be completed before others can begin. For example, you typically need to complete your Literature Review before starting Data Analysis. Dependencies are shown with link icons in the milestone list.
Is my data secure?
Yes. Your timelines are private and only accessible to you. DissertationPath uses Google authentication for secure sign-in, and your data is stored securely with user-specific access controls.
Can I create multiple timelines?
Absolutely! You can create as many timelines as you need. This is useful if you're working on multiple projects or want to create different scenarios for planning purposes.
Ready to Get Started?
Create your first dissertation timeline now