Timelines is DISCO Case Builder’s cloud-based timeline (chronology) module, which allows case teams to collaboratively create and modify their timelines as they build their narrative from the beginning of a case until trial. You can learn more about list view in Getting started with Timelines.
In addition to this list view, Timelines now includes an option to view and interact with your timeline graphically via the Visual timeline.
Navigate to the Visual timeline
To access the graphical view, select the Visual timeline icon near the top of the filter panel.
Fact display
Your timeline will appear as a sequential arrangement of facts, supporting easy distinction of key facts, timeline ranges, and overlapping timelines.
Fact colors
Facts will display in two separate colors: yellow or blue.
Yellow facts represent facts with an assigned status of "Key fact" in your timeline.
Blue facts represent facts that are not assigned the status of "Key fact" in your timeline.
Fact pills, headers, and ranges
Facts display over the entire precise date range or possible date range if precise dates are not specified ("2024" will display from Jan 1, 2024 - Dec 31, 2024). These facts will have a pill header that matches the color of fact pills with precise dates.
View specific fact information
To view more information about a specific fact, click the displayed fact to review the matter card, which will display details, assigned statuses, applied tags, affiliated witnesses, and any notes.
Undated facts
Undated facts will always appear at the end of the timeline in the Undated fact section as oblong fact pills.
Navigation
Scrolling and Mini-map
Move up and down or left and right in your timeline by scrolling vertically and horizontally or by moving your mouse pad.
To jump to a specific location or understand your overall position in your timeline, review your place in the mini-map displayed at the bottom of the screen. Click into the desired location left or right or up and own in the mini-map to view specific time or facts.
Select zoom level
In the upper left corner, select your zoom level depending on whether you want to review or create precise date times or long year ranges.
Day view
Year view
Manage and curate facts
Create facts
Similar to the list view, select the "Create fact" button in the upper right corner of the page in order to create a fact.
After selecting the "Create fact" button, the "New fact" side panel will appear. You can select the date or date range and add details, evidence, statuses, tags and/or witnesses to your fact. You will also retain the ability to view the timeline while creating a fact.
Upon clicking "Create", a toast will appear at the bottom of your screen asking you to refresh the page until
Edit facts
To edit an existing fact, click the fact to reveal the matter card and select edit.
Edit title, details, evidence, statuses, tags or witnesses.
Similar to creating a fact, a toast requesting refresh to display changes will appear. If dates of an existing fact are edited, then a refresh will be required to display updated timeline.
Filter and search
Filter and search functionality is consistent between the list and visual timeline views. For full details about search and filter capability in Timeline check out Filter and search the timeline.
Like in list view, access timeline-specific search syntax in visual view by clicking down on the caret in the right side of the search bar.
Review search syntax or use unfielded search by simplying typing in plaintext.
After executing a search only facts meeting in your search criteria will appear in the Timeline and mini-map.
Filter down your timeline to see only facts fitting your specific criteria.
Exporting Visual Timelines
Exporting visual timelines allows you to capture and share clear, detailed overviews of key events, which can be useful for presentations, reports, or deeper analysis. You can refine your timeline using search and filter options before exporting, ensuring the exported view aligns with your specific needs.
To export a visual timeline:
- Navigate to the timeline you want to export and use search or filter overlays to customize your view.
- Click on the export icon, and select your preferred format:
- Excel: Includes all detailed information for each fact, scoped according to any search or filtering on the timeline.
- SVG: Provides a high-quality, scalable visual that is perfect for editing or presentations, while preserving the layout and detail of the timeline.
- JPEG: Ideal for more universally accessible images, though it won't scale as cleanly as SVG.
- Adjust the zoom level (e.g., days, weeks, months, years) to set the date resolution for your export.
- Click Download. A new tab will open for processing—ensure this tab remains open until the download completes. You can continue working in the original Case Builder tab without interrupting the process.