The presenter can use the 5 Step Zig Zag Timeline Template for PowerPoint to liven up a presentation. Use the PowerPoint template to present 5-step processes or roadmaps applying modern graphics. The template can be used in all types of processes in business and marketing. Other PowerPoint templates for processes can also be downloaded from our Gallery, such as the 6 Step Circular Puzzle Diagram Template for PowerPoint.
The template uses a zig zag pattern, created by five circular PowerPoint shapes connected by thick concaved lines. The design makes the steps appear as though they were buttons on a console. The buttons are also shown in different colors, such as blue, green, brown, yellow, and red. This allows the audience to quickly distinguish them from each other. This also lets the presenter connect the main overview slide to the different slides which feature the step individually.
The main overview slide contains the zigzag diagram in full color. The buttons are even accompanied by text placeholders where a short descriptive statement can be placed. The presenter can use this slide both at the beginning and at the end of the presentation. The first of which is done so the audience can get the gist of what the succeeding slides are going to be. The second is done so they can summarize and review the slides that have been discussed. This allows the presenter to evaluate the audience’s retention and understanding of the steps being shown.
Also included in the Office template are individual slide designs that feature one of the steps at the time. This is done by showing the same zigzag diagram at the center of the slide. However, only the button corresponding to the second step is shown in the same color it has on the main slide. Beside the button is a dialog text box of the same color. The slides are specifically designed to allow the present to focus on one of the steps, and elaborate on its different aspects. This also opens a topic for discussion for the audience.
The 5 Step Zig Zag Timeline Template for PowerPoint is most suitable for linear processes. The easy, colorful design allows the user to make slides that can spark the audience’s interest, and ensure an effective presentation. To make the slides more suitable and more relatable to a specific type of audience, the presenter can fully edit the template. If you are a PowerPoint user, read our guide on how to create a timeline in PowerPoint and Google Slides.
A: Start with the overview slide to name all five steps before adding detail. Then use each focus slide as one discussion beat, keeping the callout panel to one headline, one short explanation, and one action or owner. Return verbally to the numbered sequence so the audience always understands where they are in the process.
A: This template works best when a presenter must explain a simple linear path, such as a project rollout, onboarding flow, marketing process, or operational checklist. It is especially useful for managers, consultants, and trainers who need a repeatable five-part structure without a dense Gantt chart or table.
A: The zig zag path gives the process a visible sense of movement while the circular buttons make each stage feel like a clear stop. On the detail slides, the inactive gray nodes preserve context and the highlighted node directs attention to the current step, reducing the risk of treating the process as disconnected topics.
6-slide presentation template for 5-step zig zag timelines, process roadmaps, and milestone summaries
The 5 Step Zig Zag Timeline Template for PowerPoint is a 6-slide diagram template for showing a linear process in 16:9 format. It includes a full-color zig zag timeline overview plus five single-step focus slides with callout panels. Business, marketing, project, and training presenters can edit it in Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Slides.