To show the WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) names in the Timeline like your picture in you need to add Summary Tasks into the Timeline in Microsoft Project.
Follow these steps:
How to Show WBS in Timeline
Method 1 — Add Summary Tasks to Timeline (Best Way)
Step 1: Create WBS Structure
Your tasks must already be organized like this:
1. General
1.1 Mobilization
1.2 Site Grading
2. Foundations
3. Steel Erection
Use:
Task → Indent
or shortcut:
Alt + Shift + Right Arrow
This creates Summary Tasks (WBS levels).
Step 2: Turn on Timeline View
Go to:
View → Timeline
Step 3: Add Summary Tasks to Timeline
In Gantt Chart:
Select the Summary Task (example: “General”)
Right-click
Choose:
Add to Timeline
OR:
Task → Add to Timeline
Now the WBS phase appears on the Timeline.
Important Setting
If only small tasks appear and not the WBS bars:
Go to:
Format → Timeline Bar
Enable:
Summary Tasks
Task Names
To Make It Look Like Your Picture
Use these settings:
Timeline Format
Go to:
Format → Timeline
Then:
Check:
Task Names
Date
Today
Use:
Bar style
Callout style
Show Multiple WBS Levels
You can show:
Main WBS
Sub WBS
Milestones
Example:
General
├─ Mobilization
├─ Site Grading
Structure
├─ Foundations
├─ Steel
Both summary and detail tasks can appear together.
If Timeline Looks Too Small
Zoom Timeline:
View → Zoom → Entire Project
OR use:
Ctrl + Mouse Wheel
Professional Construction Scheduling Tip
For construction projects, usually show only:
| Show in Timeline | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Main Phases | Small daily tasks |
| Milestones | Minor activities |
| Structural Stages | Resource tasks |
Example good timeline:
General
Foundation
Structure
Masonry
Roofing
Finishes
Handover
This makes the schedule clean like professional GC companies.
Bonus — Show WBS Number
To show WBS code:
View → Tables → More Tables → Entry
Insert column:
WBS
Example:
1
1.1
1.2
2
2.1
Result
After setup, your Timeline will look like:
Construction phase bars
WBS grouped sections
Professional presentation
Similar to Primavera-style master schedule
like your screenshot.