> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.papers.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.papers.ai/notebooks-and-data/kanban-and-timeline-boards.md).

# Kanban and timeline boards

Kanban boards (`.kanban`) and timelines (`.timeline`) are files like any other in your project. They just open in a dedicated board view instead of a text editor.

## Create and use a board

1. Create a new file with a `.kanban` or `.timeline` extension, or pick **Kanban Board** / **Gantt Chart** from the new-file options.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Kanban" %}
Add columns and cards, and drag cards between columns as work progresses.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Timeline" %}
Define phases and place items in sequence.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

2. Use the board toolbar to search and filter by label or assignee.
3. Save. Layout and card placement persist when you reopen the file.

## Things to know

* Boards only have a visual view. There's no raw source/code mode for `.kanban` or `.timeline` files.
* Renaming a board file to a different extension resets its structure. It's treated as a new document type, not a conversion.
* In a shared project, you can copy a link to a specific card or item; local-only projects don't support these deep links.

{% hint style="info" %}
The AI doesn't read your board automatically as context. If you want it to act on a task, paste the relevant text into your prompt. See [Using AI](/using-ai/using-ai.md).
{% endhint %}

## Troubleshooting

<details>

<summary>The board opens as plain text</summary>

Confirm the file extension is `.kanban` or `.timeline`.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Drag-and-drop isn't working</summary>

Reload the tab and try again.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Your board structure didn't save</summary>

Save, close, and reopen. If it's still missing, check **Code view** for malformed content.

</details>

## Next steps

* [Notebooks](/notebooks-and-data/notebooks.md)
* [Using AI](/using-ai/using-ai.md)