Generate your investigative timeline
AI turns messy investigation notes into a clear chronological narrative with dates.
Generate your investigative timeline
River's Investigative Timeline Writer transforms messy investigation notes into clear chronological narratives. You paste notes with dates, events, and details, and the AI organizes everything into a timeline-based narrative that shows how events unfolded. Whether you're tracking corruption, documenting scandals, or following complex business deals, you get structured timelines that make complicated investigations comprehensible.
Unlike simple list makers, we create narrative timelines that read like journalism. The AI understands investigative structure (chronological organization with context, clear attribution for each fact, connection between events, significance highlighted), identifies key dates and milestones, and writes in objective journalistic style. You get timelines that work as investigation frameworks or as published explainers showing readers what happened when.
This tool is perfect for investigative reporters organizing complex stories, editors understanding sprawling investigations, fact-checkers verifying sequences, and journalists creating timeline graphics or explainers. If you have months of notes and need to see the chronological story, or if you're writing timeline-based pieces, this tool helps. Use it when you've gathered facts but need to organize them temporally to understand or explain what happened.
What Makes Investigative Timelines Effective
Investigative timelines work when they reveal patterns and connections that weren't obvious in scattered notes. Effective timelines do more than list dates, they show causation (event A led to event B), identify gaps (we know what happened in January and March, but February is missing), and highlight significance (this seemingly minor meeting preceded the major decision). Weak timelines just chronologically list facts. Strong timelines help readers and reporters understand how complex events unfolded and connect to each other.
The best investigative timelines balance detail with readability. Include specific dates (not just vague timeframes), name key people involved in each event, cite sources for each fact (documents, interviews, public records), explain significance when events seem mundane but matter, note when information is disputed or unclear, and show connections between seemingly separate events. Format matters too. Clear date headers, concise descriptions, proper attribution, and visual hierarchy help readers follow complex sequences.
To improve timeline quality, verify every date and detail before publishing. One error undermines entire investigation credibility. Note gaps where information is missing (and why). Distinguish between known facts and informed speculation. For published timelines, include sources (even if briefly). For internal investigation timelines, track which facts need verification. Update timelines as new information emerges. Good timelines evolve as investigations progress. They're living documents showing what you know, what you don't know, and what questions remain.
What You Get
Chronological narrative organized by dates from your notes
Clear structure showing how events unfolded over time
Context and connections between events highlighted
Proper attribution and journalistic style throughout
Ready-to-use timeline for investigation framework or publication
How It Works
- 1Paste investigation notesCopy all your notes including dates, events, sources, and key details
- 2AI creates timeline narrativeOur AI organizes notes chronologically and writes narrative structure in 3 to 5 minutes
- 3Review and copyRead through the timeline and copy it
- 4Verify and useFact-check dates and details, then use as investigation framework or publish
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this fact-check my dates and information?
No. The AI organizes information you provide but doesn't verify accuracy. You must fact-check every date, detail, and attribution before using the timeline publicly or in published work. The tool helps with organization and writing, not verification. Always verify investigative details through multiple sources and documents.
Can this handle complex multi-year investigations?
Yes, but you may need to break very long investigations into segments (by year or by storyline). The tool handles up to 3,000 words of notes. For massive investigations spanning years with hundreds of events, create multiple timelines (one per year, one per aspect) then combine them. The AI organizes what you provide. Scale depends on how much you input.
Does this replace actual timeline creation or just help draft?
It helps draft and organize. You still need to verify accuracy, fill gaps, add context only you understand, and format for publication if needed. Think of it as a first-pass organizer that takes messy notes and creates structure. You refine, verify, and complete the timeline with your reporting knowledge and fact-checking.
What if my notes are incomplete or have date gaps?
The AI works with whatever you provide and notes where information seems incomplete. You'll see gaps in the timeline that highlight where you need more reporting. This can actually help identify holes in your investigation. Use the draft timeline to see what's missing, then do additional reporting to fill gaps before finalizing.
Can I use this for published explainer timelines?
Yes, after verification and editing. The output provides good structure for timeline graphics, explainer pieces, or investigation sidebars. You'll need to add proper citations, verify every fact, and format for your publication. Many investigations benefit from timeline explainers showing readers the sequence of events. This gives you the draft to refine.
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