What Is the Timeline Builder?
The Timeline Builder is a visual tool for reconstructing the sequence of events in a case. It allows you to place events on a chronological timeline, mark gaps in coverage, add annotations, and export the result for court presentations or reports.
Adding Events to the Timeline
There are three ways to add events:
- From the video player: While watching the video, press M to drop a marker, then right-click the marker and choose Add to Timeline. The event inherits the timestamp and a thumbnail from the video.
- From the Findings Panel: Drag any finding (contradiction, transcript excerpt, annotation) directly onto the timeline.
- Manually: Click the + Add Event button on the timeline and fill in the timestamp, description, and optional source reference.
Marking Gaps
Gaps in video coverage are critical for defense analysis. To mark a gap:
- Click the Gap Tool in the timeline toolbar (or press G).
- Click the start point of the gap on the timeline, then click the end point.
- The gap appears as a red highlighted region with its duration displayed.
FrameCounsel can also auto-detect gaps by analyzing video metadata timestamps. Use Timeline > Auto-Detect Gaps to scan for breaks in recording.
Tip: Gaps in body camera footage are often significant. The auto-detect feature checks for discontinuities in the embedded timecode, which can reveal when a camera was paused or powered off.
Annotations
Click any point on the timeline to add a text annotation. Annotations appear as sticky notes above the timeline and can include:
- Free-text notes about the significance of a moment
- References to case law or statute
- Links to related evidence items in the case
Multi-Source Timelines
When working with multiple videos (e.g., two body cameras and a dash camera), the Timeline Builder can display them as parallel tracks. Each track shows its own events and gaps, and you can visually identify moments where coverage overlaps or conflicts.
Exporting the Timeline
Click Export > Timeline to export in your preferred format:
- PDF: A print-ready visual timeline for court filings
- Image (PNG): High-resolution image for presentations
- Interactive HTML: A self-contained file that recipients can zoom and scroll
Warning: Exported timelines include timestamps from the video metadata. If the source video has incorrect embedded timestamps, the timeline will reflect those inaccuracies. Always verify timestamps against independent sources when possible.