Free, no sign-up to start: the plan opens as a live, editable Gantt chart. 13 tasks across 4 phases, about 16 weeks if every task runs in sequence.
What's in the template
Audience and learning outcomes
Course outline and modules
Scripts and slides
Video recording
Video editing
Quizzes and exercises
Workbooks and downloads
Platform setup and upload
Accessibility review and captions
Beta cohort
Revisions from beta feedback
Public launch
First content update
| Phase | Task | Example duration |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Audience and learning outcomes | 5 days |
| Design | Course outline and modules | 7 days |
| Produce | Scripts and slides | 21 days |
| Produce | Video recording | 10 days |
| Produce | Video editing | 14 days |
| Produce | Quizzes and exercises | 7 days |
| Produce | Workbooks and downloads | 5 days |
| Build | Platform setup and upload | 5 days |
| Build | Accessibility review and captions | 5 days |
| Launch | Beta cohort | 14 days |
| Launch | Revisions from beta feedback | 7 days |
| Launch | Public launch | 1 day |
| Launch | First content update | 14 days |
Durations are examples to replace with your own estimates, not benchmarks.
About this online course development plan
Course creators often underestimate production: scripting, recording, editing and building quizzes for every module. This plan schedules production by phase and adds a beta cohort before public launch.
It fits a self-paced video course or a corporate training module.
Who it's for: Instructional designers, educators, trainers and course creators.
How to use it
- Open the plan. Click Open in the editor.
- Break production into modules. Split scripts, recording and editing into one row per module.
- Overlap production. Split production into rows per module. To record module two while module one is edited, remove the row's predecessor in the task panel before setting an overlapping start date.
- Share with reviewers. Send a read-only link to subject-matter experts.
Planning tips
- Write learning outcomes first; they decide what to cut.
- Plan captions as part of production.
- Use the beta to test quizzes, not only videos.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does it take to create an online course?
- It varies with length and production quality. This template spans about four months in sequence; overlapping modules shortens it.
- Can I use this for corporate training?
- Yes. Replace the beta cohort with a pilot group of employees.
- Is it free?
- Yes. Opening and editing the template is free.
Related templates
The free plan saves one project. Downloads (PDF, CSV) and more projects are on Solo, $12/month.