# Lifecycle Editor & Timeline

## Lifecycle Editor

The Lifecycle Editor is part of all Portfolio Element forms in YouDesign Command. It enables admins, editors, and readers (readers with Business Owner, IT Owner, or Steward roles) to set the start date of lifecycle phases.

To access the Lifecycle Editor, open any Portfolio Element form and click the Lifecycles section.

**A** – Multiple lifecycle types may be available depending on the table configuration. Click on the lifecycle type name to expand or collapse the lifecycle phases.

**B** – All lifecycle phases are organized by the five lifecycle stages.

**C** – Lifecycle phases and start dates are grouped by lifecycle stages and sorted by order. When you enter a start date and save or update the Portfolio Element, the corresponding lifecycle visualizations update automatically.

![](/files/Ql48G1dXNUNxVIWixMuc)

## Lifecycle Timeline

The Lifecycle Timeline appears at the top of all Portfolio Element forms.

This visualization represents all lifecycle types and phases based on their start dates, functioning as a roadmap for the specific Portfolio Element.

**A** – Displays the Portfolio Element name.

**B** – Shows the lifecycle types.

**C** – Marker indicating today’s date.

**D** – Lifecycle phase name and color as specified in the lifecycle definition table.

![](/files/h6yNsq7GE1JwPrgt5VJg)


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