How to Create & Print a Family Tree
A family tree can provide valuable information about ancestors and current family members. It can document marriages, births and deaths. It can provide information to future generations about important information like medical conditions. There isn't a right or wrong way to create and print a family tree, but there are many software programs available to help with the process. Most of these programs follow a standard format designed to trace the connection between relatives, creating something that looks like a tree.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Determine how you want to create your family tree. While software programs make it easy, it's possible to make family trees using programs like Microsoft Office Excel. If you do want to use an online software program, you want to take into consideration whether you need to download software or whether the company hosts an online edition. Consider whether or not you want to add a photo next to each name. If so, you want to use a program that allows you to import or upload photos.
-
2
Record the information you know. If you want to include ancestors, it can help to start with the oldest ancestor you know. You may want to look at scrapbooks or historical documents to identify important dates like births, deaths, marriages or divorces.
-
-
3
Ask family members to help you fill in the blanks. You may not remember who your great aunt Hilda married, but your grandpa might. If you want to find out more information about your family, you can consider hiring a research company specializing in genealogy.
-
4
Organize the information in the format you like the best. Most family trees show marriages and descendants from the marriages. If you want to add on to the tree as it grows, make sure you leave enough room for future additions.
-
5
Consider whether you want to use a template to print your family tree. Even if you built your family tree in Microsoft Office, you may want to print your tree on an attractive piece of paper. It is common to use paper with a tree on it, and many companies hosting software programs offer a variety of styles of stationary on which you can print your family information.
-
6
Evaluate the size of the print. If you want to fit your entire family tree on one page, you may need to send the document to a specialty printer with poster-size capability. If you don't mind multiple pages, you can use your printer. Some printers offer poster capability, which you can use if you don't mind taping the pieces together.
-
7
Print your family tree chart or order it printed from a printer. You may want to make copies for families and friends.
-
1
