How to Color a Family Tree

Use only a few colors in your family tree.

Choose the right colors when making a family tree, to add additional information without adding more words. Use bright, bold colors that add interest. Create a color key so you're able to know at a glance how relationships are defined within the tree. Don't overload the tree with color, as this may make it confusing rather than organized.

Things You'll Need

• Colored markers
• Poster board
• Colored card stock
• Scissors
• Ruler

Instructions

Male and Female

1. Compile a list of female and male family members.

2. Highlight or write female names in pink and males in blue.

3. Write the names clearly in black ink on a piece of pink or blue card stock if creating the tree by hand. On a computer, write the names in black text and highlight them in pink or blue.

Relationships

1. Create a color key to connect people through blood relationships and marriages.

2. Connect marriages, siblings and other relationships with different-colored lines.

3. Create same-colored connecting lines with a ruler for certain lines of generations. Use one color for your mother's family and a different color for your father's family. If you're using the computer, choose a dark blue or red color for each side of the family.

4. Write names of your immediate family in a different color so you can see at a glance where your family is on the tree.