Create a family tree diagram to trace your heritage, discover insights about your lineage, and visualize your connection to family roots.
Using a family tree maker or ready-to-use family tree templates can make the process much easier.
In this post, we’ll guide you through the process of creating a family tree diagram step-by-step and provide some examples and insights to help you get started!
What is a family tree?
A family tree maps out individual’s lineage, visualizing ancestors and generational contributions to their history. Starting with the individual as the “root” and branching out to show their ancestors and descendants. A family tree helps visualize relationships and trace family connections. These diagrams can vary in forms, such vertical, horizontal, circular charts, each illustrating the complexity of one’s heritage.
Here is an example:
Based on its name, a family tree is structured like a tree, with the individual as the ‘root’ and their parents, grandparents, and ancestors forming the ‘leaves’ one level at a time.
A family tree uses lines to connect family members and illustrate their relationships. Each family member is represented by a shape like a box or a circle with usually their photo inside.
Benefits of creating a family tree
There are many benefits of creating family tree, including:
- Connect with your family history: A family tree helps you visualize your ancestry and understand your roots.
- Preserve your family’s legacy: Recording family stories and historical connections ensures they are passed down to future generations.
- Identify genetic traits: Family trees can reveal genetic patterns or health traits that run in the family.
- Relate your story to historical events: Discover how your family’s timeline intersects with important historical milestones.
Types of family tree diagrams
There are four family tree charts, each serving different purposes:
- Vertical family tree chart: The most common structure with the root at the bottom, branching upwards.
- Horizontal family tree diagram: A side-to-side layout, ideal for showing detailed ancestral information.
- Circular family tree chart: Expands outward in a circular pattern, showcasing more generations.
- Fan chart: A unique format spreading out in a fan shape, useful for compact visual representation.
4 steps to make a family tree diagram
To start creating your family tree diagram, simply follow these steps:
Step 1: Research information and prepare it
Collect information about your family to start creating a family tree. Use birth records, DNA tests, and talk to a relative of your family who knows about your ancestry.
For those of Asian descent, you can trace your Asian heritage with these DNA tests, offering a detailed exploration of your ancestral roots.
The amount of information you collect will determine the tree’s size and detail. Determine the number of generations and the data to include, such as maiden names, birth years, and family roles.
Step 2: Draft the family tree drawing
Draw your family tree by starting with a box representing yourself or a chosen ancestor. Family trees can be illustrated either from the top, bottom or horizontally as long as the root will always be yourself.
An example of a family tree that’s drawn horizontally:
Consider using an intuitive design tool like Venngage’s Family Tree Maker, if you want to save time and avoid drawing by hand. This tool is designed for both designers and non-designers, making it incredibly easy to use.
With Venngage’s Family Tree Maker, you can better visualize your family tree through its user-friendly drag-and-drop editor. You can quickly change and connect shapes, add labels, and customize colors and design elements in just seconds.
Plus, we have dozens of free templates that you can customize to make the process even faster and easier.
Step 3: Label the family tree’s leaves
Most family trees usually outline up to four generations only to make them easier to understand. That said, make sure that family members and their relationships with each other are clearly illustrated by labeling each box or ‘leaf’ correctly.
Add names, roles, and any additional information you find relevant. Use lines to show relationships between spouses and connect parents with direct descendants like children and grandchildren.
Step 4: Design the family tree diagram
Design and refine your family tree diagram to finalize your family tree. Use family photos to add faces to the people you want to represent with your tree. Color-coordinate shapes, lines, or labels to group generations, differentiate deceased from living relatives, and create a distinction between different relationships.
To make your family tree more attractive and engaging, you can add icons, graphics, illustrations, or backgrounds – all of which are provided for free in Venngage’s library. You can also utilize a family tree software to streamline research and access to valuable resources.
5 Family tree examples
Here are some family tree examples for inspiration that you can use to create a family tree:
1. Simple family tree
This simple family tree template has a distinguishable tree-like shape and features such as branches and colors. It is editable in Microsoft Excel and Word.
2. Ancestry family tree
Use the below template if you want a unique and more effectively illustrated family tree. It has a horizontal layout with the starting point placed in the middle and extending to the left and right to better display ancestors from both sides of the family:
3. Blank family tree
For a more organized and unified family tree, this template is what you should use. It focuses on the structure of the tree and the arrangement of its parts through clearly defined connections and allotting only small spaces for each family member:
4. Graphic family tree
Use below template if you want to represent family members with icons or graphic illustrations instead of photos. It also uses roles as labels instead of names, which is more effective at portraying relationships.
Source: TemplateLab
5. Four generation family tree
Here’s a great example of a family tree that illustrates four generations of family members. Below template will come in handy if you want your family tree diagram to focus on distant relatives instead of immediate family members.
What is the history of making family tree diagrams?
Genealogy or the study of families was the earliest form and application of family trees.
Historically, in Western civilizations, family trees, also known as genealogy charts, were used to depict the ancestry of kings and nobles and verify their claims to royalty and power.
Family trees were maintained for years on end. The family tree of Confucius, for example, is already 2,500 years old and is recorded as the world’s largest family tree with 2 million known descendants.
Today, a genealogy chart is no longer just for aristocrats and important people, but for everyone to record their family history and maintain their family tree.
Should you create a family tree?
Yes, you should definitely make your own family tree to know more about your family history or documentation purpose.
It is also a great way to find out how your family story relates to important historical events.
More importantly, a family tree can help you identify genetic traits and conditions that run in your family. These are often referred to as genograms.
Related: 10+ Genogram Examples (and How to Create Them)
FAQs about family tree diagrams
How can you make a family tree diagram with Venngage?
Venngage’s Family Tree Maker lets you create a family tree diagram in 4 simple steps:
- Sign up to create an account and use the Family Tree Maker for free
- Choose a free template from Venngage’s Templates library
- Edit the template to create new shapes, reconnect the lines, add labels, and upload your own images or choose free stock photos and graphics from our library
- Download your family tree as a PDF or PNG file or share it online with your family and friends
Is there a template for a family tree?
Yes, there are many family tree templates available online. However, using Venngage’s templates means you can also use the smart editor for free and not have to download or purchase a graphic design software just to edit a template. Venngage also offers a Genogram Maker.
How do you start a family tree online?
You can use a variety of online design platforms and software to create a family tree but they may require you to purchase plans and templates. Fortunately, Venngage is a freemium tool and has free templates to help you create a family tree without any restrictions.
What program do you use to make a family tree?
When it comes to creating a family tree, you have plenty of options including traditional tools like Microsoft Word or PowerPoint. Check out this blog for the top family tree software picks.
However, consider Venngage if you’re looking for a user-friendly and visually appealing experience. We provides customizable family tree templates, allowing you to personalize and showcase your family connections with ease. The easy-to-use interface simplifies the process, making it easy for anyone to create a unique and engaging family tree.
Visualize family relationships with Venngage’s Family Tree Maker.
Making a family tree diagram can help you learn about your family history and understand the connections between family members. Use Venngage’s Family Tree Maker to create a well-defined family tree.
