Printable Customizable Family Tree Templates: A Comprehensive Guide

Family trees serve as a powerful way to trace lineage, connect generations, and document family history. Whether for educational purposes, genealogical research, or personal keepsakes, creating a family tree is both meaningful and practical. Microsoft Excel provides multiple ways to design a detailed and visually appealing family tree. This guide explores why you might want to create a family tree using Excel, different methods for doing so, and essential tips to enhance your design.

Why Use Excel for Creating a Family Tree?

Excel is widely known for organizing data, creating charts, and visualizing relationships. When it comes to family trees, Excel offers a structured and efficient platform to document family connections systematically. Here are a few reasons why Excel is an excellent tool for creating a family tree:

  • Versatility: You can customize the layout, structure, and design to suit your preferences.

  • Easy Editing: Updating a family tree is simple, whether you need to add, remove, or modify relationships.

  • Multiple Design Options: Excel supports SmartArt, shapes, and templates, offering various methods to create a visually engaging family tree.

  • Export and Print Capabilities: You can print your family tree or save it as a PDF to share digitally.

Methods to Create a Family Tree in Excel

1. Free-Form Family Tree Using Shapes and Lines

For those who prefer a fully customizable approach, Excel’s shape and line tools allow you to design a unique family tree structure. This method is ideal for users who want complete control over their tree's appearance.

Steps to Create a Free-Form Family Tree:

  1. Open Excel: Start with a new spreadsheet.

  2. Insert Shapes:

    • Click on the Insert tab.

    • Select Shapes and choose rectangles, circles, or other preferred shapes to represent family members.

  3. Position and Format Shapes:

    • Click and drag the shapes to the desired position.

    • Resize and color-code each shape for clarity.

  4. Add Names:

    • Double-click on each shape to enter a name.

    • Adjust font size, color, and alignment as needed.

  5. Connect Family Members:

    • Click Insert > Shapes and select a line or arrow to connect parents, children, and siblings.

    • Use solid lines for direct parent-child relationships and dotted lines for marriages or partnerships.

  6. Enhance Aesthetics:

    • Format shapes and lines with different colors to distinguish generations.

    • Use bold or italic fonts for emphasis.

2. Creating a Family Tree Using SmartArt

Excel’s SmartArt feature provides an easy and structured way to design a family tree without manually adding shapes and lines.

Steps to Use SmartArt for a Family Tree:

  1. Open a New Spreadsheet.

  2. Insert SmartArt:

    • Click the Insert tab.

    • Select SmartArt.

    • Choose Hierarchy to view diagrams suitable for family trees.

  3. Select a Layout:

    • Pick a structure that fits your family tree’s style and hierarchy.

    • Click OK to insert it into your spreadsheet.

  4. Enter Family Names:

    • Click on each text box and enter names.

    • Start with the oldest known generation and work downward.

  5. Add Additional Family Members:

    • Click an existing box and go to Design > Add Shape.

    • Choose to add a new person above, below, or beside the selected box.

  6. Customize the Design:

    • Change colors by right-clicking a box and selecting Format Shape.

    • Adjust font style, size, and alignment for clarity.

3. Using a Family Tree Template in Excel

For a quick and professional-looking family tree, Excel templates provide an efficient option.

Steps to Use an Excel Family Tree Template:

  1. Open Excel and click File > New.

  2. Search for a Template:

    • Enter "family tree template" in the search bar.

    • Browse through available options.

  3. Select and Download a Template.

  4. Enter Family Information:

    • Click on text boxes and replace placeholder names with real family names.

    • Adjust layout or colors if needed.

  5. Save and Print:

    • Click File > Print for a physical copy.

    • Save as a PDF for easy sharing.

Tips for Creating an Effective Family Tree

1. Choose a Clear Color Scheme

  • Assign different colors to different generations.

  • Use shades of the same color for immediate family members.

  • Highlight key individuals with bold colors.

2. Use Print Preview Before Printing or Exporting

  • Click File > Print Preview to check layout and spacing.

  • Adjust margins or resize elements to fit the page properly.

  • Ensure names and lines are legible when printed.

3. Set a Print Area for Custom Family Trees

If you've created a custom tree using shapes and lines, ensure everything prints correctly.

Steps to Set Print Area:

  1. Highlight the section of the family tree you want to print.

  2. Click the Page Layout tab.

  3. Select Print Area > Set Print Area.

4. Add Photos for a Personalized Touch

To make your family tree visually engaging, add photos of family members.

How to Insert Photos in Excel:

  1. Click Insert > Pictures.

  2. Select an image from your computer.

  3. Resize and position it next to the respective family member’s name.

5. Save Your Work in Multiple Formats

To keep your family tree safe and accessible, save it in multiple formats:

  • Excel Workbook (.xlsx): For future editing.

  • PDF (.pdf): For easy sharing.

  • Image (.png or .jpeg): To use in slideshows or presentations.

Conclusion

Creating a printable, customizable family tree in Excel is a simple yet powerful way to document and visualize family history. Whether you use SmartArt, shapes and lines, or pre-made templates, Excel offers a range of tools to help you design a tree that meets your needs. By following the methods outlined in this guide and utilizing customization tips, you can create a meaningful and visually appealing family tree that serves as a treasured family keepsake. Start exploring Excel’s features today and bring your family history to life!