Creating a family tree is a fantastic way to illustrate your family history. Start by researching your ancestors to find out who to include, then chart each generation to create your family tree. You can embellish the diagram and make it a work of art worth displaying, or just save the research so you'll always have your family history. Take a look at the first step to get started.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Researching History
Step 1. Write down the people you want to include in the chart
A family tree starts with you, and branches from there. Start by writing the names of the people in your family, then move on to your parents' generation. Make sure you don't leave anyone behind! Your family tree will be an important part of your family history, so take the time to create an accurate chart.
- Write down your name, the names of your siblings, and your parents.
- Write down the names of your grandparents, the names of your aunts and uncles, and the names of your cousins.
- Write down the names of your great-grandparents and the names of your uncles and great-aunts.
- Lots of people stop there, but you can include as many generations as you want.
Step 2. Fill in the missing by doing some research
It may start to become difficult to fill in the names as you go back several generations. In an effort to make sure everyone is included and all names are accurate, do some research to double check yourself. This is a great opportunity to learn more about your family history.
- Talk to an older member of your family for more information. Find out the names of your grandparents, their spouses, and their children. Ask to find out as much as possible. If you're lucky, you'll get the chance to hear some surprising family stories and secrets too.
- Do some research online using a genealogy tool. There are many online tools that simply by entering your name and that of your parents will do the research for you. These sites usually provide you with limited information for free, then require payment for in-depth research. If you are serious about mapping your ancestors, this is a great way to gather information.
Step 3. Decide what other information you want to highlight
In addition to including the family's first and last names, you may want to list their birthdays, death dates (if applicable), their wedding dates, and so on. Having these dates in your family tree will make it even more informative as a historical document for your family. In addition to the date, you might consider including your relative's place of birth or hometown.
Step 4. Decide if you want to include a photo
If you have access to ancestral photos, you can include small portraits of each person. This option is best for relatively filled family trees, as these photos can take up a lot of space in your finished diagram.
- If you only have a few photos, you can include photos of close family members.
- Keep track of photos of as many family members as possible. If you want to make them all the same size, you can scan the photos onto a computer and use Photoshop or another photo editing program to resize the photos.
Part 2 of 3: Making Diagrams
Step 1. Start with your generation
This is the basis of the genealogy, and includes you, your parents, and your siblings. The shape of the diagram is your choice. If you want the lineage to branch vertically and fully at the top like a tree, start at the bottom of a large sheet of paper. You can also start on the left side of the paper so the diagram will be easier to read from left to right. No matter what shape your chart takes, fill out the following information to get started:
- Write down your name.
- Draw a line from your name to your mother's name. Draw another line from your name to your father's name. Draw a horizontal line connecting your Mom and Dad.
- If you have siblings, draw a line from your Mom and Dad to their names.
- If your sibling has a partner, write them down and connect them with a line.
- If your sibling has children, write them down and connect them with a line.
Step 2. Fill in the generation of your parents
Now it's time to fill in the second generation - the generation of your parents. Connect each married couple with a horizontal line, and draw a line from parents to children.
- Write the name of your grandparents above your mother's name. Write the name of your grandparents above your father's name.
- Connect the names of your maternal grandparents to your Mother's siblings. Connect the names of your grandparents from your dad to your dad's siblings.
- Add the names of your uncle and aunt pair.
- Add the names of the children's uncles and aunts, or cousins.
Step 3. Diagram your grandparents' generations
If you have a large family, your diagram may already be in danger of going over the edge of the paper. Some people stop here, with both pairs of grandparents serving as crowns of the family tree. If you want to keep going, it's time to include your grandparents' generation. Remember to connect the married couple with a horizontal line, and draw a line from the parents to their children.
- Add the names of your Mother's Mother and Father's grandmother and the names of your Mother's Grandfather's Mother and Father. They are your great-grandparents.
- Add the names of Mom and Dad's grandparents from Mom and Dad and Dad's grandparents. This is your great-grandfather.
- Add the names of your maternal grandparents - your uncles and great-aunts.
- Add the names of your paternal grandparents - uncles and great-aunts.
- Fill in the names of spouses and children of great-aunts and uncles.
Step 4. Decide how far you want to search
If you enjoy your family history research experience, keep track of it as far as you can. There's no limit to the potential size of your chart, especially if it's digital!
Part 3 of 3: Making the Diagram Unique
Step 1. Beautify the diagram yourself
Now that your diagram is complete, consider putting an artistic spin on the diagram so you can show the diagram to your entire family with pride. Copy the diagram with a pencil onto large drawing paper, then use ink or paint to make a name and add colorful embellishments. You can choose to use the classic tree shape or try something new and creative to illustrate your ancestors. Here are some ideas:
- Turn the connecting lines into branches, and write each person's name on a different leaf. Children's names can be written on the apples.
- Create a family galaxy, with people's names written on the planets and stars. If you want, make your name "sun".
- Create a family environment, with each name written on a small house, all connected to the street.
Step 2. Use the software to create a computer-generated tree
If you want your diagram to look great but you prefer not to illustrate it yourself, there are hundreds of options to choose from online. Do a search for “free family tree” to find examples or automatically generated diagrams that you can print and hang on the wall.
Step 3. Consider having an artist create the original
Find an artist to create a family tree as a beautiful original work of art. You can choose to have your name written in calligraphy and have it set on a beautiful background. If you do an online search for “family tree artists” you will find a list of artists for whom you can commission. Take a close look at their portfolio to find which artists match your family's style.
