Mapping your family and ancestors on a genealogical tree is a good way for children to understand family heritage and gain knowledge about ancestors and other family members they have never or will never meet. For adults, this is an opportunity to immortalize those who have passed away and create a good picture of a person's family history. Read the following information to learn how to create a family tree.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Researching Your Family History
Step 1. Find out more about your genealogy
Some people are very close to their family history, and some don't even know much about grandparents, great-grandparents, cousins and so on. Before you create a genealogical tree, try to find the information you need by researching the following:
- Ask other family members for information. If you're making a family tree for a school project, your parents may be able to tell you what you need to know about families. For larger family history projects, consider searching the library or using a genealogy database. Sites like Familysearch.org may have information about relatives that you didn't even know about.
- details. A genealogy tree is useless if you accidentally miss someone's name. You should check several sources to make sure the information you are getting is accurate.
Step 2. Decide how far back
It's interesting to trace family history as far as you can, but if you're drawing a tree, it's impractical to cite further information from several generations back. You are limited by the size of the paper you use, as you need to be able to put all the names on one page.
- Many people choose to go back three generations to the father of their great-grandfather and siblings or great-grandfather and their siblings. These are people you, your parents or your grandparents have met, so they are closer to you than those who are more distant.
- If you have a large family with lots of uncles, aunts, cousins and so on, it might be best if you limit the tree to the younger generation so that they all fit on one page. If your family is smaller, you can expand the lineage several generations further.
Method 2 of 3: Drafting the Drawing
Step 1. Choose paper and drawing tools
Choose good drawing materials, especially since you spend time researching and drawing. Also choose the appropriate drawing material so that the information listed will look beautiful.
- Shops that provide art tools generally sell large paper sizes. Choose a strong and attractive like watercolor paper (watercolor).
- You can also use manila cardboard. This type is also sold individually and can be found in various colors. These cartons are easy to find, including in stalls.
- Start by drawing a tree with a pencil, then overwrite it with a ballpoint pen or marker with pretty ink.
Step 2. Determine the shape of your tree
Several genealogical trees are drawn to resemble the shape of a real tree with branches, and each branch represents a family. Others use diagrams, with a final effect that will also resemble a tree, but family names are not always included in drawing this type of tree. If this is a class assignment, use the requested style, or if you are free, choose the style you prefer.
Method 3 of 3: Draw a Tree
Step 1. Thinly draw the tree using a pencil
Imagine the final shape and think about the space needed to write each name and the line to connect them. Using a pencil, you can redraw if you find that there isn't enough space.
Step 2. Write your name
Since this is your family tree, it all starts with yourself. Write your name in a place with plenty of blank space around it to write other names.
- The place where you write your name is the beginning of this genealogical tree. If you put it at the bottom of the page, all the branches will stick out. You can put it at the top and let all the branches stick out, or write it on one side of the page and let it grow the other way.
- If you decide to use a real tree shape, make a thin outline of the tree and place your name however you want.
Step 3. Add your parents and siblings
Put your parents' names right at the top or bottom of your name, depending on how you want the tree to go. Put your siblings' names on the same level, so they stick out from your parents' names.
- If you and your siblings have spouses or children, write their names as well. The spouse's name is usually written right next to their spouse's name, and the child's name below their parents' names. You can draw a connecting line between parents and their children if you want.
- Make a tree that suits your family. If you only have one parent, or more than two, include them. You can be creative including including adoptive parents, step siblings and anyone who is part of the family. The most important thing about a genealogy tree is to make sure no one is forgotten.
- To keep this genealogical tree tidy, use a fixed pattern to list your siblings. For example, starting with the oldest sibling on the left and continuing with the other siblings to the right, or vice versa. Whatever pattern you choose, be sure to maintain consistency.
Step 4. Enter your uncles, aunts, cousins and grandparents
This is where the tree begins to branch. On your father's side, write the names of his siblings, spouses and children (your cousins). Write the names of your father's parents on the next level with a line connecting them to each of their children. Do the same on your mother's side, including the rest of the family on that side.
Step 5. Add more generations
Continue adding the names of your grandparents/grandparents (grandparents/grandparents), your great-grandparents and so on until you fill your family tree as wide as you want.
Step 6. Enrich it by adding further details
Use black or colored ink on the tree to make the names and lines appear clearer. You can add decorations and other details to make the tree more interesting. Here are some examples:
- Use different shapes for boys and girls. For example, use ovals for girls and squares for boys, or whatever shape you like. This way, anyone who views your family tree can tell that person's gender at a glance.
- Using the dotted line for divorced couples. With this, you can still reveal the biological relationship of parents with their children, even if they have separated.
- Add date of birth and (if applicable) date of death. This can add a lot of information and make it more interesting to friends and other family members.
- Add biographical information on each individual, such as place of birth, name before marriage, middle name and so on.
