

If the plan is to share it electronically then the size of the diagram is not a factor. Will it be printed and framed for display? Will it be shared electronically? If the plan is to print the family tree, you may choose to be conservative in regards of the amount of information to include, keeping the information legible and printable. Determine what you'll do with the family tree. Start Now Best Practices When Creating a Family Tree To make your diagram easy to understand, each layer should represent a single generation.In addition to names, you can also add birth dates as well as pictures, or anything else that would enhance your tree.SmartDraw automatically connects the boxes that are added or moved. Add descendants, ancestors, spouses, and siblings by clicking on the corresponding SmartPanel buttons to the left.Each invidivual in your family will be represented with a box connected to others with lines that indicate relationships.Start drawing from yourself backward or from the oldest generation downward.Decide how many generations you want to show.You can start with yourself and build backwards or start with an older generation like great grandparents and build downwards. You'll want to decide what generation you want to start with. There are easy-to-use buttons to add descendants, ancestors, spouses, and siblings.

SmartDraw's family tree template starts you with a basic family structure already on the page. The easiest way to draw a family tree is start with a family tree template. Although most family trees grow vertically, they are occasionally drawn sideways, as well. A bracket from a couple to a lower set of boxes indicates the children from that marriage. Typically, a generation is organized into a single level so it's easy to see at a glance which ancestors preceded which generation because they are physically above them on the tree.Ī horizontal line between two boxes indicates a marriage. In addition to an individual's name, each box may include dates, birthplace, and other information, depending on the desired complexity of the family tree diagram. Most family tree charts include a box for each individual and each box is connected to the others to indicate relationships. A family tree is the most common form of visually documenting one's ancestry.
