When individuals wish to map out their lineage, they will create a family tree. The image of the tree represents not only life and growth, but also the branching out of your lineage. A strong family unit has solid roots and diverse branches. Family tree charts are very personal, and people often develop their own themes. For example, you have the traditional family tree chart, a graphical family tree chart, along with the medieval chart and heraldic chart. The traditional family tree chart is one that is made up of simple boxes and lines. The boxes will contain names and/or vital statistics. Below we have some sample themes of family tree charts:
Basic Generational Family Tree Charts
The basic, generational family tree chart is the simplest chart. This is usually designed using vectors which use boxes for names, with lines and brackets denoting family connections. These charts can be organized vertically or horizontally, and may be organized to chart as many generations as you wish. For example, you may have a 3 generation family tree chart, a 5 or 10 generation chart.
With the basic generational family tree chart, you have the option for a simple chart, which uses names only, or make it more complex by adding vital statistics to each box such as birth, death dates, marriages, and place of birth.
3 Generations Family Tree Graphical Charts
4 Generations Family Tree Templates
5 Generations Family Chart Templates
Graphical Family Tree Charts
Graphical family tree charts are open to virtually any design you wish to use. For example, you can use the standard ‘tree’ design, which is an image of a tree in the background with boxes for names and statistics. You can also get very creative, such as building an under sea motif, using bubbles to hold names and statistics. The point of the graphical chart is that it can be constructed with a theme that suits the family as a whole, or the individual who is designing the chart.
Blended Family Tree Charts
The blended family tree chart is inclusive of individuals in your family you do not share a direct bloodline with. This chart will have boxes for names and vital statistics for half siblings, step brothers and sisters and step parents.
Ancestor Sheets
This is not a true family tree per se. Instead, it is a sheet which details the life of one ancestor. Their birth, work, marriage, family members and death statistics. There are many individuals who develop individual ancestor sheets for as many family members on their chart that they can after they have created their entire family tree.
Medieval or Heraldic Family Tree
The Medieval family chart is familiar to many, often seen in TV and films. This chart features medieval symbolism, such as swords, shields or knights. The Heraldic family chart centers around the various crests held by each family.
Genograms
A genogram is another way to illustrate your genealogy. The genogram is similar to the family tree chart except it uses a variety of symbols and lines to denote not only your heritage, but life events. Life events include separations, divorces, pets owned, medical issues. Genograms also may include friends and organizations that were important. In other words, while the family tree shows lineage only, the genogram goes into great depth, and does so simply and effectively. You can download our free genogram templates to get start with your sheet.
Basics Guide of Building your Family Tree
When you are beginning to create your family tree, you will most likely arrange it with your generation, and then work yourself backwards, as far as you can. However, some prefer it the other way, with beginning with the oldest generation and working up to the current generation. Which ever way you prefer, a family tree is an excellent way to feel connected to your ancestors. When it comes to visually documenting your ancestry, the family tree is the accepted form. There are various ways to create your family tree. You can purchase a ‘tree’ image and simply write in the names and frame it, or you can create one via your computer. Most people use family tree templates are an excellent, easy and cost effective way to create your family tree.
Creating a graphical representation of your family tree using your computer is an easy and quite simple process. Simple boxes are usually used for each family member. These boxes are then connected to create your tree. For example, your mom and dad would each have their own box, and be connected with a simple line. Brackets are used to show children from a union. In other words, mom and dad would be connected by a single line, and a bracket from mom and dad will then lead to the boxes containing information regarding the children.
Since family trees are created simply using boxes and lines, vector programs such as Illustrator or Freemind are often used, instead of pixels in order to give a nice, clean appearance to your family tree. Remember, when using the computer you have a bit of freedom, you can arrange either a vertical family tree, or one that goes from left to right. Your choice.
Organization of your Family Tree
Each one of your boxes will contain basic information of each individual. For example, you moms box will have her name, dates, place of birth, etc. Remember, if this is going to be a document saved to your computer or online, you can be as complex as you like.
Next, separate all of your information into generations. This is important as a well organized family tree is one that is easy to read. So, if you take each generation and separate them a bit, anyone will be able to take a peek at your finished family tree and get a good idea of its organization.
Family Trees for Pets
Family trees are also known as a ‘pedigree’ and are not only used for people, but individuals who breed animals find creating family trees illustrating their pedigrees necessary and useful in keeping track of their genealogy. Race horses and prize winning dogs are just a few of the examples on how individuals use the concept of the family tree to organize the lineage of their pets. Indeed, the more valuable the lineage, the more valuable the animal.
Use Free Family Tree Templates
While it is possible to create a family tree from scratch using free online vector based programs such as ‘Freemind’, most people prefer the convenience of a family tree template. With family tree templates, you will not have to be concerned about creating the boxes from scratch, as the templates come equipped with all you will need to make your own family tree. Simply enter the names and vital statistics of family members into each box and begin to connect, generation by generation. Family tree templates also provide the added benefit of being cost efficient, as there is no need to hire the services of an online genealogy or purchase expensive software.
We offer an excellent selection of family tree templates on our web page, free for download. These templates are easy to use and beautifully designed. Simply choose the template you feel is right for you, download, and proceed to fill it out. After you are finished, save it to disk or print it out and have it framed. Indeed, we guarantee that by using our family tree templates you will create amazingly complex and beautiful family trees, suitable for framing to hang in your home or place of business.
