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How To Make A Family Tree On Google Docs 

If you are seeking a free and easy way to create a Family Tree on Google Docs can be the best place to start. You won’t get a built-in Family Tree template in it, but its drawing tools make it possible to design a basic Family Tree and build a connection among relatives in a clear and manageable format. With this guide, you will figure out everything that is required to know about creating, customizing, and sharing a Family Tree in Google Docs.

What Is A Family Tree? 

A Family Tree is a kind of chart that shows how the members of a family share a relationship with one another. It usually starts with you or an ancestor and branches out in order to include parents, grandparents, children, and other types of relatives. People usually create a Family Tree  to know about their roots, preserve family memories, and organize crucial information. It also supports the upcoming generations to understand their family’s history and heritage.

Things Required To Commence Properly

Here are some of the things mentioned below that will be required to make a Family Tree in Google Docs.

  • A Google account in order to access all of your documents.
  • Google Docs to design a tree.
  • A proper list of family members and relatives.
  • The relationship of all the family members and relatives.
  • Optional photos in order to create an attractive Family Tree .

Procedure Of Making A Family Tree On Google Docs

Creating a Family Tree in Google Docs is one of the simplest and easiest ways you can look for in order to organize your family history and visualize relationships. Even though the sole purpose of google docs is not to create a Family Tree and does not even include a built-in Family Tree  template, you can still create one by using the drawing feature. Adhere to the below-mentioned steps to build your own Family Tree .

  • Open Google Docs

First, sign in to your Google account and open Google Docs. Create a new blank document where you want to design your Family Tree .

  • Open The Drawing Tool

Click on Insert>Drawing>New from the top menu. A drawing canvas will pop up on your screen with which you can create shapes, add text, and connect family members.

  • Add Family Member Boxes

Click on the shape icon and select a rectangle or any other shape. Create one box for each of the family members, then type their name within it. You can also include all the important details such as birth dates or other information if needed.

  • Build Connections Within Family Members

Use the line or connector tool to draw lines between the parents, children, siblings, and spouses. Properly arrange the shapes so that each generation becomes easy to find. By maintaining consistency, you can make the Family Tree readable.

  • Customize The Design

You can also personalize the Family Tree by changing the colors, fonts, and shape style. You can also insert family photos by clicking the image icon in the drawing window. Also, you can use the photos to make the tree quite engaging and recognizable.

  • Save And Insert The Drawing

After designing the layout as per the requirement, click Save and close. Your Family Tree will pop up in a Google Docs document. If you are looking for any kind of changes afterward, simply click the drawing and select edit in order to reopen the drawing tool. 

  • Share Or Download Your Family Tree 

You don’t have to save the Family Tree by yourself. Google Docs automatically saves your work to Google Drive. This keeps you away from the stress of losing your progress. You can easily share your tree with relatives by clicking the share button, or you can also download it in various formats such as PDF or Microsoft Word for printing or offline use.

How To Create A Better Family Tree?  

With the help of below mentioned steps you can easily create a family tree: 

  • Either commence with yourself or with the oldest known ancestor.
  • Arrange each generation in a straight row to maintain the readability.
  • Use consistent colors in order to identify different family branches.
  • Do not practice overcrowding and maintain proper space among family members.
  • Leave room for future additions and updates.
  • Do proper verification of names, dates, and relationships right before finalizing your tree.

What Are The Limitations Of Google Docs

Here are some of the limitations related to Google Docs in the context of making a Family Tree  in it:

  • Suits well for small or simple Family Trees.
  • It does not include built-in genealogy tools.
  • Unable to search historical records or family databases.
  • It does not provide relationship hints or ancestor suggestions.
  • You can not manage large or complex Family Trees.

Conclusion!  

Google Docs is considered as one of the practical and convenient choices to create a simple Family Tree, especially when you want a free, easy, and reliable solution. With its drawing features, you can easily organize family relationships, customize the layout, and share your work with others via some simple steps. With the Family Tree growth, you will require advanced genealogy tools, record searching, detailed reports, and dedicated Family Tree software as a long term option.