How to Make a Family Tree in Microsoft Excel

Creating a family tree is a fun and interesting activity that you can do alone or with your family. It can even be homework for your child. Luckily, if you have Excel, you can easily create a family tree.

We’ll explain how to create a family tree using Microsoft’s templates and show you some third-party templates for larger or more detailed family trees.

If you want to unleash your creative side, you’ll also learn how to create a family tree from scratch using Excel’s built-in tools.

Use a Microsoft Excel family tree template

Microsoft currently offers two different family tree templates for Excel. One template is a simple three-generation family tree, while the other allows you to insert photos of your family members.

Family Tree Generator

This first template includes tables for you to fill in each generation and points for spouses. Once you have everyone on the Family Members sheet, click Create Family Tree and switch to the Family Tree tab to see the finished product.

The template is super easy to use and features beautiful bright colors.

Photo family tree

Add your own photos to this three generation family tree template. Enter the names and years of birth of each family member and use the Remove Ancestors and Add Ancestors buttons for the number of people in your family.

To add a photo, right-click the placeholder, choose Change Image, and locate the photo you want.

Check out third-party family tree templates

Perhaps you need a larger family tree that allows you to go back more than three generations. Or maybe you want a template that has room for more details.

Here are some options to try on Vertext42 and free PowerPoint templates.

6 Generation Family Tree Template

This first template from Vertex42 allows you to include multiple generations and photos of your family members.

Choose the leaf you want to use for six or seven generations, then add each member of your family.

You can add any details under each family member’s name, e.g. B. Year of birth and place of residence. To insert a photo, right-click the image placeholder, choose Change Image, and locate the image you want to use.

Family tree template with photos

This template from Vertex42 has a simpler look, but the photos are larger for a wonderful overview of your family.

Start adding your photos and details below, then work your way up through the three generations of branches.

Right-click the image placeholders again and choose Change Image to insert your photos.

Family tree template for Excel

For a family tree that goes beyond branches, check out this family tree template for Excel from Free PowerPoint Templates. You’ll see a sheet for each group of ancestors, including parents, paternal grandparents, maternal grandparents, and so on.

You can add photos, dates of birth and death, locations, children with their information and notes.

Click the Back to Family Tree button at the top of this sheet or go to the Family Tree tab to view the completed family tree. The family tree also has details buttons that open the appropriate sheet for each person.

If you want a family tree that gives you more room for additional details about your family members, this is the template for you.

Create a family tree from scratch in Excel

If you want to create your own family tree that you can adjust to a specific number of generations, you can create one from scratch.

Excel offers features and tools that make the process enjoyable and creative.

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Open a blank workbook in Excel and go to the Insert tab. Select the Illustrations drop-down arrow and choose SmartArt.

When the SmartArt graphics window opens, select Hierarchy on the left. You will then see a collection of org charts that you can use for your family tree.

You’ll see horizontal charts, ones with rectangles or circles, and one that uses images. To show an example, we’ll use the Picture Org Chart.

Select the one you want, click OK, and the SmartArt graphic will appear on your sheet. From there, you can use the SmartArt Design tab to spice up the tree, add more shapes for your family members, and change the colors.

Select a text field to start, e.g. B. the above for your photo and details. Click in the text box and enter the information.

Alternatively, click the arrow on the left side of the chart to open the text entry box and enter the details there.

To add a shape for another family member, select a current text box and open the Add Shape drop-down menu on the ribbon.

You can then add the shape after, before, above, or below. You can also use the Add Assistant option for multiple marriages.

If you select the image org chart, you can then either select the image placeholder in the text box or in the text entry box on the left and browse for your photo.

You can also make the family tree more attractive by removing the grid lines or adding an image background. There are many options for customizing your family tree in Excel, so have fun with it!

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Creating a family tree in Excel is super easy with templates and can be a great creative project for you and your family if you make one from scratch.

Would you like to print and frame a copy of your family tree or share it with others? Learn how to print an Excel spreadsheet with a background or set a specific printable area for the family tree on your spreadsheet.