How to Create a Family Tree in Microsoft Word or Excel
Question details
The user wants to know if Microsoft provides a family tree template and how to create a family tree layout for a book or personal project.
- Product
- Microsoft Word and Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating a family tree or genealogical chart for a book, personal record, or family project.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft lacks a dedicated built-in family tree template, requiring users to manually construct the chart using SmartArt hierarchy layouts or customize external third-party templates.
Before creating your document, gather all necessary genealogical information, including the names, birthdates, and relationship structures of your family members to make formatting the chart much easier.
Build a Family Tree Using SmartArt Hierarchy
You can construct a custom family tree natively in Word or Excel by utilizing the SmartArt hierarchy graphics.
While there is no default family tree template, Microsoft's SmartArt feature provides organization charts and hierarchy layouts that are perfect for visually mapping out family connections.
Open a blank document in Microsoft Word or a new worksheet in Excel. Go to the 'Insert' tab on the top ribbon, look for the 'Illustrations' group, and click on 'SmartArt'.
In the SmartArt Graphic dialog box, select 'Hierarchy' from the left sidebar. Choose a layout that suits your family tree structure, such as the standard 'Organization Chart' or 'Picture Organization Chart' if you want to include photos.
Once inserted, a text pane will appear next to the graphic. Type the names of your family members into the bulleted list, or click directly into the shapes to add text.
To add more shapes for siblings or children, click on a shape, go to the 'SmartArt Design' tab, and click 'Add Shape'. You can choose to add shapes before, after, above, or below the selected relative.
Download a Third-Party Family Tree Template
Since Word and Excel do not have built-in family tree templates, you can download pre-formatted files from reputable sources online.
Easily Create Your Family Tree with WPS Office
WPS Office offers a vast library of highly customizable, free templates and powerful Smart Graphics tools, making it incredibly easy to design beautiful family trees without hassle.
- 1. Open WPS Writer or Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office on your device and open a new document or spreadsheet.
- 2. Browse for Free Templates: Click on the 'New' tab, navigate to the Template library, and search 'Family Tree' to instantly download a professionally designed layout.
- 3. Use Smart Graphics: Alternatively, go to the 'Insert' tab, select 'WPS Smart Graphics', and pick a Hierarchy map to build a custom tree from scratch.
- 4. Input Family Data: Click the text boxes or shapes to enter names, dates, and relationships, then save or export your chart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add photos to a SmartArt family tree in Word?
Yes. When you insert your SmartArt, choose the 'Picture Organization Chart' layout under the Hierarchy category. This layout includes a small image icon inside each shape. Click the image icon to browse your computer and insert a photo of the family member.
Is it better to create a family tree in Word or Excel?
Microsoft Word is generally better for creating smaller, highly visual family trees using SmartArt that you intend to print or include in a book. Excel is much better if you are tracking a massive genealogical record with hundreds of ancestors, as its grid layout allows for extensive data organization and sorting.
Why doesn't Microsoft Word have a built-in family tree template?
Microsoft Office focuses primarily on business and general productivity tools. While they provide generic hierarchy and organization charts, specialized layouts like family trees are considered niche. Therefore, users must construct them using the provided graphic tools or download them from external template libraries.
