How To Make a Family Tree
A family tree is a simple way to map out your family history. It shows who came before you - parents, grandparents, great-grandparents - and how you're all connected. Some people build one to trace their family roots, others to share stories with the next generation, or just to satisfy a bit of curiosity.
You don't need to be an expert to start. All it takes is a few names and a little time. From there, you can build a picture of your family's past: where they lived, what they did, and how each branch of the tree leads to you. Whether you draw it on paper or use an app, a family tree can help you understand where you come from.
Step 1: Start with what you know
The best place to start your family tree is with yourself. From there, work your way backward: parents, grandparents, great-grandparents. For each family member, try to collect the basics: full names, birth date and death date, and where they lived. Even simple details like middle names or nicknames can help connect the dots later.
Don't be afraid to ask your relatives for help. A phone call to a grandparent or an aunt might reveal names you never knew or stories you've never heard. Sometimes, just talking out loud helps jog people's memories.
Tips for this step:
Write everything down in a notebook or spreadsheet
Double-check spellings—especially last names, which often changed
Always record women's maiden names (not just married names)a
Step 2: Choose a format
Once you've gathered a few names, it's time to decide how you want to build your family tree. You can go old-school with paper charts or poster board - great for school projects or something to hang at a family reunion. Many genealogy websites also offer printable forms you can fill out by hand.
If you prefer to go digital, there are many tools to choose from. Family Tree Maker is a popular software for desktop users. Online platforms like Ancestry.com, MyHeritage, and WikiTree make it easy to link records and photos. Apps like TreeSeek or RootsMagic let you build your family tree on your phone or tablet.
Paper vs. digital:
Paper is hands-on and makes a meaningful gift
Digital tools are easier to update and can hold a lot more information
Step 3: Dig deeper with records
Once you've mapped out a few generations, it's time to back it up with documents. Records can confirm what you've gathered or reveal new surprises.
Start with the basics:
Census records show where families lived and who lived together
Birth, death, and marriage records confirm names, dates, and family relationships
Immigration and military records can tell you when someone came to the U.S., what they did for work, or where they served
These records aren't all in one place, but there are great starting points.
Try free tools like FamilySearch.org, which offers a massive database of records from around the world. The National Archives is another valuable source, especially for U.S. census and military documents.
If you're ready to invest a bit, paid sites like Ancestry or Newspapers.com make it easier to search across many types of historical records at once. Don't forget local libraries or historical societies, which often have newspaper clippings, obituaries, or old city directories you can't find online.
Smart search tips:
Try name variations - James might be listed as Jim or Jimmy
Use location filters to zero in on the right person
Don't trust just one document - cross-check details with at least one other source
Step 4: Organize and share
After building a few branches on your family tree, you'll want to organize and share your work. If you like something tangible, you can use family tree templates from Etsy or Canva to design a family tree poster - great for framing or giving as a gift. If you prefer something interactive, most genealogy websites allow you to invite relatives to view and edit your digital family tree. Some people even set up a private family website to keep everything in one place.
Optional: add DNA testing
If you're curious about going deeper, DNA testing can help confirm what you've found or show you family connections you didn't expect. Services like AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and MyHeritage DNA compare your genetic data to millions of other users to find possible relatives, trace migration patterns, or connect with new branches of your family.
Some people discover distant cousins, while others uncover unknown siblings or biological family they hadn't known about. It's exciting, but it can also bring up sensitive surprises, so it's worth thinking through before you dive in.
For more advanced tools, you can upload your raw DNA file to a site like GEDmatch, which lets you compare across platforms and explore even more matches.
Tips for beginners
Starting your family tree doesn't have to be overwhelming. These tips can help you stay organized and motivated as you go:
Start small: Pick one branch of your family and build from there.
Keep track of your sources: Write down where each fact came from - names, dates, and documents.
Stay consistent: Use the same format for names and dates (like "Jan 1, 1900" instead of "1/1/00").
Expect a few dead ends: Not every question has an answer - don't let that stop you!
Be respectful: Some relatives may not want to talk, or there may be parts of the past people don't want shared.
Back everything up: Save digital copies, make backups, and keep a printed version, too, just in case.
A note from our studio
Making a family tree is a way to connect with your roots and preserve your family's story. Whether you're using paper and pen or online tools and DNA tests, the most important thing is just to begin. Every name you add brings the bigger picture into focus and helps you understand where you came from and where your story fits in.