What Is Excel Family Tree Template?
An Excel family tree template visually represents an individual’s lineage and genealogy through generations. And similar to an organization chart, the template has a tree structure, starting with the family head at the root level. Users can use the family tree templates in Excel to trace relationships to common ancestors and genetics and bring more clarity to their heritage.
For example, the requirement is to prepare a family tree template in Excel. Then, we can download a free editable family tree template Excel from the File tab in the ribbon → New tab.
Choosing the highlighted option in the New tab will open the workbook Family tree generator1, shown above. It includes the Family Tree tab and another tab, Family Members, containing source data required to update the tree.
Such a free editable family tree template Excel gives users access to predesigned and customizable templates available in MS Excel.
On the other hand, we can create the required family tree template in Excel from scratch.
For instance, we can enter the source data to view it in a family tree in the first tab, Family Members, in a workbook. And then, using the Insert tab → Shapes option, we can prepare the family tree based on the source data in the second tab, Family Tree_Template_Example.
The second method enables us to manage the entire workbook’s design.
Furthermore, we can automate and customize the template according to our requirements.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- An Excel family tree template consists of a chart displaying the lines of descent of a family. And it can include details such as the family member’s names, birth dates, and pictures.
- Users will find the family tree template in Excel useful in genetics classes and genealogical research. It also helps research a place’s history by finding the relationships between leading families.
- We can download the in-built, editable family tree templates in Excel from the File tab → New tab. Otherwise, we can prepare a family tree template from the start using the Shapes and SmartArt Graphic options from the Insert tab in the ribbon.
How To Create A Family Tree Excel Template?
We can prepare a family tree Excel template using two methods, namely:
- Using Built-in Family Tree Templates in Excel
This option offers users Excel family tree template free download. And once downloaded as an Excel Template file, one can edit it and add new modules, such as additional sections and macros, to fit their requirements.
- Create a Family Tree using the Copy-Paste Method
In this method, we can use the Shapes and SmartArt Graphic options from the Insert tab to create a free Excel family tree template from the start. And then, we can copy and paste the shapes to build the rest of the tree till the specified generation.
Let us see the two methods with examples.
Method #1 – Using Built-in Family Tree Templates In Excel
Excel offers inbuilt templates, which are resourceful in activities such as budget planning and preparing calendars, invoices and balance sheets.
And the tool also presents fully-automated and editable family tree templates. We can download them for free and utilize them as is or customize them to fit our requirements without working on the design elements from scratch.
We shall see an example of an Excel family tree template free download to use the feature effectively.
- Step 1: First, open an Excel workbook and then, click the File tab → New tab.
Now, the New tab will open. Here, we must enter Family Tree in the Search field and then, click the search icon.
Excel will show every free Excel family tree template available for download.
Next, click the first template to select it.
Clicking the required template will show its preview. Now, we can click Create if we wish to proceed with the chosen template. Otherwise, we can click the right arrow to preview other available template.
Now, Excel will show the following downloading message when we create the template for the first time.
Immediately, the workbook, Family tree generator1, opens. While the first tab in the template contains the source data required to build the family tree, the second one shows the family tree structure.
The Family Members tab contains the cells where we must update our family members’ details to see in the family tree in the Family Tree tab.
Furthermore, right-click the Family Members tab. Next, select View Code in the pop-up menu will show the embedded code, which makes automation possible.
- Step 2: Next, let us update the grandparents’ names in cell range B10:C10.
And then, we must check and update all the cells where the grandparents’ names get referenced. For example, their names get referred to in cell range G10:G14. And thus, click the drop-down button in each cell in the range G10:G14 and select the new names.
- Step 3: Now, once done updating cell range G10:G14, click the Create Family Tree button at the top-right of the sheet.
After we click the button, it will create the required family tree in the second tab, showing the updated grandparents’ names.
And if we require to clear all the data and enter a completely new dataset. Then, click Reset Family at the top-right.
Now, we will get the below warning message. Next, click Yes to proceed.
On resetting, the entire table data gets removed.
The Family Members tab contains instructions for updating and using the template.
And the advantage of this method is that we do not have to work on the design elements, as the template is preformatted. So, we can now focus more on gathering the required family members’ details to publish in the family tree.
Method #2 – Create A Family Tree Using Copy-Paste Method
Using the Copy-Paste method, we shall see how to create an Excel family tree template 7 generations.
For example, we must prepare a family tree template showing seven generations, with each couple in a generation having two children. And each member has a spouse. Then, we can use the Shapes option from the Insert tab to create the tree root and copy and paste the shapes to build the tree.
- Step 1: To start with, select cell A1 and then, enter the Excel family tree template 7 generations title.
And as we know that each couple in every generation has two children, we can plan the cells where we must update the family member details in each generation.
- Step 2: Next, select cell B87 and click Insert → Shapes → Rectangle: Rounded Corners
Then, set the required shape outline using the Shape Fill and Shape Outline options in the Format tab.
- Step 3: Now, select the created shape and press Ctrl + C to copy it. Then, select cell B89 and press Ctrl + V or right-click on cell B89 and select the appropriate Paste option from the context menu to paste the shape in the target cell.
Otherwise, select the shape. And while pressing the Ctrl key and left key of the mouse, drag the mouse to the target cell and release the keys to paste the shape in the target cell.
Also, we shall have the rectangular shapes in pairs to update the family member and their spouse details.
- Step 4: Next, we must connect the shapes to create the tree structure. And for that, select Insert → Shapes → Line to insert connectors in the sheet.
Next, format the line using the Shape Outline option in the Format tab.
- Step 5: Next, select the inserted line segment and press Ctrl + C to copy it. And using the keyboard shortcut, Ctrl + V, paste it into the sheet. And then, using the mouse, drag the line to the required position.
Likewise, we can continue copying, pasting, and modifying the lines according to our requirements.
Thus, the tree containing the first and second generations will appear as shown below.
- Step 6: Now, we can select multiple shapes in one go to copy, paste, and place them in the same order in the required positions to give the flow chart a tree structure.
- Step 7: Next, select the rectangular shapes and click Format → Align → Align Center to align the inserted shapes and then bring uniformity to the template.
Thus, using the above-explained steps, we can build the family tree till the 7th generation, as shown below.
- Step 8: Next, select cell B2 and enter the text to indicate that we must enter the 1st generation family members’ details in column B cells within the rectangular shapes.
Likewise, enter the respective generation numbers in cells F2, J2, N2, R2, V2, and Z2, to make the template more user-friendly.
And on scrolling down, the family tree template in Excel will appear, as shown below.
- Step 9: Then, select one rectangular shape. Next, using the keyboard shortcut, Ctrl + A, select all the shapes in the sheet.
Now, set Home → Alignment as Middle and Center so that when we update the family member details in the tree, the text alignment remains the same throughout the template.
Now, the family tree template in Excel is ready for use. Next, we can start updating the family members’ details by clicking the cells inside the rectangular shapes and typing in the texts.
On the other hand, we can customize the template further as value additions to suit our requirements.
Important Things to Note
- A downloaded built-in Excel family tree template gets saved in the location, C:\Users\<Username>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Templates.
- We can save the customized template in the abovementioned location. But the file type should be Excel Template when saving. Otherwise, storing it as a standard Excel file in the required location on the computer is also allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We can create an Excel family tree template using the SmartArt feature from the Insert tab.
For example, we must create a 3-generation family tree template in Excel using the SmartArt Graphic feature. Then, the steps are as follows:
• Step 1: First, select cell A1 and enter the family tree template title.
• Step 2: Next, select the Insert tab → SmartArt Graphic option to open the Choose a SmartArt Graphic window.
Then, click the Hierarchy tab to open it and choose the Circle Picture Hierarchy template design. And click OK.
After we click OK, it will result in the following diagram, where we can insert the family members’ pictures in the circles and mention their details in the adjacent text boxes.
• Step 3: Next, click inside the first text box and then, enter the required family member details.
Now, set the required text alignment setting inside the text box using the Alignment option in the Home tab.
Likewise, update the remaining text boxes.
Next, we shall add the spouses’ details in the 2nd-generation.
• Step 4: Now, select the Father circle and choose Design → Add Shape → Add Shape After to insert another circle after the chosen shape.
Next, update the mother’s details as explained in step 3.
Then, select the aunt’s circle and choose Design → Add Shape → Add Shape Before to insert a circle before the chosen shape.
Now, update the uncle’s details as explained in step 3.
Let us assume we do not want to insert the family members’ pictures. And we must correct the connectors to ensure the tree correctly shows the spouse relations in the 2nd-generation.
We can do so by changing the diagram into shapes. However, we must ensure we build the complete family tree structure with all the required family members’ circles. The reason is that once we convert the diagram into shapes, Excel will not show the Format and Design tabs to make changes to the diagram using the SmartArt Graphic feature.
• Step 5: Next, click the diagram area to enable the Design tab, and then, choose the Convert to Shapes option.
The diagram gets converted to a collection of shapes.
Next, select the link connecting the grandfather to the mother, Cindy. And click the Delete key to remove it.
And then, select Insert → Shapes → Line to insert a line segment required to connect the father and mother circles.
Now, set the line settings using the Shape Outline option in the Format tab.
And draw the line between the father and mother circles.
Next, remove the line between uncle and grandfather, as explained earlier. And select the newly drawn line segment connecting the father and mother and press Ctrl + C to copy it.
Now, use the keyboard shortcut, Ctrl + V, paste it into the sheet.
And then, use the mouse to select, drag and place the copied line segment between the uncle and aunt circles.
• Step 6: Next, adjust the text boxes to make the family tree template more presentable.
Furthermore, if we must make further additions to the family tree, then, we can use the Shapes option in the Insert tab.
We cannot download more Excel family tree templates from the Microsoft website, as the site does not show any options when we search for family tree templates.
However, we can visit the Microsoft app store (https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/my-family-tree/9NBLGGH2K2XC?hl=en-in&gl=in&ocid=CSdownloadpage&rtc=1). And we can download a family tree template from the Store app for free.
The purpose and advantage of creating an Excel family tree template are that we can use it whenever required once we design and automate it. And we can keep adding modules to the template with every member getting discovered and added to the family.
Moreover, we can customize it to suit our changing requirements in the future.
Download Template
This article must be helpful to understand the Family Tree In Excel Template, with its formula and examples. You can download the template here to use it instantly.
Recommended Articles
This has been a guide to Family Tree In Excel Template. Here we learn how to create it using in-built template & copy-paste method with downloadable template. You can learn more from the following articles –
Leave a Reply