Free Genealogy Tool

Free Family Tree Template Generator

Printable family tree chart templates. Fan, pedigree, bowtie, or descendant. PDF or PNG.

A free family tree template generator is a browser tool that builds blank or pre-filled family tree charts you can print, hand to relatives, or save as PDF and PNG. Pick a layout, choose 3 to 6 generations, optionally type in names, and download a clean black-on-white chart in seconds.

Customize your template

Chart style
Generations
Mode

How to use the family tree template generator

  1. 1. Pick a chart style. Pedigree and bowtie work great for framed prints, fan charts pack many generations into one page, and descendant charts trace one ancestor's family forward.
  2. 2. Choose how many generations to show. Three or four is the usual sweet spot for a single page.
  3. 3. Switch to filled mode if you want to type names, or keep blank mode to print and write by hand.
  4. 4. Download as PDF or PNG. The PDF option opens your print dialog so you can save as PDF or print directly.

Chart styles explained

Pedigree chart
Subject on the left, ancestors expanding rightward in generations. The standard genealogy chart used in research and reference books.
Fan chart
Half-circle radial layout. The subject sits at the center and ancestors fill outward rings. Compact, decorative, and great for displaying many generations.
Bowtie chart
Subject in the middle. Paternal ancestors mirror to one side, maternal ancestors to the other. Symmetrical and highly readable for shared-family display.
Descendant chart
Top-down chart starting from one ancestor and showing how their descendants spread across generations. Best for reunion handouts and lineage tracking.

Tips for filling out a family tree

  • Always write maiden names for women in older generations. Married surnames hide important record trails.
  • Pencil first, pen later. Spellings, dates, and family stories shift as you find new records.
  • Use the ahnentafel pattern: subject is #1, father #2, mother #3, paternal grandfather #4, and so on. Doubling the number jumps a generation up.
  • Cite sources on the back of the printed sheet so future readers know whether a date came from a record or a guess.

Want an interactive family tree?

When you outgrow printable templates, build an editable digital family tree with parent-child links, spouses, and dates. Export the result back to PNG or PDF.

Try the Family Tree Maker

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Frequently asked questions

What is a family tree template?

A family tree template is a pre-formatted chart with empty slots for ancestors or descendants. You print it, write names by hand, or fill it in digitally to organize a family's lineage in one visual document.

How many generations should I include?

Three or four generations work well for a quick keepsake. Five and six generations give serious genealogy projects and reunions enough room to capture great-great-grandparents and beyond. The number of slots doubles each generation, so plan paper size accordingly.

What is the difference between a fan chart and a pedigree chart?

A pedigree chart is a left-to-right grid where the subject sits on the far left and each generation of ancestors stacks to the right. A fan chart arranges the same information in a half-circle, with the subject at the center and ancestors radiating outward, which fits more generations on a single page.

Can I print this family tree template for free?

Yes. The generator runs entirely in your browser and produces a clean black-on-white chart you can download as PDF (via your browser's print dialog) or PNG. There is no signup, watermark, or paywall.

How do I fill in a blank family tree?

Start with yourself in the subject slot. Add your parents, then your four grandparents, then earlier generations. Use the standard ahnentafel pattern: father is #2, mother is #3, paternal grandfather is #4, and so on. Confirm names and dates against records before writing them in pen.