How to Print a Family Tree from Ancestry: Because Who Doesn’t Love a Little Chaos in Their Genealogy?

Creating and printing a family tree from Ancestry is a fascinating journey into your past, but it’s also a process that can feel like herding cats. Whether you’re a seasoned genealogist or a curious beginner, this guide will walk you through the steps to bring your family history to life on paper. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to see their great-great-grandfather’s name next to a doodle of a tree?

Step 1: Gather Your Data (Because You Can’t Print What You Don’t Have)

Before you even think about printing, you need to ensure your family tree on Ancestry is complete and accurate. This means:

• Verify Your Sources: Ancestry provides hints, but not all hints are created equal. Double-check birth certificates, marriage records, and census data to avoid accidentally adopting someone else’s great-uncle.
• Add Missing Branches: If your tree looks more like a stick than a tree, it’s time to fill in the gaps. Reach out to relatives, scour old photo albums, and maybe even hire a professional genealogist if you’re feeling fancy.
• Organize Your Tree: Ancestry allows you to create multiple trees, so make sure you’re working on the right one. Nothing says “family drama” like accidentally printing your ex’s family tree.

Step 2: Choose Your Format (Because Trees Come in All Shapes and Sizes)

Ancestry offers several ways to visualize and print your family tree. Here are your options:

Option 1: The Classic Pedigree Chart

This is the most traditional format, showing direct ancestors in a vertical or horizontal layout. It’s perfect for those who want a clean, straightforward representation of their lineage. However, it might leave out some interesting cousins and in-laws, so choose wisely.

Option 2: The Fan Chart

For a more artistic approach, the fan chart displays your ancestors in a circular format, radiating outward from you. It’s visually stunning but can be tricky to read if you have a large family. Pro tip: Don’t try to print this on a standard 8.5x11 sheet of paper unless you enjoy squinting.

Option 3: The Descendant Chart

If you’re more interested in your descendants than your ancestors, this chart is for you. It starts with a single ancestor and branches out to show all their descendants. It’s great for family reunions but can quickly become a logistical nightmare if your family is particularly prolific.

Step 3: Customize Your Tree (Because Your Family Deserves a Little Flair)

Once you’ve chosen your format, it’s time to make it your own. Ancestry allows you to:

• Add Photos: Nothing brings a family tree to life like seeing the faces of your ancestors. Just make sure Great-Aunt Mildred’s portrait is in focus—she deserves better than a pixelated blob.
• Include Notes: Add personal anecdotes, historical context, or even a few jokes to make your tree more engaging. (“Great-Grandpa Joe: Loved whiskey, hated socks.”)
• Choose a Color Scheme: Who says family trees have to be boring? Pick colors that reflect your family’s personality. Just avoid neon green—it’s hard on the eyes.

Step 4: Print Your Masterpiece (Because What’s the Point of All This Work If You Can’t Show It Off?)

Now that your tree is ready, it’s time to print. Here’s how to do it without tearing your hair out:

1. Check Your Printer Settings: Make sure your printer is set to high quality and the correct paper size. You don’t want your tree to look like it was printed on a potato.
2. Preview Before Printing: Ancestry allows you to preview your tree before printing. Use this feature to avoid wasting paper and ink.
3. Consider Professional Printing: If your tree is particularly large or complex, consider using a professional printing service. They can handle oversized charts and ensure your tree looks its best.

Step 5: Display Your Tree (Because It’s Not a Family Tree If It’s Hidden in a Drawer)

Once printed, your family tree deserves a place of honor. Here are a few ideas:

• Frame It: A framed family tree makes a beautiful and meaningful piece of wall art. Just make sure it’s hung somewhere everyone can admire it—preferably not in the bathroom.
• Create a Scrapbook: Combine your tree with photos, documents, and other memorabilia to create a family history scrapbook. It’s a great way to preserve your heritage for future generations.
• Share Digitally: If printing isn’t your thing, save your tree as a PDF and share it with relatives via email or social media. Just be prepared for the inevitable “Wait, we’re related to who?” comments.

FAQs

Q: Can I print a family tree from Ancestry for free? A: Yes, Ancestry allows you to print your family tree for free. However, some advanced features and formats may require a subscription.

Q: How do I fix errors in my family tree before printing? A: Review your tree carefully and make corrections directly on Ancestry. You can edit names, dates, and relationships to ensure accuracy.

Q: What’s the best paper size for printing a family tree? A: It depends on the size of your tree. Standard sizes like 8.5x11 or 11x17 work for smaller trees, but larger trees may require custom sizes or professional printing.

Q: Can I add non-blood relatives to my family tree? A: Absolutely! Ancestry allows you to include step-relatives, in-laws, and even close family friends. After all, family is about more than just DNA.

Q: What if my family tree is too big to print? A: Consider breaking it into sections or using a fan chart to condense the information. Alternatively, focus on a specific branch of your family for a more manageable printout.

Printing a family tree from Ancestry is more than just a technical task—it’s a way to connect with your roots and celebrate the stories that make your family unique. So grab your printer, fire up Ancestry, and get ready to create a masterpiece that even your ancestors would be proud of. And remember, if all else fails, you can always blame Great-Grandpa Joe for the chaos.