Are you starting your journey to trace your family tree? If so, a free family tree template is a helpful tool as you begin your genealogy research. Templates are good for organizing generations of research; having a visual tool can make all the difference. Free printable family tree templates offer a simple, effective way to record relationships and share discoveries.

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There are a number of genealogy sites online where you can store an electronic copy of your family tree to give it permanence. But having a paper copy by your side as you do your research makes it easier to jot down quick notes and make corrections, and lets you show and share your genealogy work with others when you’re not on your computer.

We know that bringing your ancestry to life is about a connection that goes beyond just finding names and dates. That’s why, with the link at the end of this article, we’re offering a beautifully designed, free downloadable family tree template to help you start mapping your family tree today.

Why Use a Family Tree Template?

Family tree templates are essential for organizing and visualizing how your relatives are connected across generations.

Here’s why they’re so helpful:

• Beginner-friendly: no special software needed, just print and start writing.
• Great for DNA research: visualize how DNA matches might connect to known relatives.
• Perfect for families: fill them in with parents, children, grandparents, and beyond.
• Ideal keepsakes: frame your completed tree or include it in a scrapbook or family history binder.
• Complements your research: use it alongside your GenealogyBank records for a well-rounded view of your family’s history.

A printable family tree is great for both working alone or in collaboration with your cousins or other family members. It brings everyone onto the same page, keeping everything clear and organized.

What You Can Track with Family Tree Templates

Printable family tree templates help you record key details such as:

• Names and birth/death dates
• Marriages and children
• Migration patterns or locations
• Lineage through paternal or maternal sides
• Notes about family stories or relationships

You can choose the layout that best fits your research and goals with different formats available, such as vertical, fan-style, or pedigree.

Types of Family Tree Templates

There are a wide range of printable templates to suit different family sizes and research stages. Here are some common formats:

• 3-Generation Trees

Great for kids or beginners. Includes children, parents, and grandparents.

• 5-Generation Trees

A popular format for basic genealogy research, traces back to great-great-grandparents.

• Fan Charts

Visually striking, circular charts that spread out across generations in a spiral design.

• Ancestor Trees (Pedigree Format)

Focus on direct-line ancestors. Ideal when researching surnames or DNA matches.

• Descendant Trees

Start from one ancestor and branch down to their children, grandchildren, and beyond.

Each template provides a different lens through which to view your family story. You can print as many as you like and use them for various branches of your tree.

Who Can Use Printable Family Tree Templates?

Anyone with an interest in family history can benefit from a printable family tree:

• You can introduce young family members to their heritage in a fun, visual way.
• It can be a great memory aid for elderly relatives sharing stories or building legacy projects.
• Researchers can use it to stay organized as they dig through records, DNA results, or historical documents.
• Families can collaborate across generations and bring their ancestry to life around the dinner table.

Templates make it easier to see patterns, identify missing links, and even discover where names or dates might have been passed down through time.

Combine Templates with Historical Records for Accuracy

Your printable family tree is just the beginning, capturing the names and dates. The real magic comes when you uncover the stories of your ancestors’ lives and add these details to your family history, so that the names on your family tree become individuals. GenealogyBank’s historical newspapers and government records can help with these discoveries, offering:

• Newspaper archives from 1690 to today, more than 15,000 newspapers from all 50 states
• Marriage records and engagement announcements
• Obituaries that trace multiple generations
• Census and military service references
• Legal documents and notices

These records allow you to fill in the blanks on your family tree with confidence, making your tree more than a diagram. It becomes a verified, living document of your legacy.

Tips for Filling Out Your Family Tree Template

Before you start writing on your family tree template, keep these helpful steps in mind:

• Start with yourself at the base or center of the chart.
• Work backward in time, generation by generation.
• Include full names, birthplaces, and key dates when available.
• Use a pencil to make corrections and accommodate future discoveries.
• Leave space for notes or source citations, especially for verified records.

Don’t worry if you don’t have all the information right away. Your tree will grow as your research expands.

Print, Share, and Preserve Your Family History

Once your family tree is filled out, don’t let it stay hidden in a drawer. Use it as:

• A gift for relatives
• A page in your family history book
• A visual aid during family reunions
• A teaching tool for younger generations

Sharing your tree is a powerful way to keep your heritage alive.

Download Your Free Family Tree Template Today

Looking for a free printable family tree? There are thousands of free family history forms (including family tree templates) available to download. Simply Google the phrase “free family history forms” and you will have a great variety to choose from!

Here at GenealogyBank, we believe your family story deserves to be documented, displayed, and shared. That’s why we offer a free, printable family tree template that you can start using right away:

Download the Free Family Tree Chart Template »

Once you have your family tree template ready to be filled in, it’s time to start researching your family history! Create a free account at GenealogyBank for 7 days to start your journey and discover the stories your ancestors left behind.

Note on the header image: family tree template. Credit: https://depositphotos.com/home.html