subject: Building Your Family Tree Online: Choosing a Format [print this page] Building Your Family Tree Online: Choosing a Format
Family tree formats vary considerably, from the simple to the ornate. Deciding which one is right for you doesn't have to be an intimidating process. Certainly, you could always just hire a professional to do it for you. If you choose this route, there are several sites online that will do it for you. Some of these sites can create beautiful ornate trees that would be a nice addition to your walls. You can even have the option of including photographs on your tree beside names to make the tree really come to life.
Professionally created trees can make very nice birthday, or Christmas gifts. Of course, the more elaborate the tree created, the more expensive the cost.
But, if you are more of a do it yourself kind of person, choosing one of the standard, simple formats you can get you up and started in no time. If you get really creative, you have many options available to you. You can find many free templates to use online. There are well over 50 free types of family trees available at one site alone. Naturally, some are more elaborate than others, but there is something for everyone. Will you choose a standard branching tree, or a fan shaped one? What kind of background will it have?
Let's review a few of the sites I've found online.
Free family tree formats can be found online at many sites. The three most common formats are the traditional tree shape, the chart format and the more unique fan shape. Personally, I like the fan shape because it isn't seen nearly so much as the traditional tree shape. Go to: http://genealogy.about.com/od/free_charts/ig/genealogy_charts/family_tree.htm and check out the three shapes for your family tree. Although your choices are limited on this site, you can download their trees and use your computer to enter the names of your family members. This will keep your tree nice and neat.
Another site I would like to mention where free family tree charts is Family Tree Magazine. Search for free forms on their site. Be sure to look at their many worksheets to help you keep your records in order.
This site: www.familytreetemplates.net offers 50 free examples of family trees. You can also download their templates for the small cost of $4.00 if you want to customize them. There are completed examples that you can use as a guide if you are unsure where to place each name.
The Tree Maker also has a number of nice family tree formats to choose from. Found at: www.thetreemaker.com/samples/family-tree-example.html These are certainly more decorative than the site I've already mentioned, but the cost is worth it for their artwork. Prices vary, but you can expect to spend over $20.00 for family tree.
Take your time deciding on which format you would ultimately use. The final presentation of all your hard work will be something that you'll be proud to show off so it is worth giving it some thought.
