Free Family Tree Templates You Can Print Today
Sometimes the best way to start your family history is the simplest: a blank family tree template, a pen, and what you already know. No software, no subscriptions, no learning curve.
Whether you want to sketch out a quick tree to share at a family reunion, teach your kids about their ancestors, or organize what you've found before moving to a digital workspace, a printable family tree template is the perfect starting point.
This guide covers the types of free family tree templates available, where to find them, and how to use them effectively.
Types of Family Tree Templates
1. Pedigree Chart (Ancestor Chart)
A pedigree chart shows one person's direct ancestors — parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and so on. It's the most common type of family tree template.
- Format: One person at the left, with each previous generation branching to the right
- Typical size: 4-6 generations on a single page
- Best for: Starting your research, visualizing your direct line, sharing at family gatherings
2. Family Group Sheet
A family group sheet records one family unit — a husband, wife, and all their children — with detailed information for each person.
- Format: One page per family, with fields for birth, marriage, death, and burial for each person
- Best for: Organizing detailed information about each branch of your family
3. Descendant Chart
A descendant chart starts with one ancestor and shows all their descendants across multiple generations.
- Format: One ancestor at the top, with descendants branching downward
- Best for: Family reunions, showing how many people descend from a single ancestor
4. Fan Chart
A fan chart shows multiple generations radiating outward from a central person, like an open fan.
- Format: You in the center, with each ring representing an earlier generation
- Best for: Visualizing a large number of ancestors in a compact space
5. Kid-Friendly Templates
Simplified, illustrated family tree templates designed for children, with spaces for photos and large-print names.
- Format: Tree illustration with blanks for names and photos
- Best for: Getting kids interested in family history, school projects
Where to Find Free Family Tree Templates
FamilySearch (Free)
FamilySearch offers free downloadable and printable family tree templates:
- Pedigree charts — standard 4- and 5-generation charts
- Family group sheets — detailed one-page forms
- Fan charts — visual ancestor charts
Visit FamilySearch.org and search for "family tree forms" in their wiki.
National Archives (Free)
The U.S. National Archives provides free downloadable genealogy forms:
- Pedigree charts
- Family group sheets
- Census extraction forms — blank templates for transcribing census data
Visit archives.gov and search for "genealogy forms."
Other Free Template Sources
- Ancestry Support Center — free downloadable blank charts and forms (no subscription required to download forms)
- Companion forms — many genealogy societies offer free PDF templates on their websites
- Pinterest — search "free family tree template" for hundreds of free downloadable designs, including kid-friendly and decorative options
How to Use a Printable Family Tree Template
Step 1: Print Multiple Copies
Print several copies of each template type — you'll want a separate pedigree chart for each family line, and a family group sheet for each family unit.
Step 2: Start With What You Know
Fill in the chart starting with yourself and working backwards:
- Your name, birth date, and birthplace
- Your parents' names, birth dates, birthplaces, marriage date, and (if deceased) death date
- Your grandparents' information, if you know it
Don't leave blanks — write "unknown" or "?" in empty fields. This tells you exactly what you need to research.
Step 3: Bring It to Family Gatherings
A printed family tree is a conversation starter at family reunions, holidays, and visits with older relatives. People who would never look at a computer screen will happily point to a printed chart and say "Oh, that's wrong — Grandma was born in 1901, not 1903."
Step 4: Use It to Identify Gaps
Once you've filled in what you know, the blanks show you exactly what you need to find. Each blank is a research question:
- "I don't know my grandmother's maiden name" → search marriage records
- "I don't know where my great-grandfather was born" → search census records
- "I don't know when my parents married" → search marriage certificates
For the full research process, see our how to research family history guide.
Step 5: Move to a Digital Workspace
A printable template is a starting point, not a permanent home for your research. Once you've filled in what you can, transfer your information to a digital family history workspace:
- Ancello — free to start, collaborative, includes storytelling and mapping features. See our what is a family history workspace guide.
- FamilySearch — free, includes tree building and record access
- Gramps — free, open-source desktop software
For a full comparison of digital options, see our best family tree software guide.
Why a Printable Template Still Matters in 2026
In an era of digital genealogy platforms, printable templates might seem outdated. But they have unique advantages:
- No learning curve — anyone can fill in a printed form, no software to learn
- No subscription — completely free, no strings attached
- Family-friendly — older relatives who won't use a computer will happily contribute to a printed form
- Kid-friendly — illustrated templates get children interested in family history
- Portable — bring it to a family reunion without worrying about Wi-Fi or battery life
- Tangible — there's something powerful about seeing your family tree on paper
The best approach: start with a printed template, then transfer your findings to Ancello, where you can add stories, sources, and maps — and invite family to contribute digitally.
For help getting started with the transition, see our beginner's guide to starting a family tree.
FAQ
Where can I get free family tree templates?
FamilySearch and the National Archives both offer free downloadable and printable family tree templates, including pedigree charts, family group sheets, and fan charts. No subscription is required to download these forms.
What's the difference between a pedigree chart and a family group sheet?
A pedigree chart shows your direct ancestors across multiple generations — you, your parents, your grandparents, and so on. A family group sheet focuses on one family unit — a father, mother, and all their children — with detailed information for each person. Most genealogists use both: the pedigree chart for the big picture and family group sheets for the details.
Should I use a printed template or a digital workspace?
Use both. Start with a printed template to capture what you know and identify gaps. Then transfer your findings to a digital workspace like Ancello, where you can add stories, sources, and maps, and invite family to contribute. For more on digital workspaces, see our what is a family history workspace guide.
Can I make my own family tree template?
Yes. Any chart with spaces for names, dates, and relationships works. You can draw one by hand, create one in a word processor or spreadsheet, or find hundreds of free designs online. The format matters less than the information you put in it.
What's the best free family tree software to move to after using templates?
Ancello is the best free option if you want a collaborative workspace with storytelling, source management, and mapping. FamilySearch is best for free record access. For a full comparison, see our best family tree software guide.
Ready to turn your printed tree into a digital family history? Start a free workspace at Ancello →