Fan-Shaped Genealogy

There aren’t many genealogy websites that give everyone totally free access and tools, but FamilySearch does, including creating your own free account which you can use to share your family tree.  One of its other offerings is the printable charts, of which the fan chart is the most attractive (well, I think so, anyway - see the example above).  So here’s how to make yours.  First of all, take a couple of minutes to register your FamilySearch account if you don’t already have one.

Before adding your own family tree to the website, always search it for ancestors who may already appear in the huge shared Family Tree, saving you from adding them again.  Given the vast amount of records FamilySearch has acquired and shared, there is a fair chance that at least one individual in your own tree is represented in the FamilySearch tree.

Then, once you have identified the person whose ancestry you want to illustrate (this can be yourself), navigate to that record in the tree view.  Select the drop-down menu at the top left that says “Landscape”, then click on the type of chart you want to print – in this case “Fan Chart” – and display the number of generations you wish to include.  At the right of the screen, click on “Options” and choose “Print”.  A copy of the chart will appear on the screen in PDF format.  You can then save it to your computer, allowing you to view it on-screen, print it out, or email it to a relative. 

If you want a really large chart for your wall, you can print it in four A4 segments.  I printed mine in colour on A3 paper and framed it – good enough to display anywhere!