Building a family tree is a classic school project and is also a fun way to show others who your ancestors are. The Excel program helps you develop even the most complex family connections, but for a long-term project you will need to make use of specific software.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Templates
Step 1. Create a new document from a template
Select the keys File → New from template, if this option is present. In some versions of Excel it is sufficient to select the File → New button to open a screen with all the templates you can choose from.
Step 2. Search for the family tree template
This is not a pre-installed product, so you have to connect to the internet to find it. Enter the words "family tree" in the search bar to find two options available for free download. If you don't see the bar, try looking for it under the "Microsoft Office Online", "Office.com" or "Online Forms" button, depending on your version of Excel. Choose the "Personal" section and then browse its content to search for family tree templates.
If you are using Excel 2007 or an earlier version, you will not be able to see these options. However, you can do an internet search to find unofficial models or you can move on to the next section of this tutorial to learn about the other solutions available
Step 3. Try out the basic family tree template
It is a simple spreadsheet with colored cells that outline the family tree; this offers just enough space to enter your name and those of four generations of your direct ancestors. The basic model is a great solution for school projects, but not for very in-depth research. To use it, just click on the colored cells and type the name of the family members.
To add your siblings' cells, you can copy-paste "your" cell into the same column to make it the same green color. You can repeat the process for your parents' cells and create light green boxes for the uncles
Step 4. Develop a larger family tree
If you are working on a more complex genealogy, select the "Family Tree" template. This takes advantage of the SmartArt feature which requires a version of Excel 2007 or later. With this template you can always click on the cells to enter the names of your relatives, but you have many other functions available:
- Click anywhere in the document to bring up the text box. This way you are able to edit the family tree with a simple and compact list. To add another relative, press the + button located at the top of the box. When you have selected a cell with the name of a relative, use the → or ← key to move it between the various generations. Click and drag the cell under your son or daughter's name.
- At the top of the document, the SmartArt menu offers many graphic options. For example, you can click on the Hierarchies icon to view a selection of the various ways in which data can be displayed.
Method 2 of 3: Use SmartArt (for Excel 2007 or Later)
Step 1. Click the SmartArt icon from the menu
In modern versions of Excel you can see this function which is used to improve diagrams. Select this option from the main menu after opening a new spreadsheet.
In the Excel 2007 program you find the function in the Illustrations group, which is displayed after selecting the "Insert" label
Step 2. Create the hierarchy
Now that you see the SmartArt control window, choose the Hierarchies icon located on the left side of the menu. Choose the style you prefer and it will appear on the spreadsheet.
Step 3. Fill out the family tree
The new diagram can be dragged and expanded just like any other Excel element. Click on the geometric shape or white line within the diagram and type in the name of your family tree.
Alternatively, you can use the text box that appears when you select the type of diagram. Any changes made in the text box immediately affect the final appearance
Method 3 of 3: Use a Regular Spreadsheet
Step 1. Select the Insert Shapes function
First create a new Excel spreadsheet. Click on the Insert button that appears on the main menu or on the function strip and then select the Shapes button. At this point you can choose a rectangle, an oval or the geometric shape you prefer.
Step 2. View the shape on the spreadsheet
Click and drag the shape onto the sheet to "draw" it. To make a perfect square or circle, hold down the ⇧ Shift key while dragging the mouse pointer.
Step 3. Write your name in the geometric shape
Click on the picture below and type in your name. Edit the font, color and any stylist details you want, based on your preferences, before moving on to the next step.
Step 4. To create other geometric shapes use the copy and paste function
Select the shape you just drew and copy it by pressing the key combination Ctrl + C (⌘ Cmd + C if you are using a Mac computer). Paste as many copies as you need by repeatedly pressing the key combination Ctrl + V.
Step 5. Arrange the shapes you created as a family tree
Click and drag them to outline your family outline. Typically you put one shape on the bottom of the sheet, two on top of it and two more on top of each shape on the second line, and so on. Click on the shape you want to write and type the name of each relative.
Step 6. Insert the lines
Go back to the Insert Shapes menu and select a zigzag line. Click and drag this line into the spreadsheet to connect one shape with the two above (the parents). As you did before, you can create new lines using the copy and paste function and then drag them to the right position.
Step 7. Add optional information
If you wish, you can add dates of birth and other notes next to each name. You can type this data into the geometric shape or click on the cell just below the relative's name and write the information into it.
