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Have you ever wanted a beautiful, easy way to organize your family history findings? Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned researcher, free family tree templates are a game-changer for visualizing relationships, tracking generations, and sharing your discoveries.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best free family tree templates to download, how to use them, and where to find reliable, printable, and digital forms — without spending a dime.
📌 Table of Contents
Why Use a Family Tree Template?
Family tree templates help genealogists visually organize and connect generations of family members. If you’re going to get a free one, why not make sure it’s a best free family tree templates to download? They’re especially helpful when:
- You’re just starting your research and need structure.
- You want to print and share your tree at a family reunion.
- You’re working offline or creating a keepsake.
Plus, they’re free — so why not take advantage?
🧭 Want more beginner-friendly tips? Check out our hub post: How to Do Genealogy Research Online
What to Look for in a Free Template
Not all templates are created equal. Look for if it is an actual “best free family tree templates to download:”
- Editable formats (PDF, Word, Excel, Google Sheets)
- Room for key data (names, birth/death dates, places)
- Visual clarity — too much detail can be overwhelming
- Generational support (3–7 generations or more)
Templates range from simple starter charts to detailed pedigree or fan charts. Pick what suits your research stage!
Top 10 Best Free Family Tree Templates to Download
Here are the best sites to download free, high-quality templates today:
1. FamilySearch Templates
🆓 Free, printable PDF charts
FamilySearch offers pedigree charts, family group sheets, and fan charts with clean designs.
2. Canva’s Family Tree Templates
🎨 Customizable with drag-and-drop features
Canva makes it fun to personalize your tree — great for visual learners.
3. Ancestry.com Template Resources
📝 Classic genealogy forms
Ancestry offers downloadable family group sheets and pedigree charts used by professionals.
4. Vertex42 Excel Templates
📊 Great for spreadsheet lovers
Track ancestors in Excel with editable columns for names, dates, and notes.
5. Microsoft Office Templates
📁 Word and PowerPoint formats
Basic family tree layout in familiar formats — ideal for school projects or quick printing.
6. Printable Tree from Genealogy.com (Archived)
📜 Archived forms still useful
Classic charts from Genealogy.com, preserved via the Wayback Machine.
7. Lucidchart Family Tree Creator
📈 For tech-savvy users
Design interactive family trees and collaborate in real time.
8. Family Tree Magazine Templates
📰 Genealogy worksheets and forms
Includes charts, census trackers, research logs, and more.
9. MyHeritage Family Tree Chart
🌍 Software-based chart builder
While the full service is paid, their free software generates charts from your input.
10. Twinkl Family Tree Worksheets
🎓 For kids and educators
Fun, illustrated templates perfect for classrooms and homeschoolers.
How to Use Your Template Effectively
Here’s how to make the most of the best free family tree templates, optimized just for you:
✅ Print or save a fresh copy before each major update
🖊 Use pencil (if printing) or editable software (if digital)
📦 Store backup copies in cloud storage or on a USB drive
🔎 Verify all data with documents — accuracy matters
Need help gathering family details? Download our 50 Questions to Ask Relatives About Family History for your next interview!
Digital vs. Printable: Which Is Better?
Digital Family Tree Pros:
- Easy to edit and duplicate
- Shareable online
- Scalable with many generations
Printable Template Pros:
- Great for visualizing at a glance
- Ideal for scrapbooks or keepsakes
- Easy to bring to family gatherings
👀 Tip: Use both! Many genealogists keep a printed “snapshot” and a live digital version. We often begin with one of the best free family tree templates to download and then morph that into our formal research platform.
Where to Store and Share Your Tree
Once you’ve filled in your chart, here are a few ideas for keeping and showcasing your work:
📂 Upload to genealogy platforms (like FamilySearch.org)
👨👩👧 Share with relatives via email or cloud drives
🖼 Frame it as a gift
🌐 Embed it in your family history blog (hello, The Family History Foundation readers!)
Tips for Beginners Using Family Tree Templates
🗂 Start small — don’t worry about tracing back to the 1500s right away.
🎤 Interview living relatives first — their memories are priceless.
📸 Attach photos to make your tree more engaging.
🕵️ Cite your sources to avoid future confusion.
💡 Use a pencil or editable PDF to fix future errors easily.
Want to expand your skills? Visit our cornerstone guide: How to Do Genealogy Research Online!
Additional Resources
- Free Family Tree Software Comparison (opens in new window)
- Best Genealogy Websites for Beginners (opens in new window)
- Heraldic Lions Positions & Terminology Explained (opens in new window)
Why Free Family Tree Templates Matter in Your Genealogy Journey
When you’re just starting out in genealogy—or even if you’ve been at it for years—having the right tools makes all the difference. One of the best free family tree templates to download can instantly organize your research, help you visualize connections, and bring your family story to life in a tangible way. Whether you’re documenting generations for a keepsake project or laying out your tree for serious research, templates provide a practical and elegant starting point.
But not all templates are created equal. The best ones are thoughtfully designed for usability, flexibility, and aesthetic appeal. So how do you know which ones are truly worth downloading? Let’s take a closer look at what makes the best free family tree templates to download stand out.
Features to Look for in the Best Free Family Tree Templates to Download
Before you choose a template, consider your goals. Are you printing a chart to display at a family reunion? Creating a binder for your children or grandchildren? Or simply trying to organize your thoughts and sources as you research? Your use case will guide the best format for you.
Here’s what the top templates typically include:
- Clear Generational Layouts: Good templates visually distinguish generations to help you track lineage without confusion.
- Editable Fields: Whether you’re using a PDF, spreadsheet, or Word document, editable fields make it easy to update or revise.
- Room for Notes: Space for names, birth/death dates, locations, and notes ensures your research is not just decorative but functional.
- Print-Friendly Design: The best templates are available in high-resolution and are suitable for both black-and-white and color printing.
Templates offered by reputable genealogy websites such as FamilySearch, The National Archives, and The Family History Foundation often hit all these marks—and they’re free!
How to Choose the Best Template for Your Needs
There are many formats available, each serving a slightly different purpose. Here’s a quick guide:
- Pedigree Charts: Ideal for tracking a direct line of ancestors (you, your parents, grandparents, etc.). Great for most beginners.
- Fan Charts: These are more visual and circular in layout, making them perfect for display or presentation.
- Family Group Sheets: Helpful when you want to focus on a single nuclear family and record all their details together.
- Interactive Digital Templates: Often available as Google Sheets, Excel files, or interactive PDFs, these are great for digital organization and sharing.
When selecting from the best free family tree templates to download, make sure the format aligns with your comfort level and end goal. If you plan to print and share, a decorative chart might be perfect. If you’re digging into detailed research, go for something with more data fields.
Where to Find the Best Free Family Tree Templates to Download
To save you time and research, here are a few more trusted sources:
- FamilySearch.org – Offers several beautifully designed, totally free downloadable templates.
- The National Archives (UK) – While their downloadable resources do not include free templates, their research is superbly suited for British genealogy.
- The Family History Foundation – We offer genealogy and family history research ideas to inspire you!
You can also explore creative printable designs on platforms like Pinterest or Etsy—just make sure you’re downloading from a reputable source.
Final Thoughts
The right family tree template acts as both a roadmap and a keepsake. It can guide your research while also preserving your family’s legacy in a beautiful, tangible way. When you’re looking for the best free family tree templates to download, prioritize function, design, and credibility. Whether you’re printing a chart to frame or using a template to share with relatives, the right tool can turn your hard-earned research into a meaningful family heirloom.
Conclusion
Using a family tree template is one of the smartest (and simplest) ways to begin or organize your genealogy journey. With dozens of free options out there, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Pick the format that works best for you, print or download it, and start filling in the branches of your family story. Find what resonates with you from the list of best free family tree templates to download, then get started.
📥 Next step: Download one of the best free family tree templates from this list and start building your own family tree today!
🔗 Want more help? Explore our hub post: How to Do Genealogy Research Online
🎁 Bonus tip: Turn your filled-in chart into a framed gift for a parent or grandparent!
About the Author
At The Family History Foundation, we help people of all ages explore their roots through tools, templates, and storytelling tips. Whether you’re just starting or have been researching for years, we’re here to make genealogy fun, approachable, and deeply meaningful.
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