Chart & Visualization Tools

Make a Family Tree

Our free family tree maker lets you build, customize, and share multi-generation family trees instantly. Add names, life dates, and spouses with a few clicks.

Features

Everything You Need to Make a Family Tree

Powerful family tree maker software features — without the complexity.

Multi-Generation Hierarchy

Build trees spanning great-grandparents to grandchildren with unlimited depth. Every branch stays clean and easy to follow.

Spouse & Partner Support

Add spouses or partners to any node with one click, and toggle their position left or right to keep your layout organized.

Life Date Labels

Record birth and death years for each member so your family tree doubles as a historical record.

Zoom & Pan Navigation

Explore large family trees with smooth zoom and pan controls — ideal for viewing many generations at once.

Collapsible Branches

Collapse individual branches to focus on the part of the family you are working on without losing the full picture.

AI-Powered Generation

Describe your family in plain English and let the AI instantly build a structured, styled family tree for you.

Data input

Add Your Family Data Your Way

⌨️

Type Names Directly

Enter each family member's name and life dates right in the editor — no file needed.

📋

Paste from Spreadsheet

Copy your family data from Excel or Google Sheets and paste it straight into the maker.

📁

Upload a File

Import a CSV or Excel file with your genealogy data for instant tree generation (Pro).

🤖

Describe with AI

Tell the AI your family structure in plain language and get a ready-made family tree in seconds.

Share

Share Your Family Tree Anywhere

🖼️

Download as Image

Export your family tree as a high-resolution PNG or SVG — perfect for framing, printing, or presentations.

🔗

Share a Link

Generate a shareable link so relatives can view your family tree from any device.

🌐

Embed on Your Site

Add your family tree to a genealogy blog, family website, or memorial page with a simple embed code.

💾

Save for Later

Your tree is saved automatically so you can return, update, and expand it anytime.

About Our Family Tree Maker

MakeCharts is a free online chart maker built for people who need clear, beautiful visuals fast. Our family tree tool is designed to make genealogy accessible — no software installs, no confusing menus, just your family and a clean canvas.

<2 minTime to first tree
UnlimitedGenerations supported
12+Languages available
10k+Charts created
FreeCost to start

Workflow

How to Make a Family Tree

1

Add Your Root Member

Start by entering the oldest ancestor or the person at the center of your tree. Add their name and life dates.

2

Build Out the Family

Use the '+Child' button to add children and the '& Spouse' button to link partners. Repeat across generations.

3

Customize and Export

Adjust spacing, font size, and connection line width. Then download, share, or embed your finished family tree.

Use cases

Who Uses Our Family Tree Maker

Personal & Family

Preserve Your Family History

Document your ancestry and share it with relatives at reunions, celebrations, or through a family website. Keep generations connected.

Education

Genealogy & History Lessons

Teachers and students use family tree diagrams to explore historical lineages, immigration patterns, and personal heritage projects.

Healthcare & Genetics

Medical Family History Charts

Visualize hereditary health patterns across generations to support medical consultations and genetic counseling discussions.

Legal & Estate

Estate and Probate Documentation

Attorneys and families use family tree diagrams to clarify inheritance relationships and document lineage for legal proceedings.

Templates

Start with professionally designed templates

Related Tools

Create similar charts with these tools

Comparison

MakeCharts vs. Traditional Family Tree Software

See why people switch from legacy family tree maker software to MakeCharts.

MakeCharts Family Tree Maker

  • Runs in your browser — zero installation needed
  • Describe your family in plain language, AI builds the tree
  • Share via link, image download, or embed code
  • Clean, modern visuals ready to present or print
  • Free to start — no credit card required
  • Works on any device, any screen size

Old-School Family Tree Software

  • Download and install required before you can start
  • Steep learning curve with complex menus
  • Limited sharing — usually just file exports
  • Outdated designs that look unprofessional
  • Paid licenses just to access basic features
  • Hard to embed or publish on the web

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this family tree maker really free?

Yes. You can build, customize, and download a family tree at no cost. Free accounts include all core features and limited AI credits. Paid plans unlock more AI generations, file uploads, and embed codes.

How do I make a family tree with this tool?

Start by adding your root ancestor, then use the '+Child' and '& Spouse' buttons to build out each branch. You can also describe your family to the AI and get an instant draft. The whole process takes under two minutes.

What family tree maker software does this replace?

MakeCharts is a browser-based alternative to installed family tree maker software. You get the same core features — multi-generation trees, spouse links, life dates — without downloading anything or paying upfront.

Can I make a family tree with many generations?

Yes, there is no hard limit on generations. You can add as many ancestor or descendant levels as your family history requires. Use the zoom and collapse features to navigate large trees comfortably.

How do I add spouses or partners to my family tree?

Click the '& Spouse' button next to any family member to add a partner. You can also toggle the spouse position left or right using the arrow button, keeping your layout neat.

Can I export or print my family tree?

Yes. Download your family tree as a high-resolution PNG or SVG file, then print it at any size — from a letter-size page to a large poster. SVG export is available on paid plans.

Does the AI help me build the family tree automatically?

Yes. Type a description like 'four-generation Johnson family starting from 1900' and the AI will generate a structured family tree for you. You can then edit names, dates, and connections manually.

Can I share my family tree online?

You can download an image to email or post, generate a shareable link (on supported plans), or embed the tree on a website or memorial page using the embed code feature.

Is my family data private and secure?

Your family data is used only to render your tree. We do not sell your data or share it with third parties. You control what gets shared and can delete your account and data at any time.

Does MakeCharts work on mobile for building family trees?

Yes, the family tree maker is fully responsive and works on phones and tablets. Building large multi-generation trees is easiest on a desktop, but viewing and light editing works well on mobile.

Built for Every Family

  • Works for all family structures — biological, adopted, blended, and chosen families
  • Add partners, step-parents, and half-siblings with ease
  • Supports names and characters from any language or alphabet
  • Accessible on any device with a modern web browser
  • Simple enough for first-time users, flexible enough for genealogy researchers
  • Available in 12+ languages across the full interface

Your Family Data Stays Yours

  • We do not sell or share your family data with third parties
  • Your trees are private by default — you choose what to share
  • You can download or delete your data at any time
  • No account required to create and export a family tree
  • Data is used only to render and display your chart

Start now

Start Building Your Family Tree Today

Free, instant, and no software to install. Your family history deserves a beautiful visual.

Describe your family structure or start from a blank template — free, no sign-up required.