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A Few Hints For Creating The Best Family Tree Layout
So you’ve decided to research your family history. You’ve gotten information, including names, dates, ports of
entry, and even the descendants for at least 7 generations back from you in your family. Now comes the fun part of
putting all that wonderful information into a form that can be easily read. That’s right; it’s time to choose the
family tree layout that you’re going to use. If you’re looking at the sea of data in front of you with a frown of
dismay, don’t worry. By keeping in mind a few of these hints, you’ll be on your way to creating the best family
tree layout in no time.
Hint # 1: Decide How Much Data You Want In Your Family Tree
Depending on how much research you’ve done, your family tree layout can be extremely detailed or very basic. The
choice is really entirely up to you. Do you want to only have names and dates of births and deaths in your layout?
If so, a simple family tree layout with branches stemming from a central trunk might be a good idea. Another
possibility is a simple pedigree chart, where each horizontal line is ruled over by a different patron. This makes
for an easy read. Of course, if you want more detail in your family tree layout, such as photos or places of
residence, be sure to choose one that can be expanded to include the extra information. A modified tree style with
places to add photos or even a fan style of family tree might be a great idea in these cases.
Hint # 2: Decide If You’re Working By Computer Or By Hand
This might seem like a silly question in this age of computers, but some people still enjoy creating a family tree
layout by hand. There is definitely something to be said for laying out some parchment, grabbing a ruler, and
taking pen to create a masterpiece. It is a time consuming way to create a family tree layout, but some would
consider it worth the effort. However, there is a popular school of thought that says using a computer to create
the layout not only saves time and effort, but also produces a finished project that is easy to understand by just
about everyone. Whether you chose the old fashioned way, or to give technology a try, be sure to choose the method
that speaks the most to you when making a family tree layout.
Hint # 3: Have Fun With It!
Remember, you started doing this research not because your employer told you to, but because you had a natural
curiosity for your family’s history. Creating a family tree layout should be a labor of love, complete with drafts,
mistakes, doodles on the margin, and yes, even a few rings from your coffee cup. Mistakes and coffee stains can be
cleaned up in the final copy. In the mean time, have a blast creating your family tree layout.
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