A family tree book maker is a software tool, online service, or template that turns your genealogy data into a printed or digital book. These tools let you arrange ancestors and descendants into charts and pages, add photos and stories, and then export the result as a PDF or a print-ready file.
Why Make a Family Tree Book?
Most people who research their family history end up with a pile of digital files: census records, birth certificates, old photographs, and a sprawling tree on a website like Ancestry or FamilySearch. A book turns that scattered data into something you can hold, share, and pass down. Unlike a digital tree that requires a subscription or a login, a printed book works for relatives who are not online, and it survives hard-drive failures and account closures.
Books also force you to organize. When you lay out generations in a fixed format, you notice missing dates, inconsistent names, and gaps in the story. Many genealogists use the book-making process as a final review before they consider a branch of the family “done.”
How Family Tree Book Makers Work
Most tools follow the same basic workflow, though the specifics vary by product.
- Import your tree. You upload a GEDCOM file (the standard genealogy format) or sync directly with an online tree like Ancestry or MyHeritage. Some tools let you build a tree from scratch inside the app.
- Choose a layout. Options usually include ancestor charts (pedigree), descendant charts, family group sheets, or a narrative format that writes a biography for each person.
- Add photos and documents. You drag images into place, crop them, and add captions. Some tools automatically pull photos from linked online trees.
- Customize the design. Pick fonts, colors, cover art, and page size. Most tools offer templates, but you can usually adjust margins and headers.
- Export or print. You download a PDF, order a hardcover copy through the tool’s printing partner, or print it yourself on a home printer.
Some tools, like Family Tree Maker (the desktop software) and Legacy Family Tree, have built-in book-report generators. Others, like Canva or Blurb, are generic design programs where you manually place each element. The right choice depends on how much control you want versus how much automation you need.
How to Choose a Family Tree Book Maker
Start by asking what you want the final product to look like. A simple 10-page pamphlet for a family reunion is a different project than a 300-page hardcover genealogy.
- Data volume: If your tree has more than 500 people, you need a tool that can automatically generate pages from your data, not one where you type each name by hand.
- Photo handling: Check how the tool handles scanned images. Does it let you rotate, crop, and adjust contrast? Does it preserve file names and dates?
- Export format: Do you want a PDF only, or do you want a print-ready file for a commercial printer? Some tools only export through their own printing service.
- Learning curve: Genealogy-specific tools are easier for beginners because they understand family relationships. General design tools offer more creative freedom but require more manual work.
- Cost: Prices range from free (with limited features) to $100 or more for a one-time license. Subscription services often charge monthly fees.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
The most frequent complaint about family tree book makers is that the output looks nothing like the on-screen preview. Text gets cut off, photos shift, and page numbers disappear. This usually happens when the tool uses a fixed page size that does not match your printer’s settings. Always export a test page first, and check the margins.
Another issue is data errors. GEDCOM files often contain duplicate people or inconsistent dates, especially if you merged trees from different sources. Before generating a book, run a data-cleaning report in your genealogy software. Fix obvious typos and merge duplicates, or they will appear in the book.
Photo quality is also a common disappointment. Old photos scanned at 72 DPI (dots per inch) look fine on screen but blurry in print. For a book, scan at 300 DPI or higher. If you are using photos from a relative’s phone, ask for the original files, not screenshots.
Comparing Popular Tools
No single tool is best for everyone, but a few names come up repeatedly in genealogy forums.
- Family Tree Maker (software): A desktop program that syncs with Ancestry. Its book report function lets you create ancestor and descendant books with sources and notes. Good for large trees.
- Legacy Family Tree (software): Similar to Family Tree Maker, with a robust report generator. The free version is limited, but the paid version is a one-time purchase.
- MyHeritage (online): Offers a book-making feature that pulls from your online tree. Easy to use, but you are tied to MyHeritage’s printing service.
- Canva (generic design): Not genealogy-specific, but popular for making simple family tree posters and small booklets. You manually add each name and photo.
- Blurb (print-on-demand): Works with Adobe InDesign or its own BookWright software. You design every page yourself, which is time-consuming but gives total control.
For a large, source-cited family history, a genealogy-specific program is usually worth the money. For a small, photo-heavy gift book, a general design tool may be faster and cheaper.
Costs and Print Options
The cost of making a family tree book depends on three factors: software, printing, and your time.
- Software: Free trials exist for most tools. Full licenses range from $30 to $100. Subscription services like Ancestry or MyHeritage cost $20–$40 per month, but book-making is often included in the subscription.
- Printing: A softcover booklet from an online printer costs $10–$30. A hardcover, full-color book with 100+ pages runs $50–$150. Professional genealogy book printers can charge several hundred dollars for a small run.
- Time: The hidden cost. A 50-page book with photos and captions can take 10–20 hours to assemble, even with automated tools. Plan for more if you are writing narratives.
Print-on-demand services like Blurb and Lulu are popular because they do not require a minimum order. You can print one copy for yourself and order more later.
Preserving Your Book and Your Data
Once you have a printed book, store it properly. Keep it out of direct sunlight, and avoid basements or attics where humidity fluctuates. For a family heirloom, consider printing on acid-free paper, which lasts longer than standard paper.
Also, back up the digital files you used to make the book. Save the GEDCOM, the photos, and the final PDF in at least two places, such as an external hard drive and a cloud service. A book is a snapshot of your research at one moment; the digital data is what lets you update it for the next generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a family tree book for free?
Yes, but with limits. FamilySearch Tree (free) lets you view charts and print simple pedigree charts, but it does not have a full book-making feature. Canva has a free tier, but you will need to manually add all names and photos. For a polished, automated book, you will likely need to pay for software or a subscription.
What is a GEDCOM file?
GEDCOM is a universal file format for genealogy data. It contains names, dates, places, relationships, and notes in a plain-text structure. Most family tree software can export and import GEDCOM, which is how you move your tree between different book-making tools.
How do I include sources and citations in the book?
Genealogy-specific tools like Family Tree Maker and Legacy can generate source lists and footnotes automatically. If you are using a design tool, you must type citations manually. A simple approach is to add a “Sources” section at the end of each chapter, with numbered references.
Can I print a family tree book on my home printer?
Yes, if you export a PDF and your printer supports the paper size. Most home printers handle letter or A4 size. However, color photos use a lot of ink, so printing a 100-page book at home is often more expensive than using an online printer.
What is the best format for an old family photo?
Scan photos at 300 DPI (dots per inch) or higher for print. If the original is damaged, scan at 600 DPI and edit the digital file before placing it in the book. Never use a photo that has been compressed for social media, as it will look pixelated in print.
Can I update the book later?
Yes, if you keep the original project file. Most tools let you edit the project and re-export the PDF. If you only have the printed book, you cannot update it; you would need to recreate the project from your genealogy data.
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