How to Create a Family Tree in Microsoft PowerPoint

Creating a family tree doesn’t require fancy software. If you have Microsoft PowerPoint, you already have what you need. PowerPoint’s flexibility with shapes, connectors, and SmartArt makes it a solid tool for building a clean, visual family tree. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Step 1: Open a New Presentation and Set Your Slide

• Open PowerPoint and start with a blank presentation.
• Choose the Blank Layout to clear out any title boxes or placeholders.
• Go to the Design tab and set your slide orientation to Portrait (optional, but it often fits family trees better).

Step 2: Plan Your Structure First

Before dragging shapes around, take a minute to sketch out your tree on paper or in your notes. Decide:

• How many generations do you want to include?
• Will you start with the oldest ancestor at the top or bottom?
• Do you want to include siblings, spouses, or just direct lineage?

Planning will save you a lot of backtracking.

Step 3: Use SmartArt for Quick Layouts (Optional)

For a fast start:

• Go to the Insert tab → click SmartArt → choose Hierarchy.
• Options like “Organizational Chart” can be adapted for a simple family tree.
• Click into each box to add names and birth/death dates.

The downside? SmartArt has limits. For complex trees with multiple marriages or lots of siblings, it’s better to go manual.

Step 4: Build It Manually with Shapes and Lines

If SmartArt doesn’t cut it, create the tree manually:

1. Insert Shapes: Use rectangles or circles for individuals. Go to Insert → Shapes → choose a shape, then click and drag it onto the slide.
2. Add Text: Click on the shape to type a name, birth year, or other details.
3. Connect with Lines: Use the Elbow Connector or Straight Line Connector under Insert → Shapes → Lines. Connect parent-child or partner relationships clearly.

Tip: Hold Shift while dragging shapes to keep alignment neat.

Step 5: Organize and Align

• Use the Align tools under Shape Format → Align to line up shapes horizontally or vertically.
• Use Distribute Horizontally/Vertically to keep spacing even between siblings or generations.

This part takes a little patience, but clean spacing makes the tree easy to read.

Step 6: Customize the Design

• Change shape colors to indicate gender, generations, or family branches.
• Add photos by using Insert → Pictures and placing them inside or next to each person’s box.
• Use consistent fonts and font sizes to keep things tidy.

Step 7: Save and Export

Once you’re happy with your tree:

• Save your file as a PowerPoint presentation for future editing.
• Export it as a PDF or PNG (File → Export → Choose Format) if you want to print or share it.

Bonus Tip: Add Slides for Biographical Info

If you’re building this for a family reunion or presentation, you can add extra slides with short bios, stories, or historical context about each person.

Final Thoughts

PowerPoint may not be the first tool that comes to mind for building a family tree, but its flexibility makes it surprisingly powerful. With a bit of planning and a steady hand, you can create a professional-looking tree that documents your family history clearly and beautifully—no expensive software needed.

Got questions or need help with formatting? Drop them in the comments below!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!