Introducing Family Tree Maker: A Free Browser-Based Family Tree Editor

Family Tree Maker is a free browser-based editor for creating visual family tree charts. It is built for people who want to organize relatives, add a few helpful details, and export a clean image without creating an account.

The editor is not a full genealogy database. It does not try to replace archival research software or source-management tools. Its purpose is more focused: help you make a readable chart that you can print, save, or share with relatives.

What the Editor Is Good For

Family Tree Maker works best for visual projects such as:

• A three- or four-generation family chart
• A classroom family history project
• A reunion handout or poster
• A simple ancestor chart with photos
• A branch chart for one side of the family
• A clean image for a family album or presentation

If your goal is to track thousands of people, attach full record citations, or maintain a professional genealogy database, you may still want a dedicated genealogy program. If your goal is to make a clear visual chart quickly, this editor is meant for that job.

Start With a Template or Blank Canvas

You can start from a blank tree or open a ready-made template. Templates are useful when you want structure before you have every detail. A four-generation template, for example, gives you places for children, parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. You can then replace sample names with your own family details.

Starting from blank is better when your family structure does not fit a standard pattern. Blended families, remarriages, adoption, and custom branch projects often need more careful placement.

Add People and Relationships

The editor supports common family tree relationships: parents, spouses, and children. Begin with one person, then add close relatives before expanding into larger branches.

A practical order is:

1. Add the person the chart is about.
2. Add parents and siblings.
3. Add spouse or partner relationships if needed.
4. Add children.
5. Add grandparents and extended branches.

This order keeps the first version understandable. If you add too many distant relatives early, the chart can become harder to review.

Add Photos and Short Notes

Each person card can include a name, gender, age, a short bio, and an optional photo. These fields are intentionally simple. A family tree chart should be easy to scan, so short notes work better than long paragraphs.

For best results, use one clear portrait per person. If the photo is only decorative or hard to recognize, initials may be easier to read.

Customize the Visual Style

Family Tree Maker includes visual controls for card layout, visible fields, background color, and relationship line style. These options help you adapt the chart for different purposes.

For example:

• Use a clean background for printing.
• Hide extra fields when names need more space.
• Use thicker lines when exporting for a presentation.
• Use shorter notes when the tree has many people.

Export as an Image

When your chart is ready, you can export it as a PNG, JPG, or transparent PNG image. This makes it easy to print, email, save in a family folder, or place into a slideshow.

Before exporting, zoom out and check whether every name is readable. If the chart feels crowded, split it into branches or hide nonessential fields.

About Local Storage and Privacy

The editor stores your current tree in your browser so you can continue working on the same device and browser. Because there is no account system, you should export image copies before clearing browser storage or switching devices.

This browser-local approach is convenient for simple projects, but it also means you are responsible for keeping backups. If a tree is important, save exported versions with clear filenames and dates.

A Practical First Project

If you are not sure where to begin, try this:

1. Open the four-generation template.
2. Replace sample names with your family names.
3. Add only birth years, not full biographies.
4. Add photos for close relatives only.
5. Export a PNG and review it with one family member.
6. Correct the tree before adding more branches.

This gives you a useful first version without turning the project into a research marathon.

Final Thoughts

Family Tree Maker is designed for clear visual family charts. It works best when you want to organize relationships, add light context, and produce a shareable image. Start small, keep the chart readable, and let relatives help you improve it over time.

You can open the editor or browse family tree templates to begin.