What Is a Printable Pedigree Chart?
A printable pedigree chart is a ready‑to‑use diagram that shows family relationships across multiple generations. It can be used by genealogists, hobbyists, or anyone who wants to visualize how traits, names, and dates pass from ancestors to descendants. Because the chart is designed for printing, it fits standard paper sizes and often includes space for notes, making it an ideal tool for both research and record keeping.
How to Draw and Print Your Own Pedigree Chart
Creating a printable pedigree chart from scratch is straightforward if you follow a few basic steps. Below is a simple process you can use with pen and paper or a computer‑based drawing program.
- Gather basic information. Collect names, birth dates, death dates, and relationships for each family member you want to include.
- Choose a generation depth. Decide how many generations you will display. Six generations is a common choice for detailed family trees, and a large‑print version is available at https://easygenie.org/products/10-large-print-six-generation-.
- Sketch the layout. Start with the oldest generation at the top and work downward. Use horizontal lines to connect spouses and vertical lines to link parents to children.
- Label each box. Write the person’s name, and optionally add birth and death years. For a richer record, you can also note occupations or locations.
- Include a legend. If you plan to track genetic traits, add a small key that explains symbols for autosomal recessive and X‑linked recessive traits.
- Print the chart. Once your design is complete, print it on standard A4 or Letter paper. If you prefer a larger format, use the printable templates offered by genealogy sites such as http://easygenie.org.
Using Online Resources for a Printable Pedigree Chart
Several websites provide free or low‑cost printable pedigree chart templates. The Genealogy portal http://easygenie.org offers a range of charts that can be downloaded, customized, and printed. These templates often come with built‑in sections for recording names, dates, and relationships, matching the features described in the Family Tree Notebook:
- ✓ Record names, dates, and relationships
- ✓ Create your own annotations for traits or health information
- ✓ Print in large format for easier reading
When selecting a template, verify that it supports the number of generations you need and that the layout leaves enough space for the notes you intend to add.
Tracking Autosomal Recessive and X‑Linked Recessive Traits
One of the most
