About the Templates

What are the More Than A Branch family tree templates?
These are hand-drawn, printable family tree chart templates designed for Canva. Each template is fully editable, allowing you to add names, dates, photos, and personal details to create a beautiful, print-ready family tree poster for your home. Browse the full collection from the simple 4 generation chart all the way up to the 12 generation lineage layout.

What makes these templates different from others?
Every design starts as an original hand-drawn illustration, created by a professional genealogist who understands how families actually work. The result is a collection that feels more like illustrated art than a standard chart, something worth framing and displaying rather than filing away.

Which generation chart is right for me?
The 5 generation chart is the most popular choice and suits most researchers. It displays 30 direct ancestors and fits beautifully as a poster. If your research goes further back, the 6, 7, 8, 9, and 12 generation charts are available. If you want to map descendants forward from a common ancestor, the descendant charts are designed specifically for that purpose.

What is a lineage chart?
The 12 generation lineage chart follows one unbroken line of direct descent across twelve generations, creating a deep and focused record of ancestry that is still beautiful enough to frame and display. It is the go-to choice for Mayflower, DAR, and SAR lineage documentation, and for anyone who has traced a single family line far back through history.

What is a descendant chart?
Unlike an ancestor chart that traces backwards through history, a descendant chart maps forward from a single common ancestor, showing all the branches that grew from one person across multiple generations. It is ideal for family reunions and collaborative family history projects.

Are the templates suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The templates are designed for anyone regardless of design experience. The Canva tutorial walks through every step, and step-by-step instructions are included with every purchase.

Purchasing and Downloading

How do I purchase a template?
All More Than A Branch templates are sold through Etsy. Clicking the Buy button on any product page takes you directly to the listing. No Etsy account is required, checkout is available as a guest and is fast and secure.

What do I receive after purchasing?
After purchase, you will receive a PDF download containing a link to the Canva template. Simply click the link to open the template in Canva and begin editing. Instructions are included in the file.

Can I use the template more than once?
Yes. Once purchased, the template is yours to keep and use as many times as you like. You can create multiple versions for different family lines or update it as your research grows.

Do the templates work outside of the United States?
Yes, the templates work worldwide. Canva is available globally and the templates can be edited and printed from anywhere. The printing guide covers international printing options.

Editing in Canva

Do I need a Canva Pro account to edit the template?
No. All templates are designed to work with Canva’s free version. A free Canva account is all that is needed to edit and customize the template.

Why Canva?
Canva was chosen for its ease of use and versatility. It is free, browser-based, and requires no design experience. The drag-and-drop interface makes editing accessible to everyone. For those who prefer a non-digital option, fillable PDF charts are available to print and complete by hand, and printed family tree posters are professionally produced and shipped directly to your door.

What can I customize in the template?
Names, dates, fonts, and colors can all be edited. Photos can be added, elements can be resized, and the layout can be personalized to suit your family. The Canva tutorial covers all of these steps in detail.

Do I need any design experience to edit the template?
Not at all. Canva’s drag-and-drop interface makes it easy for anyone to edit. Step-by-step instructions are included with every purchase, and the Canva tutorial page includes video walkthroughs for every step of the process.

How do I add photos to my template?
Upload photos directly into Canva from your device, then drag them onto the portrait frames if your template has them. Double-click on a photo within a frame to reposition it. For best results, use high-resolution images. The guide on preparing photos for family tree charts covers everything you need to know about scanning, cropping, and resizing photos before uploading.

Canva auto-saves – what does that mean?
Canva saves your work automatically as you edit. Once you close the document, any changes made are saved and cannot be undone, so it is a good idea to duplicate your template before making major edits. This way you always have a clean copy to return to if needed.

Printing

How large can I print my tree?
With free Canva, prints up to 30 x 20 inches (76 x 51 cm) are available. With Canva Pro, prints up to 60 x 40 inches (152 x 102 cm) are possible. All templates have a 2:3 printing ratio. The printing guide explains how to download and prepare your file for printing at any size.

How do I print my family tree?
Prints of Love is highly recommended for professional quality poster printing. Use code “MORETHANABRANCH10” for 10% off orders over $49, and free shipping is included via that link. Local print shops such as Staples, FedEx, and Office Depot are also great options for large format printing.

Printed Posters

What is the difference between a template and a printed poster?
The digital templates are Canva files that you edit yourself and then print. The printed family tree posters are professionally produced and shipped directly to your door with no Canva, no digital files, and no DIY printing required. You simply fill in the names by hand once the poster arrives.

Who are the printed posters best suited for?
The printed posters are perfect for anyone who prefers a hands-on, personal experience without the need for technology, as a gift for an older relative, or for anyone who simply wants a beautiful ready-to-display chart without any digital steps involved.

Other Products

What other products are available?
In addition to the chart templates and printed posters, the collection includes family reunion invitation templates, genealogy sticky notes, family tree coloring pages for kids, a family history calendar, and a family history website template.

Is there a fillable PDF option?
Yes. The 5 generation pedigree PDF is a downloadable PDF that can be printed at home and filled in by hand, or used digitally in GoodNotes on a tablet. No Canva account is required.

About More Than A Branch

Who created these templates?
The templates are designed by Ilka, a professional genealogist with a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University and Certificates in Graphic Design and Web Design from Sessions College. Every design begins as an original hand-drawn illustration created in Procreate. You can read more on the About page.

Why do you donate to OneTreePlanted?
Climate change, human activity, and wildfires are impacting our planet. OneTreePlanted has helped restore ecosystems by planting millions of trees in over 80 countries. Supporting them felt like a natural fit for a business built around the idea of growing family trees.

Do you design websites?
Yes. Web design for genealogists is available through Artspark Genealogy Web Design, and for small businesses through Artspark Web Design.