Pedigree Chart Maker
Easily Create Professional Pedigree Charts
Build professional, visually appealing pedigree charts in no time. Whether visualizing your family trees, ancestral lines, or genetic connections, Creately’s pedigree chart maker offers everything you need to get started.
- Easily create your chart with drag-and-drop functionality and a rich shape library.
- Get started quickly with editable, ready-to-use pedigree chart templates.
- Collaborate seamlessly with family members or researchers to gather input & updates.
Over 10 Million people and 1000s of teams already use Creately
2024 G2 Best Software Awards
Track Your Family History with Premade Pedigree Chart Templates
Pedigree Chart Maker to Visualize Your Family History
- Choose from a variety of pre-designed shapes to represent family members.
- Show complex relationships like half-siblings, step-parents, and extended family members with clear visual markers.
- Pick from editable pedigree chart templates for a head start on your family tree design.
- Personalize the colors, fonts, and icons to create a unique, visually appealing pedigree chart.
Collaborate and Build Your Pedigree Chart Together
- Invite family members and researchers to make updates and edits in real time.
- See changes instantly as your team works together, keeping everyone in sync.
- Control who can view or edit your chart, keeping the process secure and streamlined.
- Leave comments on specific family members or sections to discuss details and share insights.
Share and Present Your Pedigree Chart in Style
- Add photos, documents, and detailed notes to family members for a richer family history.
- Export your chart in PDF, PNG, or JPG format and share it with relatives or print it for family events.
- Showcase your family tree in full-screen presentation mode for smooth sharing during meetings or events.
- Easily share your pedigree chart with others through a quick shareable link or embed on any site or intranet.
What Is a Pedigree Chart
A pedigree chart is a diagram that visually represents the ancestry or lineage of a person, family, or group, typically spanning several generations. It is commonly used in fields like genetics, genealogy, and family history research to show relationships between family members, such as parents, siblings, and ancestors. In a pedigree chart, individuals are represented by symbols, usually circles for females and squares for males, with lines connecting them to indicate relationships like marriages or parent-child connections. The chart traces family lineage from the most recent generation at the bottom to earlier generations at the top. In genetics, pedigree charts are used to track the inheritance of specific traits or genetic conditions within a family, helping to identify patterns in the transmission of certain characteristics or diseases. These charts are valuable in both family history research and the study of hereditary conditions.
How to Create a Pedigree Chart with Creately’s Pedigree Chart Maker
Choose your template in Creately’s pedigree chart maker:
To begin, open Creately’s pedigree chart maker and select a pre-designed pedigree chart template or start with a blank canvas. Creately offers customizable templates that make the process easier, especially if you’re new to creating pedigree charts. If you prefer more creative freedom, the blank canvas option allows you to design your chart from scratch.Add the Proband (starting person):
In Creately, you can easily add the proband—the person from whom the family lineage starts. Place the proband in the center or at the bottom of the canvas. You can enter their name, birth date, and any other key details directly into the shape. Creately’s drag-and-drop interface makes adding this information intuitive.Add parents and immediate family members:
Once the proband is added, you can quickly connect their parents by dragging connecting lines between shapes. Creately pedigree chart maker’s flexible layout allows you to position family members as needed. You can continue branching out by adding siblings or other immediate family members directly to the chart with a simple click.Add additional generations:
Next, expand your family tree by adding additional generations. Simply drag new shapes for grandparents, great-grandparents, and other ancestors, and connect them with lines to show the relationships. Creately’s pedigree chart maker makes it easy to zoom in or out to manage multiple generations in one view, keeping your chart organized and clear.Define relationships and connections:
Creately’s pedigree chart maker offers a variety of customizable shapes and lines to represent different types of relationships. Use solid lines for biological connections, dashed lines for marriages, and color-coded shapes to differentiate between generations. You can also adjust the size and style of the lines to visually represent familial bonds.Add relevant information:
For each individual in the chart, you can add more detailed information. Creately allows you to insert text directly into each shape. Include details like full names, birth and death dates, and any relevant information about health, genetic history, or other family-specific notes. This can be done directly in the shape fields or by adding notes panel integrated to the shapes.Customize the design:
Once your chart is set up, Creately pedigree chart maker’s design tools let you fully customize the look. Adjust the colors, fonts, and shapes to fit your desired aesthetic. Whether you prefer a classic family tree look or a more modern, minimalist style, Creately’s design flexibility ensures you can create the perfect chart.Collaborate with others in real-time:
If you’re working with family members or other researchers, Creately pedigree chart maker’s real-time collaboration features come in handy. You can invite others to view or edit the chart simultaneously. Comments and suggestions can be added directly to the chart, making it easy to collect feedback or new information from others.Save and export your chart:
Once you’re satisfied with your pedigree chart, you can export your chart in multiple formats, such as PNG, PDF, or SVG, depending on how you want to share it. Creately pedigree chart maker’s export options make it simple to share your chart with family members or upload it to genealogy sites.
FAQ
Why should I create a pedigree chart?
Creating a pedigree chart helps visualize family connections, track ancestry, and map out genetic traits or hereditary diseases. It’s especially useful for genealogical research, medical purposes, or understanding family history.
How do I read a pedigree chart?
A pedigree chart uses standard symbols to represent individuals and relationships. Squares typically represent males, circles represent females, and lines connecting the shapes show relationships (e.g., marriage or parent-child relationships). Generations are typically shown in horizontal rows, with the earliest generation at the top.
What symbols are used in a pedigree chart?
In a pedigree chart, males are represented by squares and females by circles. A line connecting a square and a circle represents a marriage or partnership. Vertical lines below the couple connect to their children, who are arranged in order of birth from left to right. Shading or coloring may be used to indicate affected individuals in genetic studies.
How far back can I trace my family using a pedigree chart?
The depth of your pedigree chart depends on the available family records. Most pedigree charts typically trace back 3 to 5 generations, but with detailed records and research, you can extend your chart further into the past.
What types of information can be included in a pedigree chart?
In a pedigree chart, you can include a variety of information such as names, birth and death dates, medical histories, and genetic conditions. Some charts also include additional details like occupations, marriage dates, or notable events in family history.
How can a pedigree chart be used in genetic counseling?
In genetic counseling, a pedigree chart is used to track the inheritance of genetic conditions within a family. It helps identify patterns of inheritance, such as autosomal dominant or recessive traits, and assesses the risk of genetic disorders being passed to future generations.
Can a pedigree chart be created for any family type?
Yes, pedigree charts can represent any family structure, whether biological, adopted, or blended. While traditional charts focus on biological relationships, modern charts can be adapted to reflect any family dynamic by using appropriate symbols and annotations.
Streamline Your Workflows by Integrating with the Tools You Love
Creately integrates with the tools your teams use every day and supports your team’s workflow seamlessly.
Why is Creately a Better Pedigree Chart Maker
Creately is the intelligent visual platform enabling visual collaboration, knowledge management and project execution.
