Family trees are charts which display the familial relationships between people in a form similar to that of a tree. The actual layout of a family tree is doesn't typically vary , there is certainly a wide range of artistic interpretations of family trees, from minimalist names and lines to intricate and elaborate literal depictions of trees. However, what variation there is in the design can often be determined based on the type of family tree being built. Thus one can choose from a variety of templates from which to build their family trees.

A basic template for family trees consists of boxes (or at least placeholders) in which to enter names and straight lines to represent the names depending on how the members are related. The size of template is based on how many generations back the person is hoping to look into a family. Names that are aligned are usually all of the same generation regardless of the connection. On many online sites like www.familytreetemplates.net, templates are organized according to how many generations one is researching. Other sites, like www.myheritage.com and www.ancestry.com act as family search engines which allow persons to both look up individual members and build their trees all within the same site.

Assuming that one doesn't wish to use an online template or build their trees on a site, a basic family tree can be built from scratch using common programs like Microsoft Excel or Microsoft PowerPoint. A Microsoft approved template for family trees can be downloaded for free from their office.microsoft.com site.  Even less technologically dependent individuals can draw their family trees by hand or pick out a genealogical kit from their neighborhood craft store. Likewise, major literary chains tend to carry books concerning all aspects of researching ones family tree. These guides often include a template for family tree which can be used by the reader.

Ultimately, the best way for people wanting to begin their family trees is to establish how far back they want to research, choose a basic template on which to gather information, and thereafter transfer the material to a more elaborate chart of their choosing. One can also simply choose to use a site like www.ancestry.com which has all the required information and capabilities in one location. Remember, it's not how fancy a template is that matters, it's the information on it which is priceless!