Difference between revisions of "Make a Family Tree on Excel"
m (Update ref tag) |
|||
| Line 7: | Line 7: | ||
===Using a Template=== | ===Using a Template=== | ||
#Create a new document from template. Select {{button|File}} → {{button|New from Template}} if the option is present. On some versions of Excel, just selecting {{button|File}} → {{button|New}} opens a pane where you can choose between templates. | #Create a new document from template. Select {{button|File}} → {{button|New from Template}} if the option is present. On some versions of Excel, just selecting {{button|File}} → {{button|New}} opens a pane where you can choose between templates. | ||
| − | #Search for a family tree template. The family tree template is not pre-installed, so you will need to be connected to the internet to find it. Search for "family tree" to find two options available for free download. If you don't see a search bar, look under "Microsoft Office Online," "Office.com," or "Online templates," depending on your Excel version.<ref>https://support.office.com/en-au/article/Where-do-I-find-templates-ed48c0b2-b98c-49b7-abbf-48a76ae24789</ref><ref | + | #Search for a family tree template. The family tree template is not pre-installed, so you will need to be connected to the internet to find it. Search for "family tree" to find two options available for free download. If you don't see a search bar, look under "Microsoft Office Online," "Office.com," or "Online templates," depending on your Excel version.<ref name="rf1">https://support.office.com/en-au/article/Where-do-I-find-templates-ed48c0b2-b98c-49b7-abbf-48a76ae24789</ref><ref name="rf1" /> Select the "Personal" subsection, then browse for family tree templates. |
#*If you're using Excel 2007 or earlier, you may not see these options. You can either search online for unofficial templates, or skip to the sections below for other options. | #*If you're using Excel 2007 or earlier, you may not see these options. You can either search online for unofficial templates, or skip to the sections below for other options. | ||
#Try the basic family tree chart. The "Family tree chart" template is a simple spreadsheet with colored cells to outline a family tree. There is only room for yourself and four generations of direct ancestors. This makes it a good choice for school projects, but not extended genealogy research. To use it, just click on the colored cells and type in the name of your family members. | #Try the basic family tree chart. The "Family tree chart" template is a simple spreadsheet with colored cells to outline a family tree. There is only room for yourself and four generations of direct ancestors. This makes it a good choice for school projects, but not extended genealogy research. To use it, just click on the colored cells and type in the name of your family members. | ||
#*To add cells for your siblings, copy-paste "your" cell onto another cell in the same column to turn it the same green color. Similarly, you can copy-paste your parents' cells into the same column to make lighter green cells for your aunts and uncles. | #*To add cells for your siblings, copy-paste "your" cell onto another cell in the same column to turn it the same green color. Similarly, you can copy-paste your parents' cells into the same column to make lighter green cells for your aunts and uncles. | ||
| − | #Create larger family tree. If you're working on a more complex tree, select the "Family tree" template instead. This uses the SmartArt feature, which requires Excel 2007 or later.<ref>https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Learn-more-about-SmartArt-graphics-d4f31850-12c4-415a-956c-d5f30193d071</ref> You can still click the squares and type in your relatives' names, but you've got many more features as well: | + | #Create larger family tree. If you're working on a more complex tree, select the "Family tree" template instead. This uses the SmartArt feature, which requires Excel 2007 or later.<ref name="rf2">https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Learn-more-about-SmartArt-graphics-d4f31850-12c4-415a-956c-d5f30193d071</ref> You can still click the squares and type in your relatives' names, but you've got many more features as well: |
#*Click anywhere in the document to make the Text Pane appear. This lets you edit the family tree through a simple, compact list. To add another relative, press the {{button|+}} button at the top of the pane. With the new cell selected, use the {{button|→}} or {{button|←}} buttons to move it between generations. Click and drag to move it below the name of its son or daughter. | #*Click anywhere in the document to make the Text Pane appear. This lets you edit the family tree through a simple, compact list. To add another relative, press the {{button|+}} button at the top of the pane. With the new cell selected, use the {{button|→}} or {{button|←}} buttons to move it between generations. Click and drag to move it below the name of its son or daughter. | ||
#*Above the document itself, the SmartArt ribbon menu has many visual options. For example, click the Hierarchy icon to see a selection of ways to display the data. | #*Above the document itself, the SmartArt ribbon menu has many visual options. For example, click the Hierarchy icon to see a selection of ways to display the data. | ||
| Line 17: | Line 17: | ||
===Using SmartArt (Excel 2007 or later)=== | ===Using SmartArt (Excel 2007 or later)=== | ||
#Click the SmartArt icon in the ribbon menu. In modern versions of Excel, you can use a feature called "SmartArt" to make more attractive diagrams. Select "SmartArt" in the ribbon menu above a blank spreadsheet to get started. | #Click the SmartArt icon in the ribbon menu. In modern versions of Excel, you can use a feature called "SmartArt" to make more attractive diagrams. Select "SmartArt" in the ribbon menu above a blank spreadsheet to get started. | ||
| − | #*In Excel 2007, instead select the Insert tab, then find SmartArt in the Illustrations group.<ref>https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Create-an-organization-chart-9b51f667-11b7-4971-a757-a08a36684ee6</ref> | + | #*In Excel 2007, instead select the Insert tab, then find SmartArt in the Illustrations group.<ref name="rf3">https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Create-an-organization-chart-9b51f667-11b7-4971-a757-a08a36684ee6</ref> |
#Create a hierarchy. Now that the ribbon menu is displaying SmartArt options, select the Hierarchy icon, near the left side of the menu. Select the visual style of your choice, and it will appear over the spreadsheet. | #Create a hierarchy. Now that the ribbon menu is displaying SmartArt options, select the Hierarchy icon, near the left side of the menu. Select the visual style of your choice, and it will appear over the spreadsheet. | ||
#Fill out the family tree. The new diagram can be dragged around and enlarged just like any Excel object. Click on each shape or blank line within the diagram to type the name of your family tree. | #Fill out the family tree. The new diagram can be dragged around and enlarged just like any Excel object. Click on each shape or blank line within the diagram to type the name of your family tree. | ||
| Line 24: | Line 24: | ||
===Using a Basic Spreadsheet=== | ===Using a Basic Spreadsheet=== | ||
#Select Insert Shape. Create a new Excel spreadsheet. Click {{button|Insert}} on the top menu or ribbon menu, then {{button|Shape}}. Choose a rectangle, oval, or any other shape. | #Select Insert Shape. Create a new Excel spreadsheet. Click {{button|Insert}} on the top menu or ribbon menu, then {{button|Shape}}. Choose a rectangle, oval, or any other shape. | ||
| − | #Place it in the spreadsheet. Click and drag in the spreadsheet to "draw" the shape. To make it a perfect circle or square, hold down {{keypress|Shift}} as you drag.<ref>https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Add-shapes-0e492bb4-3f91-43b5-803f-dd0998e0eb89</ref> | + | #Place it in the spreadsheet. Click and drag in the spreadsheet to "draw" the shape. To make it a perfect circle or square, hold down {{keypress|Shift}} as you drag.<ref name="rf4">https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Add-shapes-0e492bb4-3f91-43b5-803f-dd0998e0eb89</ref> |
#Write your name in the shape. Click on the lowest shape and type your name. Adjust the font size, color, and other styles if you would like before moving on to the next step. | #Write your name in the shape. Click on the lowest shape and type your name. Adjust the font size, color, and other styles if you would like before moving on to the next step. | ||
#Copy and paste to create more shapes. Select the shape you just drew and copy it with {{keypress|Ctrl}}+{{keypress|C}} ({{keypress|Cmd}}+{{keypress|C}} on a Mac). Paste as many copies as you need by pressing {{keypress|Ctrl}}+{{keypress|V}} repeatedly. | #Copy and paste to create more shapes. Select the shape you just drew and copy it with {{keypress|Ctrl}}+{{keypress|C}} ({{keypress|Cmd}}+{{keypress|C}} on a Mac). Paste as many copies as you need by pressing {{keypress|Ctrl}}+{{keypress|V}} repeatedly. | ||
