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kimhuff1701
kimhuff1701
Known Participant
January 20, 2018
Answered

Ideas on how to do a large family tree with Indesign

  • January 20, 2018
  • 7 replies
  • 18359 views

I just got a job to do a very large family tree with 170 entries.  I would really like to use InDesign but I am struggling to figure out the best way to create all of those little boxes.  Has anyone made a family tree with InDesign or does anyone have suggestions on the best way to do it.

Thanks,

Kim

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Colin Flashman

    If this is a one-off project, then I too would use Family Tree Maker to make the pedigree charts. InDesign is great for most layout purposes, but not in this instance. InDesign can be used for the rest of the project (i.e. tales and anecdotes from the family etc) but the pedigree charts will be easier to do in FTM.

    For my own family tree, all the data was plotted using Ancestry and then exported as a GEDCOM file and imported into free Mac software called Gramps.

    My employer has an application especially made for it that takes a GEDCOM file and transforms it into text that is easier to manipulate in InDesign. This software is not off-the-shelf, it was created by a family tree enthusiast and is a bespoke application. That said, the software is running in DOS and we're looking to find an XML-based solution before the software can no longer run. However, every expert I've asked at the conferences I've attended in the last three years say the same thing when I mention this issue: "What's a GEDCOM file?". If anyone from Ancestry.com is reading this, I'd be interested in a PM.

    Similarly, if I was preparing a Chemistry book, I'd rather use Chemdraw to draw the organic compounds rather than illustrator; and if I was setting up a book of sheet music, I'd rather use Sibelius.

    7 replies

    linda and charll29433117
    linda and charll29433117
    Participant
    March 4, 2020

    I am working on a 6 generation fan chart. I have found a really easy way to get started! Use the polar grid tool. Put in the number of concentric rings (for each generation) and the number of radial dividers for the number of ancestors. there are many charts online that will tell you how many ancestors you have for each generation, i.e. 5 generations you have 32 ancestors.Click create compound path. Then select all,  Use outline instead of divide, give stroke then ungroup, then click segments and delete the sections you don't need! I went further to duplicate the rings, and make individual paths for each of the name that followed the curve.

    Use outline instead of divide, give stroke then ungroup, then click segments and delete

    Kasyan Servetsky
    Kasyan Servetsky
    Legend
    January 21, 2018

    I am a big genealogy fan. In my opinion, the best software for this task is MyHeritage Family Tree Builder.

    You can create a family tree adding all the info you have about the people: important dates, facts, photos, etc.

    Then you can export it as a chart to PDF/Jpeg format.

    Premium members (payed account) have much more options: e.g. can create All in one chart.

    Finally, you can print it on a printer or, even better, to have it printed for you: a poster printed on one piece of (professional) paper, say, 392 x 107 cm

    Colin Flashman
    Community Expert
    Colin FlashmanCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    January 21, 2018

    If this is a one-off project, then I too would use Family Tree Maker to make the pedigree charts. InDesign is great for most layout purposes, but not in this instance. InDesign can be used for the rest of the project (i.e. tales and anecdotes from the family etc) but the pedigree charts will be easier to do in FTM.

    For my own family tree, all the data was plotted using Ancestry and then exported as a GEDCOM file and imported into free Mac software called Gramps.

    My employer has an application especially made for it that takes a GEDCOM file and transforms it into text that is easier to manipulate in InDesign. This software is not off-the-shelf, it was created by a family tree enthusiast and is a bespoke application. That said, the software is running in DOS and we're looking to find an XML-based solution before the software can no longer run. However, every expert I've asked at the conferences I've attended in the last three years say the same thing when I mention this issue: "What's a GEDCOM file?". If anyone from Ancestry.com is reading this, I'd be interested in a PM.

    Similarly, if I was preparing a Chemistry book, I'd rather use Chemdraw to draw the organic compounds rather than illustrator; and if I was setting up a book of sheet music, I'd rather use Sibelius.

    If the answer wasn't in my post, perhaps it might be on my blog at colecandoo!
      Derek Cross
      Community Expert
      Derek CrossCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      January 20, 2018

      For Mac I recommend Reunion: Reunion for Macintosh

      Dave Creamer of IDEAS
      Community Expert
      Dave Creamer of IDEASCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      January 20, 2018

      For doing organization charts, which is basically what a family tree is, I would use the following programs since they can keep lines attached when moving objects:

      • Microsoft Visio
      • CorelDRAW
      • Microsoft Word or PowerPoint using Smart Art

      The first two are Windows only.

      David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)
      T
      Test Screen Name
      Legend
      January 20, 2018

      Personally I'd look for a family tree maker. It will be designed to do a lot of things automatically that will take you forever.

        Derek Cross
        Community Expert
        Derek CrossCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        January 20, 2018

        I agree with Test Screen Name. If you want a small, bespoke chart, you can create it in InDesign, but if it’s large and you need to update it regularly, then you definately need to use a proper genealogy application, such as Family Tree Maker.

        BobLevine
        Community Expert
        BobLevineCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        January 20, 2018

        Just because you have a hammer does not make the entire world a nail. I’m casting another vote for Family Tree Maker or some other specialized application. InDesign is NOT the right tool for this.

        jane-e
        Community Expert
        jane-eCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        January 20, 2018

        Use a document grid and set it to an appropriate flexible increment.

        Use object styles for the boxes and lines without overrides for ease in making changes.

        Use paragraph styles for the text.

        (If it were me, I would use Illustrator.)

        For making lots of boxes, experiment with both Gridify and also Step and Repeat. Delete boxes in the middle that you don't need, and move others over if necessary. A majority of them will fit into a grid.

        kimhuff1701
        kimhuff1701Author
        Known Participant
        January 20, 2018

        Jane-e,

        Thanks for the quick response.  I haven't used any of the things you mentioned in InDesign so I would need to play with those. I do use Illustrator, but I am definitely not as good at Illustrator as I am with InDesign.

        How would you go about doing it in Illustrator?

        Thanks,

        Kim

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