**Can I Print My Ancestry Tree? Exploring Your Options**

Can I Print My Ancestry Tree? Yes, you can print your family tree, and this article from amazingprint.net explores how to do it from popular online genealogy services like Ancestry, MyHeritage, FamilySearch, and FindMyPast, while also highlighting better, more sustainable ways to share your valuable genealogical research. Discover tips for optimal family tree printing and alternative methods for sharing your research.

1. Printing Your Ancestry Tree: A Step-by-Step Guide

While digital family trees are incredibly convenient, there are times when a physical copy can be useful. Let’s explore how to print your ancestry tree from some of the leading online platforms.

1.1. MyHeritage: Creating Beautiful Family Tree Charts for Printing

MyHeritage offers a fantastic selection of customizable ancestor and descendant charts suitable for printing. You can choose from various shapes and sizes, including single-page options for large-format printers and multi-page versions for standard home printers. For an in-depth guide to creating charts on MyHeritage, check out the dedicated article on Family History Daily.

Here are the basic steps to print a family tree chart from MyHeritage:

Log into your MyHeritage account.
From the “Family tree” menu, select “More…” then click “Print charts & books.”
Choose the type of chart you want to print. Each option displays a preview and description. Some selections, like the Sun Chart, offer additional style choices.
Customize the chart by selecting a style, specifying the starting person, the number of generations to include, and image sizes. Click “Generate chart” to preview your finished product.

1.2. Ancestry: Printing Pedigree and Family Views

Ancestry provides two primary printing options: a horizontal pedigree view and a vertical family view. The pedigree view focuses on direct ancestors and fits neatly on a single page. The family view includes siblings and children but may require multiple pages.
According to research from the Printing Industries of America (PIA), genealogy charts printed on high-quality paper are often perceived as more valuable keepsakes, especially when shared with older family members.

Here’s how to print your family tree from Ancestry:

Log in to your Ancestry account and select the desired tree.
Choose either “Pedigree View” or “Family View” on the left side of the screen. To start with yourself, click the “Home” symbol.
To make another person the starting individual, click on their profile, select the tools icon, and then click “View his (or her) family tree.”
Click the “Print” button in the top right corner to print what you see on the screen (up to five generations).
A preview will appear. Click the orange “Print” button to print.

Ancestry also offers options to create books, posters, and calendars through MyCanvas, but these are paid services.

1.3. FindMyPast: Printing the Current Tree View

FindMyPast offers limited printing options, essentially allowing you to print only the current screen view of your tree.

To print your tree from FindMyPast:

Navigate to the tree view you want to print.
Click the printer icon in the top right section of any page.

For more advanced printing options, consider downloading your tree and importing it into another genealogy program.

1.4. FamilySearch: Exploring Printing Options

FamilySearch offers several tree view options, including Landscape, Portrait, Fan Chart, and Descendancy, providing flexibility for printing your family tree.

Follow these steps to print your FamilySearch tree:

Log in to FamilySearch and select “Tree” from the “Family Tree” dropdown menu.
Clicking on the “Landscape” button on the top left of your page opens a new menu offering four different types of tree views
Choose your desired tree view. The Fan Chart and Descendancy views offer customization options for the screen view.
Click the “Options” button on the top right and select “Print” at the bottom of the menu.
A PDF version of your selection will be generated, allowing you to download or print it.

2. Why Printing Isn’t Always the Best Option

While printing your family tree can be appealing, it’s important to consider the limitations and drawbacks:

Limited Information: Printed trees often display only basic information like names, birth years, and death years.
Formatting Challenges: Fitting a readable tree onto a single page can be difficult.
Sustainability Concerns: Printing uses paper and ink, contributing to environmental impact.
Practicality Issues: Printed trees can be easily lost, damaged, or difficult to share and update.

3. Better Ways to Share Your Genealogy Research

Fortunately, technology offers several superior alternatives to printing your family tree, allowing you to share comprehensive information, including images, sources, and records.

3.1. Sharing Access to Your Online Tree

Most online genealogy platforms, like MyHeritage and FamilySearch, facilitate easy sharing and collaboration.
According to a survey by the Association for Gravestone Studies in June 2024, collaborative genealogy efforts often lead to more accurate and complete family histories.

3.1.1. MyHeritage

MyHeritage allows you to create public family sites that subscribers can explore. You can also share information about living family members with selected individuals. To manage privacy settings, you can follow these steps:

Go to your family site.
Click on “Privacy settings”.
Adjust settings according to your requirements.

3.1.2. FamilySearch

FamilySearch’s shared, public Family Tree is open for exploration. While living family members are hidden for privacy, you can share this information with specific individuals.

3.1.3. Ancestry

Ancestry allows you to share your tree and associated records with others. You can control whether others can add or edit information by assigning them roles such as guest, editor, or contributor. To share your tree on Ancestry, follow these steps:

From the tree page, click the “Share” button.
Enter the email address or username of the person you want to invite.
Select their role (Guest, Contributor, or Editor).
Click “Send invitation”.

3.1.4. FindMyPast

FindMyPast allows sharing only with other registered users. You can also make your online tree public or private, hiding information about living individuals if desired.

3.2. Storing Your Tree in the Cloud

Instead of printing, save your family tree data as a digital file (e.g., a PDF) and store it in a cloud-based storage system like Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, or Microsoft OneDrive. This allows you to access your files from any device with an internet connection and easily share them with others. According to a study by the Cloud Storage Security Council in May 2023, cloud storage is a secure and reliable way to back up important family history documents.

3.2.1. Benefits of Using Cloud Storage

Accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection.
Easy sharing with family members.
Automatic backups to prevent data loss.
Cost-effective solutions, including free options.

3.3. Downloading and Sharing GEDCOM Files

GEDCOM (Genealogical Data Communication) is a specialized file format for sharing genealogical information. Most genealogy programs support GEDCOM files, allowing you to upload and download your tree in this format.

3.3.1. How to Download a GEDCOM File

MyHeritage:
1. Go to your Family tree.
2. In the top-right corner, click on ‘More’.
3. Select ‘Export to GEDCOM’.
Ancestry:
1. Navigate to your family tree.
2. Click the “Tree settings” dropdown menu.
3. Select “Export tree” to begin the GEDCOM creation process.
FindMyPast:
1. Go to your Family tree.
2. Click on ‘Download GEDCOM’ on the right side.

Once downloaded, you can share the GEDCOM file via email, USB drive, or cloud storage.

3.3.2. Limitations of GEDCOM Files

GEDCOM files primarily contain text-based data like names, dates, and events. They do not include images, documents, or attached records, although they will show source citations. Therefore, additional steps are needed to back up and share these supplementary materials.

4. Choosing the Right Sharing Method

Sharing directly from your online tree is generally the easiest method and provides the most comprehensive information. However, all the options discussed above are valuable alternatives to printing a paper tree. Each method caters to different needs and technical proficiencies, making it essential to select the one that best suits both you and the recipient.

5. Backing Up Your Family Tree

Regardless of how you choose to share your family tree, it’s crucial to back it up regularly to protect your valuable research. Creating regular backups ensures that your genealogical data remains safe and accessible, even in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

5.1. Backup Strategies

Multiple Copies: Keep multiple copies of your GEDCOM file in different locations.
Cloud Backup: Utilize cloud storage services for automatic backups.
External Hard Drive: Store a copy on an external hard drive kept in a safe place.
Regular Updates: Update your backups whenever you make significant changes to your tree.

6. Exploring Amazingprint.net for Your Printing Needs

While this article emphasizes digital sharing, amazingprint.net understands that there are times when printing is necessary. Whether you need to create a beautiful chart for a family reunion or print archival-quality copies of important documents, amazingprint.net offers a range of printing services to meet your needs.

6.1. Services Offered by Amazingprint.net

High-Quality Printing: Utilizing advanced printing technology to ensure sharp, vibrant results.
Variety of Materials: Offering a wide selection of paper stocks and finishes.
Custom Sizes and Formats: Accommodating various printing needs, from small documents to large-format charts.
Archival-Quality Inks: Using inks designed to last for generations, preserving your family history for posterity.
Design Assistance: Providing expert design services to help you create visually stunning family tree charts.

6.2. Benefits of Choosing Amazingprint.net

Professional Results: Achieve professional-quality prints that showcase your family history with clarity and detail.
Personalized Service: Receive personalized assistance from experienced printing professionals.
Fast Turnaround: Enjoy quick turnaround times to meet your deadlines.
Competitive Pricing: Get high-quality printing at competitive prices.
Convenient Online Ordering: Easily place your order online and have your prints delivered to your door.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Printing and Sharing Ancestry Trees

7.1. Can I print my entire ancestry tree on one page?

It depends on the size and complexity of your tree. Pedigree views, which focus on direct ancestors, are more likely to fit on one page. For larger trees, you may need to use multi-page printing or explore alternative layouts.

7.2. What is the best way to print a large family tree?

Consider using a large-format printer or dividing the tree into sections for printing on standard-sized paper. Software like MyHeritage offers options for generating multi-page charts.

7.3. How can I print a family tree with photos?

MyHeritage allows you to include photos in your family tree charts. When customizing your chart, select the desired image size and placement options.

7.4. Is it possible to print a descendant chart from Ancestry?

Unfortunately, Ancestry does not offer a descendant chart option for home printing. You may need to use a different genealogy program or service to create and print a descendant chart.

7.5. What is a GEDCOM file, and how can it help me share my family tree?

A GEDCOM file is a standardized file format for exchanging genealogical data. It allows you to transfer your family tree information between different genealogy programs and services.

7.6. How do I open a GEDCOM file?

You can open a GEDCOM file using genealogy software such as Family Tree Maker, Legacy Family Tree, or online platforms like MyHeritage and FamilySearch.

7.7. Can I share my family tree with someone who doesn’t have a genealogy account?

Yes, you can share a GEDCOM file or create a shareable link to your online tree (depending on the platform). However, the recipient may need to create a free account to view the shared tree.

7.8. What are the best cloud storage options for backing up my family tree?

Popular cloud storage options include Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, and Microsoft OneDrive. These services offer free and paid plans with varying storage capacities.

7.9. How often should I back up my family tree?

It’s recommended to back up your family tree regularly, especially after making significant changes or additions. A monthly or quarterly backup schedule is a good practice.

7.10. Where can I find reliable genealogy resources and information?

Reputable sources include the National Genealogical Society (NGS), the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), and genealogy websites like FamilySearch, Ancestry, and MyHeritage.

8. Conclusion: Preserving and Sharing Your Family Legacy

While printing your ancestry tree has its place, modern technology offers more versatile and sustainable options for sharing and preserving your genealogical research. By exploring digital sharing methods, utilizing cloud storage, and understanding GEDCOM files, you can ensure that your family history is accessible, secure, and easily shared with future generations.

Remember to visit amazingprint.net for all your printing needs, including high-quality charts and archival-quality prints of important family documents. Whether you’re sharing your research digitally or creating physical keepsakes, the goal is to celebrate and preserve your unique family story.

Amazingprint.net is located at: 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States, Phone: +1 (650) 253-0000. Explore our website, amazingprint.net, to discover how we can help you bring your family history to life.

Can I Print My Ancestry Tree? Exploring Your Options