Standalone tool
Fan Chart Maker
Use this interactive standalone tool to create printable genealogy fan charts directly in your browser. The tool automatically generates a radial ancestor layout while you enter names, years, and family details.
The fan chart updates instantly as information is added and can be exported as a high-resolution printable JPEG image suitable for framing, genealogy projects, or family history displays.
This page contains only a DEMO version of the tool. The full version is delivered as a standalone HTML file and works even without internet connectivity.
You can download standalone demo version here or try out full screen demo. Instructions for this tool are available here.
If you find this interesting you can download full version here.
Notice that the full version tool is full screen. The embedded demo on this page is forced to fit the page content.
Fan chart generation
Built for visually organized ancestor displays
Fan Chart Maker is designed for genealogy projects where presentation and compact ancestor visualization matter as much as raw information density.
Instead of a traditional rectangular structure, the tool creates a radial ancestor chart that expands outward generation by generation.
The result is a balanced printable genealogy layout that works especially well for framed displays, family keepsakes, and compact ancestry summaries.
Radial ancestor layout
The fan chart automatically arranges ancestors into a circular structure that expands outward generation by generation.
Balanced printable structure
Spacing, angles, and chart proportions are generated automatically so the finished fan chart remains visually organized.
Editable genealogy details
Names, birth years, death years, and other family details can be edited directly while the chart updates instantly.
High-resolution export
Finished fan charts can be exported as printable high-resolution JPEG images suitable for framing or genealogy projects.
Genealogy workflow
How to use the Fan Chart Maker effectively
Step 1: Start with the central person
Enter the root person whose ancestry you want to visualize inside the center of the fan chart.
Step 2: Add parents and earlier generations
Continue outward through parents, grandparents, and earlier ancestor generations while leaving unknown fields empty where needed.
Step 3: Review spacing and readability
Fan charts become denser in outer generations, so shorten long names when necessary before exporting.
Step 4: Export the finished chart
Save the completed fan chart as a printable high-resolution image for framing, sharing, or archiving.
Fan chart use cases
When a fan chart makes more sense than a traditional family tree
Fan charts are most useful when you want to display multiple ancestor generations in a compact and visually organized format.
They work especially well for framed displays, genealogy keepsakes, printable ancestry summaries, and projects where visual presentation is important.
Decorative genealogy displays
Fan charts are popular for framed family history prints because the radial structure creates a visually balanced layout.
Compact ancestor visualization
The circular design helps display multiple ancestor generations without creating extremely wide charts.
Family history keepsakes
The finished chart works well as a family keepsake, reunion display, or gift for relatives interested in genealogy.
Printable ancestry summaries
Fan charts create a compact overview of direct ancestors that is easier to print and display than some large rectangular trees.
Fan chart builder use cases
What fan chart builders are useful for
Create circular ancestry charts
Generate fan charts optimized for compact layouts.
Build printable displays
Create visual family history displays suitable for printing.
Printing and export
Export a fan chart that is ready to print
The finished fan chart can be exported as a high-resolution printable image suitable for both home printing and professional large-format printing.
Because outer generations contain many ancestor boxes, review readability carefully before exporting and shorten long names when necessary.
If you plan to frame the result, review the family tree keepsake guide before printing.
Tool features
Offline browser-based tool
Fan Chart Maker is a practical genealogy tool for creating clean and visually balanced ancestor fan charts directly in your browser. This tool works offline and does not require installation, subscriptions, or any additional software.
Tool features
Editable genealogy details
Each person includes editable fields for full name, birth year, and death year. You can adjust ancestor font sizes, separately control the center person font size, and force manual line breaks inside names when needed.
Tool features
Live preview while editing
To start, simply open the standalone HTML file in your browser. Enter names and years on the left side and the fan chart updates automatically on the right. Ancestors are automatically arranged into a traditional fan chart structure.
Related pages
Continue from the tool to the right template or guide
Family Tree Fan Charts
Browse printable and editable fan chart templates for genealogy projects and framed displays.
Family Tree Types Explained
Compare fan charts, pedigree charts, descendant trees, and standard family tree layouts.
How to Turn Your Family Tree Into a Keepsake
Learn how to prepare printable family trees for framing and long-term display.
Related tools
Continue with tool instead of printable PDF template
Frequently asked questions
What is a genealogy fan chart?
A genealogy fan chart is a circular ancestor tree layout that displays parents, grandparents, and earlier generations in expanding fan-shaped segments around a central person.
How many generations can this fan chart maker create?
The tool supports between 3 and 7 generations. You can add or remove generations at any time while editing the chart.
Can I edit all names and years in the chart?
Yes. Each person has editable fields for full name, birth year, and death year. The demo version limits editing to father-side ancestors only.
Does the fan chart maker work offline?
Yes. The full version is a standalone HTML file that works directly in your browser without installation or internet connectivity.
Can I save my genealogy data and continue later?
Yes. The tool supports exporting and importing genealogy data as JSON files so you can continue editing later without losing your work.
What size is the exported fan chart image?
The chart exports as a high-quality 6600 × 5100 pixel JPEG image with a white background suitable for printing.
Can I print the exported genealogy fan chart?
Yes. The exported JPEG is designed for landscape printing on US Letter or A4 paper and is also suitable for larger print sizes.
What happens if some ancestors are unknown?
Unknown ancestors remain as blank placeholder segments so the overall genealogy structure and spacing stay consistent.