Frequently Asked Questions
We know family history research can sometimes feel overwhelming, but creating a family tree chart doesn’t have to be. This page is here to give you clear, simple answers to the most common questions we hear. Whether you’re just getting started or ready for a fully custom design, our goal is to make the process easy and to help you create something beautiful that will spark conversations, preserve stories, and connect generations.
🖼 Product & Process Questions
What types of family tree charts do you offer?
Whether you’re just beginning your family history journey or ready for a stunning heirloom, we have a chart for you. We design and print three main types:
- Custom Charts – Work directly with our designers to create a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects your family’s unique story and style.
- Design-Ready Charts – Choose from 30+ professional templates. You can order a fill-in-the-blank version to handwrite your family details (a meaningful way to involve kids or create memorable gifts), or a pre-filled version where we place your digital tree data directly into the design.
- Self-Designed Charts – Already created your own chart in genealogy software or a design program? We specialize in large-format printing so your hard work looks just as beautiful on paper as it does on screen.
How do I know which chart is right for me?
It really depends on your goals and where you are in your family history journey—there’s no wrong choice.
- Design-Ready Charts are the easiest way to bring your family tree to life. They’re perfect if you want something quick, beautiful, and ready to hang—or if you’d like to give a meaningful gift without a lot of extra steps.
- Custom Charts are ideal when you want something truly one-of-a-kind. They’re a favorite for genealogists who want to see “the big picture,” family reunion organizers who want to showcase connections, or anyone looking to create a handcrafted heirloom for their home.
- Self-Designed Charts are best if you’ve already created your own design and just need our large-format printing expertise to make it shine.
👉🏻 If you're not sure which chart is best for you, just fill out our free consultation form and we'll help you choose the option that fits your family and your vision.
Do I need genealogy software or can I order without any?
No software? No problem. Our Design Ready charts are perfect if you don’t have a digital family tree. You can simply fill them in by hand as you make discoveries.
If your tree is already on Ancestry or FamilySearch, you don’t need anything extra. Just send us the GEDCOM file and we’ll take care of the rest.
And if you’re unsure what you have, don’t worry. Our team will walk you through the easiest way to get started.
Can I include photos or stories on my chart?
Absolutely! Our custom decorative charts can include photos, stories, and design elements that make your chart truly one-of-a-kind. Our designers work with you to capture your family’s personality and history in a way that feels both beautiful and meaningful.
✨ Want to see what’s possible? Visit our Gallery to explore charts we’ve created for other families—you might find the perfect inspiration for your own.
📁 File & Data Questions
What kind of file do I need to send you? (GEDCOM, Ancestry, FamilySearch, etc.)
Most customers send us a GEDCOM file exported from Ancestry, FamilySearch, or other genealogy software. If you’re not sure how to create one, don’t worry—we’ll walk you through it step by step.
What if I don't have a family tree file?
No problem. You can absolutely start from where you are. Many of our customers begin with a fill-in-the-blank chart from our Design Ready gallery and add names as they make new discoveries.
Another great option is to create a free tree on Ancestry, which makes it easy to expand over time. Once you’re ready, we can use that file to create a Set-Style or Custom Chart.
How do you handle errors, missing information, or updates?
We know family trees are always works in progress, so we build flexibility into the process. For custom charts, you’ll receive digital previews before printing so you can double-check details and catch any corrections.
As you continue your research, many customers choose to update and reprint their charts every year or two to reflect new discoveries. Minor updates are billed at our standard hourly rate, and reprints of your original design are offered at a significant discount—making it easy to keep your chart current without starting over.
Think of your chart as a living heirloom that grows right along with your family story.
🎨 Design & Customization Questions
Can I choose colors, fonts, and layouts?
Absolutely. Our designers love helping you create something that matches your style and fits your space. From clean and simple to artistic and ornate, we’ll make sure your chart feels like your family’s chart.
Every design choice becomes part of how your family story is told—making your chart as unique as the people it represents. Browse our Gallery to see the range of styles we’ve created for other families and spark ideas for your own.
How many generations can fit on a chart?
It depends on the style. Most of our Design-Ready charts fit 4–11 generations, and we even have one that goes up to 15. Custom charts can stretch much further—sometimes as far back as your research allows—so you can see the “big picture” of your family all in one place.
The size of your space is an important factor too—whether you want something subtle for a hallway or a dramatic statement piece for your living room, we’ll help you design a chart that fits both your family history and your wall.
Do you offer charts in different sizes and materials?
Yes! The size of your chart depends on two things: how many generations you want to include and how much space you’d like it to fill. Whether you want a subtle hallway piece or a statement display for your living room, we’ll help you create the right fit.
All of our materials are archival quality—meaning your chart is designed to last for generations. We offer several options to meet different needs:
- Presentation Paper – smooth and easy to write on, perfect for working charts.
- Professional Paper – heavyweight and elegant, ideal for framing.
- Vinyl – durable and tear-proof, great for reunions and events.
- Canvas – lightly textured and luxurious, a true heirloom finish.
Every choice is designed to preserve your family’s story beautifully—today and for years to come.
Can you design charts as gifts (weddings, anniversaries, new babies)?
Yes! Family tree charts make unforgettable gifts because they celebrate not just an occasion, but an entire family’s story. They’re especially meaningful for weddings, anniversaries, new babies, birthdays, or reunions—any milestone where family connection takes center stage.
Many families order extra copies to share with siblings, cousins, or children (extra prints are deeply discounted), so the gift can be enjoyed by multiple households.
If you’d prefer to let your loved one design their own chart, we also offer Gift Certificates.
Unlike flowers or gadgets, a chart becomes a lasting heirloom—a gift that sparks stories today and preserves memories for generations to come.
🚚 Shipping & Delivery Questions
How long will it take to receive my chart?
We work hard to get your chart to you quickly—and every order comes with a clear timeline up front.
- Design-Ready Charts – Fill-in-the-blank versions ship the next business day. Pre-filled versions ship within two business days after we receive your digital file.
- Custom Charts – Turnaround varies depending on the type of chart: about 3 days for a Researcher’s Rollout, 7 days for a Reunion Wall, and up to 2 weeks for an Heirloom Showcase.
At checkout, you can choose the shipping speed that works best for your deadline.
Custom designs take a little longer since we work closely with you on every detail, but we’ll always provide an estimated timeline so you know exactly what to expect. If you have a special event or gift deadline, contact us and we’ll help you plan the right option to get your chart there on time.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship worldwide. We take special care in packaging so your chart arrives safe and ready to display.
What if my chart arrives damaged?
We carefully package every chart so it arrives in perfect condition—rolled securely in sturdy tubes. On the rare occasion that damage happens in transit, we stand by our work. Simply contact us right away and we’ll replace your chart at no cost.
Your family’s story deserves to arrive safely, and we’ll make sure it does.
💲 Pricing & Payment Questions
How much do your charts cost?
We offer options to fit a wide range of budgets, from simple starter charts to handcrafted heirlooms.
- Design-Ready Charts – Fill-in-the-blank versions start at $30, and pre-filled versions (with your family tree data printed directly) start at $90.
- Custom Chart Packages – Ranging from $99 for a Researcher’s Rollout, $289 for a Reunion Wall, and $699 for an Heirloom Showcase. These can be upgraded with more generations, additional photos, or premium materials.
For a quick estimate, try our Pricing Calculator to see what your project might cost. And if you’d like to order copies for siblings or cousins, extra prints of a custom chart are 50%-75% off the price of the first one.
Every chart is an investment in preserving your family’s story—whether you spend $30 or $2,000, the value lasts for generations.
Do you offer discounts for multiple copies?
Yes! Many families order extra copies so everyone can have their own. For our custom chart packages, extra prints are discounted: 50% off for Researcher’s Rollout charts, and 75% off for Reunion Wall and Heirloom Showcase charts. (Design-Ready charts do not include copy discounts.)
It’s an easy and affordable way to share your family’s story with siblings, cousins, or children.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes! We offer gift certificates so you can give the gift of a family tree chart without needing to know all the details of the design. They’re perfect for birthdays, holidays, weddings, or any milestone where you want to give something meaningful and personal.
Your loved one can use the certificate toward any of our chart styles—from a simple Design Ready chart to a fully custom Heirloom Showcase.
It’s more than a present. It’s an invitation to preserve and share family stories for generations to come. Order a gift certificate here.
🛠 Practical Use & Care Questions
Can I write on my chart?
Yes! Several of our chart styles are designed for writing directly on them:
- Design-Ready (Fill-in-the-Blank) – Perfect for handwriting your discoveries as you go. (We love using these erasable pens so updates stay neat.)
- Custom: Researcher’s Rollout – Made to be a working tree you can hang up and mark with notes, a great way to organize research before creating an Heirloom Showcase.
- Custom: Reunion Wall – A favorite at family gatherings, where everyone can add their own updates and corrections right on the chart.
When you write on a chart, your handw
What's the best way to hang or display my chart?
We ship every chart rolled securely in a sturdy tube, ready to display in the way that works best for you.
- Researcher’s Rollouts – Easy to tack on a wall or pinboard right away, so you can reference and update your research as you go.
- Reunion Walls – Designed to shine at family gatherings—hang them at reunions, anniversaries, or milestone celebrations where everyone can see how they connect.
- Heirloom Showcases – Depending on the material, these can be professionally framed or (if you order on canvas) stretched for a gallery-quality finish.
We’re also working on a partnership with a national company here in the U.S. to make professional framing and canvas stretching more convenient and affordable for our customers. We'll keep you posted.
No matter which style you choose, displaying your chart turns it into a conversation piece—inviting questions, sparking memories, and helping your family feel more connected.
How do I update my chart when I discover new ancestors?
Family history is always growing, and your chart can grow right along with it. Many of our customers order updated Researcher’s Rollouts or Reunion Walls every year or two as new discoveries are made. Heirloom Showcases can also be refreshed with major family milestones—Crista even has a new one designed every few years when she redecorates her home.
If you only have a few small updates (like adding a new baby or swapping out a photo), we can usually make those changes without redoing the entire design—and you’ll receive the same discounted price as if you were ordering a copy of your original chart.
Think of your chart as a living heirloom that adapts with every new chapter of your family’s story.
♥ Emotional & Connection Questions
What if my family tree isn't complete?
That’s more than okay—no family tree is ever truly complete. Every chart is a snapshot of your family story as it stands today, and those “unfinished” places are often what spark the best conversations. Blank spaces can lead to questions, new discoveries, and even invitations for other relatives to share what they know.
And remember, your chart doesn’t have to stay the same forever. Many of our customers update and reprint their charts every few years as new ancestors, photos, and stories are uncovered.
Don’t wait until your research feels “done”—because family history never is. A chart gives you a beautiful way to celebrate your family now, while leaving room for the discoveries still to come.
Can I order a chart as a surprise gift?
Yes! Many of our customers order charts as surprise gifts for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, or new babies. Even if you don’t have every detail, we can create something beautiful and meaningful with the information you already have.
For Design Ready charts, you can handwrite family names yourself for a personal touch. For Custom Charts, our designers can work directly with the details you provide to create a one-of-a-kind keepsake.
If you’re planning the gift for a special event, just let us know your deadline. We’ll recommend the best chart style and shipping option to make sure it arrives on time.
It’s a gift that feels both personal and lasting—one your loved one will treasure for years to come. If you’d like help planning a surprise, contact us and we’ll guide you through the best options.
How do family tree charts help create conversations in my family?
A family tree chart is more than a display—it’s a conversation starter. When you hang a chart in your home, children and grandchildren naturally ask, “Who was she?” or “Where did he come from?” Those simple questions open the door to stories, memories, and connections that might otherwise never be shared.
At reunions, a chart becomes the gathering point—cousins crowd around to trace their lines, and older relatives often chime in with stories that bring the names to life. Even at home, a chart in the hallway or living room can spark everyday moments of curiosity and connection.
Family stories don’t always come out on their own—a chart gives them a place to begin. Visit our Gallery to see how other families use their charts to spark conversations.
What makes Family Chartmasters different from printing my tree at home?
Printing your tree at home often means running out of space—you end up with multiple pages taped together in a tangle of Scotch tape. Or you’re stuck with the default charts from genealogy software programs: functional, but flat and impersonal.
At Family Chartmasters, we transform your family tree into something worthy of display. Our designers know how to handle spacing, balance, and layout so your chart is both clear and beautiful. We offer design choices that reflect your family’s personality, not just data on a page. And every chart is produced with archival-quality inks and papers so it will last for generations.
We don’t just save you from the tape and the boring templates—we help you create a piece of art that sparks conversations, preserves memories, and connects your family across time.