Change the Slide Layout
Before you start building your family tree, start with a blank PowerPoint template and set it up so it’s ready for your family details. Here’s how to open a blank template and change the slide layout:
Insert a SmartArt Graphic Chart
SmartArt Graphics make it easy to work with complex graphics without the need to design them from scratch. Use a SmartArt Graphic to add an organization chart to a slide and edit it for the family tree.
Add Family Members to the Chart
Your presentation contains the basic building blocks for your family tree. To add names to the family tree, select a shape and enter the information for the family member. When the default SmartArt Graphic organization chart doesn’t have enough shapes to fit your family, add a new shape to add a new member to the family tree chart.
Link to a New Branch of the Family Tree
When your family tree branches off in different directions, keep it all together by hyperlinking to the part of the presentation that isn’t included in the current slide.
Customize Your Family Tree Chart
Your family tree PowerPoint slideshow doesn’t have to be boring. Create a unique background to spice it up. Add text to the slides, import videos and audio files, change the color of the shapes, pick different shapes for different people, adjust the color of the names of the family members, and more. To change the color of the SmartArt Graphic shapes, select SmartArt Tools Design > Change Colors to get started with selecting a new colorful design.
