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How do you print a family tree from Ancestry.com?

Printing a family tree from Ancestry.com involves several steps and has some limitations, here’s a detailed guide:

Using Ancestry's Built-in Print Options

Ancestry offers two primary views for printing your family tree:

Log in to your Ancestry account and select the tree you want to print from the “Trees” drop-down menu.
Click on the “Pedigree View” symbol on the left side of your tree. This view expands from left to right and includes only direct ancestors.
To start with a specific person, click on that person and select the tools icon on the right, then click “View his (or her) family tree.”
Click the “Print” button at the top right of the screen. This will display a preview, which you can print by clicking the orange “Print” button on the top left of the preview screen1 3 5.

This view includes children and siblings but may spread across multiple pages.
Follow similar steps as for Pedigree View, but select the “Family View” instead. This view can be more cumbersome to print at home due to its horizontal spread1 3.

Ancestry's built-in print function has limitations, such as only printing a portion of the tree at a time. You may need to piece together multiple sheets of paper to see your entire tree1 4.
If you want a more comprehensive or customized print, you can use Ancestry's partner, MyCanvas, but this is a paid service. Clicking on “MyCanvas” will take you to their website where you can create and order professional prints1.

You can download your Ancestry tree as a GEDCOM file and import it into other family tree programs or websites that offer more advanced printing options.
- Go to your tree, click on the down arrow to display options, and select “Tree Settings.”
- Click on the green “Export tree” button to download a GEDCOM file. This file will contain textual data but not attached photos or records2 5.
- Import this GEDCOM file into programs like MyHeritage, RootsMagic, or Family Tree Maker, which often have better printing capabilities2 5.

While you cannot save your entire Ancestry tree as a PDF, you can print a portion of it:
- Select a starting person and view their profile.
- Use the tools menu to select “view in tree.”
- Change the view style (horizontal, vertical, or fan) from the menu at left.
- Use your browser’s print function and select “save as PDF” to create a printer-friendly view of the tree on your screen5.

These methods allow you to print or save your family tree from Ancestry.com, though the built-in options are somewhat limited.