Family Trees vs Canva family tree templates
Short answerCanva’s family tree templates are graphic designs: you place every box, line and photo yourself, then download a PNG, JPG or PDF. Family Trees stores the family as data, so the tree draws itself in five views, works out how people are related and updates when you add someone. Use Canva for a one-off design and Family Trees for a family record that keeps growing.
At a glance
| Family Trees | Canva templates | |
|---|---|---|
| What you make | A family record that draws its own charts | A designed image or document |
| Adding a person | One click from anyone; the layout redraws | Move and add boxes and lines by hand |
| Design freedom | Calm, consistent style | Full control of fonts, colors and layout |
| Relationship calculator | Yes, in plain words | No |
| Birthdays and anniversaries | Yes, Moments | No |
| GEDCOM | Export free; import with Plus or Lifetime | No |
| Output | Posters up to 36 × 24 in, family book (Plus) | PNG, JPG or PDF downloads |
When Canva is the better choice
For a single designed piece, such as a wedding display, a reunion banner or a school project with a particular look, Canva gives you complete freedom over fonts, colors, backgrounds and placement. If the tree is small and won’t change, a template is quick.
When Family Trees is the better choice
A template stops being useful when the family changes. In Family Trees each person is entered once, with their dates, photos and links, and the charts are drawn from that: Ancestors, Descendants, Hourglass, a fan chart and Everyone. Add a new baby and every view updates. Pick any two people and Family Trees tells you how they are related, such as second cousin once removed.
Relatives can help too. Invite them as editors or viewers, and everyone works on the same tree in the browser.
Printing
With Plus or Lifetime, Family Trees prints any tree view as a poster from letter size up to 36 × 24 inches, or saves it as a PDF or image, and makes a family book with a page for everyone. If you want a blank layout to fill in by hand, see the printable family tree templates.
Questions
Is Canva good for making a family tree?
It is good for designing a family tree graphic: you control the look completely and can download a PNG, JPG or PDF. It doesn’t store relationships, so every change means moving boxes by hand.
Can Family Trees make a printable family tree?
Yes. With Plus or Lifetime you can print a poster of any tree view, from letter size up to 36 × 24 inches, or save it as a PDF or image. Free printable blank templates are also on this site.
Which is better for a school family tree project?
For a small, one-time poster with a particular design, a Canva template is quick. If the student wants to collect photos and stories from relatives, Family Trees’ free plan handles up to 100 people and lets family members help.
Sources
Links go to other sites. Checked 19 October 2026.
Questions? Email support@familytreesapp.com and a person will reply.