The short answer
Ancestry is not really built to print a whole large tree on one page. Its printing tools generally work on the part of the tree you are viewing, such as a pedigree, fan or family view. For a complete large tree, people usually take one of these routes:
- Print sections from Ancestry and join them.
- Export the tree as a GEDCOM file and chart it in genealogy software.
- Order a printed poster or book through a keepsake service.
Features and partners change over time, so check what your account currently offers.
Option 1: print views from Ancestry
Open the tree, choose a view (for example pedigree, fan or family view), and use the print option on the page or your browser’s print command. A few practical points:
- Start from the person at the center of the chart. Ancestry shows a limited number of generations at a time.
- Use your browser’s print preview to check how it is cut across pages. Adjusting the scale or switching to landscape can help.
- Choosing Save as PDF as the printer lets you check the output and keep a digital copy.
- For a single family, a family group sheet (available from a person’s profile in some versions) is often more readable than a chart.
For a tree with hundreds of people, you will probably need to print several branches separately.
Option 2: export a GEDCOM and chart in software
A GEDCOM is a standard text format for family tree data. Ancestry has offered an export option in the tree settings. The general steps are:
- Open your tree’s settings.
- Choose the option to export your tree and generate the file.
- Download it when it is ready.
- Import the GEDCOM into desktop software such as RootsMagic, Family Tree Maker, MacFamilyTree or the free program Gramps.
- Use the program’s chart tools to create a fan, hourglass or descendant chart, and print or export as PDF.
Some details do not survive a GEDCOM export, such as certain media or record links, so check the result. If you use Family Tree Maker, read whether Family Tree Maker 2019 still syncs with Ancestry, since the syncing method differs from a one-time export. For large wall charts, a local print shop can usually print a PDF in a big format; ask them about paper sizes.
Option 3: posters and books
Ancestry has previously worked with a keepsake partner to produce posters and books from tree data. If this is available to you, the tree is imported into a design tool where you pick the layout and number of generations, then order. Look for a keepsake or create option in the tree menu. Costs and limits vary, so review them before ordering.
Tips for large trees
- Print fewer generations with a bigger font for readability.
- Think about who the chart is for. A direct-line chart of ancestors is easier to read than a full tree with every cousin. A printed chart also makes a good keepsake; see why family trees matter for children.
- Living people are normally hidden in shared views, but a GEDCOM you export from your own tree may include them. Remove or hide living people before giving a file or chart to others. If you plan to pass the file around, review who can see what when sharing a tree.
Can I download my tree?
Yes, a GEDCOM export is the usual way to download your tree data. It keeps names, dates, places and relationships, though not necessarily everything attached. Download a copy every so often.
What happens if I cancel?
Policies change, so confirm with Ancestry before you cancel. In general, canceling a paid subscription affects your access to records and some features, and a tree can often remain in your account. Do not rely on that. Export a GEDCOM first. To remove a tree permanently, see how to delete a family tree on Ancestry.
Printing on FamilySearch
FamilySearch also has fan and pedigree charts. In its help center, it describes opening a person in the family tree, choosing a chart view, and printing from there, including a mobile app option. If you keep a tree there too, search the help center for printing charts, as the options differ from Ancestry’s.