When you first create a new project, the only chart available is the “dynamic chart”. This follows the currently selected person and their immediate family. The current chart is shown (and can be changed) via the “Current chart” drop-down list, located on the “Charts” tab:
You can’t edit the dynamic chart, because it is created automatically for you, and changes as you select different people in your project.
To create a chart to your own specification, click on the “New Chart” button, also located on the “Charts” tab. This will show a pop-up menu to select the type of chart to create. The simple examples will work with “Descendant Chart”.
You will be prompted to select the person to start your chart from—Descendant charts start with someone at the top and show their descendants below. Your chart will then be created and will be in editing mode. Whilst in editing mode, the “Chart Properties” panel will be displayed:
You can change properties of the chart using this panel, and many features can also be actioned on the chart itself, using keyboard short-cuts or clicking on the small grey buttons shown for the active family:
Many features are also available by right-clicking with the mouse on a person too, and then selecting options from a pop-up menu:
When you have finished editing the chart, you can click “OK” to exit and apply the changes, or “Cancel” to cancel the changes that have been made whilst in editing mode, or since the last-time the “Apply” button was pressed:
You can return to editing mode by selecting the chart you want to work on and using the “Edit Chart” button on the “Charts” tab:
When a family chart is created, the default layout will often create a rather wide chart. However, very quickly, charts tend to become too wide, and would require printing out on many sheets of paper.
Pedigree Forge gives you many tools to make your chart fit a particular paper size. This is the better option from a design perspective.
If you are happy with a wider chart, then just leave the page size as “Auto”. The page size will be made as wide (and tall) as necessary.
Read on if you want to make your charts look better…
The inspiration for how to arrange family charts is taken from two main sources, which are highly recommended if you wish to create well presented charts: