Family tree poster sizes, and how to choose
The right size depends on how many people are on your tree and where it will hang. This guide lists the sizes Gedcom Art supports and how to avoid writing that is too small.
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The sizes
| Size | Millimetres | Inches | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| A4 | 210 × 297 | 8.3 × 11.7 | A small keepsake; very few generations |
| A3 | 297 × 420 | 11.7 × 16.5 | A framed print; a few generations |
| A2 | 420 × 594 | 16.5 × 23.4 | A hallway poster; a medium tree |
| A1 | 594 × 841 | 23.4 × 33.1 | A popular wall poster size; larger trees |
| A0 | 841 × 1189 | 33.1 × 46.8 | A statement piece or family gathering |
| 11 × 17 in | 279 × 432 | 11 × 17 | US tabloid |
| 18 × 24 in | 457 × 610 | 18 × 24 | US poster |
| 24 × 36 in | 610 × 914 | 24 × 36 | US large poster |
| 50 × 70 cm | 500 × 700 | 19.7 × 27.6 | Common European poster |
| 60 × 90 cm | 600 × 900 | 23.6 × 35.4 | Large European poster |
| 70 × 100 cm | 700 × 1000 | 27.6 × 39.4 | Very large European poster |
A-series sizes are all the same shape: each is half the area of the next one up, so a design that suits A1 scales exactly to A0 or A2.
Will the writing be readable?
Fitting more people onto the same sheet means smaller writing. Gedcom Art shows the smallest text size, in points, for your chosen paper and warns you when it is under about 6.5 points, a rough limit for comfortable reading on a wall.
As a rough guide using Gedcom Art’s own sample family of about 107 people in the Heritage tree design: the smallest writing comes out at about 6 points on A1 and about 9 points on A0. A tree twice as big has to shrink its writing, or go onto a bigger sheet. Your own tree will differ, so check the number in the app.
If the writing is too small, you can show fewer generations, scale people up with the size slider, pull generations closer together, or choose a larger sheet.
File settings for sharp prints
- PDF and SVG are vector. They stay sharp at any size, which makes them the best choice for large prints.
- PNG is a picture. At 10,000 pixels wide it works out to about 300 pixels per inch on A1 landscape and about 214 on A0 landscape, which is fine for a poster viewed from a little way back.
- Print at 100% or “actual size”. If a print shop’s software offers “fit to page”, check it is not shrinking the file.
- Colours can shift in print. Screens show colour with light and printers mix inks, so a printed poster can look a little different. Ask the print shop for a small proof if colour matters.
Ready to make one?
Open the editor, choose your paper in the Download step, and watch the readable-text check update as you change the tree. Prefer a chart? See family tree wall charts.
Frequently asked questions
What size should I print a family tree poster?
A2 or A1 suits most trees of a few generations, and A0 or 24×36 inches suits a large tree. Use the readable-text check in the app for your own tree.
Can I print at home?
Yes, on A4 or A3 with a suitable printer. For A2 and larger, use a print shop. They will usually accept a PDF.
PDF or PNG for the print shop?
Send the PDF if they accept it, since it stays sharp at any size. A large PNG is a good alternative.
Ready to see your family on the wall?
It takes a few minutes, and you can try it with a sample family first.