Desktop Publishing Your Family History Book
Design, Layout, Printing for a Family History Book
Family histories are a frequent candidate for desktop publishing. While appearances are generally less important than the memories and genealogical data preserved in these books, there's no reason they can't look good as well.
|
No matter how small or how it is printed, there are several easy ways to make your family history book attractive and readable.
Software
Some software specifically for genealogy and tracing your family tree comes with pre-designed layouts for printing up family histories, including narratives, charts, and sometimes photos. These may be adequate for your needs. However, if your genealogy software doesn't offer the flexibility you desire, consider using desktop publishing software. [more on using software]
Family Narratives and Stories
Pedigree charts and family group records are an important part of genealogy, but for a family history book these charts are usually accompanied by narratives or stories that bring the family to life. Creative formatting of narratives in your book will make it more attractive. [more on using narratives]
Ancestor/Descendant Charts
Charts provide an easy way to show family relationships. However, not all chart formats used by genealogists are suitable for a family history book. They may take up too much space or the orientation doesn't fit your desired layout. You'll need to maintain readability while compressing the data to fit the format of your book. [more on using charts]
Family Photos
Family photos of both ancestors long gone and living family members can greatly enhance your family history book. For small quantities, it may be cost-prohibitive to obtain the high quality printing needed for the best reproduction of photos but manipulation of photos with graphics software can produce results that fare well with desktop printing and photocopying. Additionally, how you arrange photos can make your family history book more enjoyable. [more on using photos]
Maps, Documents
You can dress up your family history book with maps showing where the family lived or photocopies of interesting handwritten documents such as letters or wills. Old and recent newsletter clippings are also a nice addition. [more on using maps, letters, clippings]
Table of Contents / Index
One of the first things your third cousin Emma is going to do when she sees your family history book is flip to the page where you list her and her family. Help out Emma and all your cousins (as well as future family historians) with a table of contents and an index. [more on creating a table of contents]
Printing and Finishing
Many family history books are simply photocopied. When only a small quantity is needed or when you can't afford other options, this is perfectly acceptable. There are ways to give your family history book professional polish, even with low-tech reproduction methods. [more on printing and binding]
Once your family history book is completed and distributed to family members, consider donating a copy to the genealogical section of your State Library and Archives or local genealogical society. Share your family memories, genealogy, and your desktop publishing skills with generations to come.
Next Page > Software Considerations > Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
