Free Genogram Maker Templates and Examples You Can Download
A genogram is a visual family map that records relationships, medical history, and patterns across generations. Free genogram templates and ready-made examples save time and help you structure data consistently—useful for therapists, social workers, students, and families documenting lineage or health trends. This article lists high-quality, free templates and shows practical examples, plus quick tips to customize and download them.
Where to get free genogram templates
- Family tree and genogram sections on educational websites (universities, counseling programs)
- Free diagramming tools with template libraries (web-based diagram editors)
- Community-shared files on repositories (GitHub, Google Drive public links)
- Printable PDF packs from mental health blogs and practitioner resources
Recommended free genogram template sources (formats noted)
| Source | Format(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lucidchart (free tier templates) | .xml / web | Easy drag-and-drop; export as PNG/PDF on free plan with limits |
| Canva template library | PNG / PDF / PNG | Visually polished; customizable in browser |
| Google Slides / Docs community templates | .pptx / .pdf | Simple, shareable, easy to duplicate |
| Draw.io (diagrams.net) templates | .xml / PNG / SVG | Fully free, offline desktop or online use |
| Open-source GitHub repos (genogram examples) | .png / .svg / .pdf | Search “genogram template” to find user-shared files |
| University counseling center handouts | Clinically oriented symbols and legend included |
Ready-to-download template types and when to use them
- Basic 3-generation genogram (PDF, PNG) — quick family overview; good for students and initial intake.
- Clinical genogram with medical symbols (PDF, PPTX) — tracks hereditary conditions; for therapists and medical history.
- Relationship-focused genogram (SVG, Draw.io) — emphasizes marriages, divorces, cohabitation, conflict lines.
- Large-family grid genogram (Canva/PPTX) — for extended families with many branches.
- Interactive editable genogram (Lucidchart/Google Slides) — collaborative editing and live updates.
Example genograms (what they show)
-
Three-generation medical genogram example
- Includes parents, grandparents, siblings, and children.
- Uses color codes: red = cardiovascular disease, blue = diabetes, yellow = mental health.
- Symbols: squares (male), circles (female), diagonal slash = deceased, double line = close relationship.
-
Family systems genogram example
- Marks emotional bonds (solid = strong, dashed = distant), conflict (zigzag), and alliances.
- Notes life events (migration, adoption, incarceration) with icons.
-
Blended-family genogram example
- Represents step-parents, half-siblings, and custody arrangements using specific connectors and labels.
-
Snapshot intake genogram (compact)
- One-page visual for clinical intake: ages, key diagnoses, current medications, living situation.
Quick download links (examples to search)
- Search “Draw.io genogram template” for editable XML files.
- Search “Canva genogram template free” for polished visual templates.
- Search “genogram PDF template university counseling” for clinician-ready handouts.
- Search GitHub for “genogram template” to find SVG/PNG examples you can fork or download.
How to customize a downloaded template (5 steps)
- Open the file in the recommended editor (Draw.io, Canva, PowerPoint).
- Replace placeholder names and dates; keep symbol meanings consistent.
- Apply color-coding for conditions or relationship types.
- Add a legend explaining symbols and colors.
- Export as PDF/PNG for sharing or print; keep an editable copy for updates.
Symbol and legend cheat-sheet (common standard)
- Square = male; Circle = female
- Diagonal slash = deceased
- Solid line = marriage/partnership; dotted = separation; double = cohabiting
- Zigzag or lightning = conflict/hostility
- Triangle = pregnancy or miscarriage (use annotation)
- Colors or initials = medical conditions (explain in legend)
Tips for ethical and practical use
- Remove sensitive identifiers when sharing outside the family/team.
- Verify medical facts with family members before clinical decisions.
- Keep version history—genograms change over time.
- Respect consent: get permission before documenting living individuals’ private health details.
Quick starter templates to download now
- Basic 3-generation PDF (search term: “basic genogram template PDF”)
- Editable Draw.io XML (search term: “genogram draw.io template”)
- Canva visual genogram (search term: “Canva genogram template free”)
- Clinical genogram handout PDF (search term: “clinical genogram template PDF university counseling”)
If you want, I can:
- Produce a ready-made 3-generation genogram template in PowerPoint or Draw.io format tailored to a typical family (I’ll include legend and color-coding), or
- Convert one of the example templates into a printable PDF with a sample populated family.
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