Which poster size for your family tree?

The three sizes

All PrintMyTree posters are printed in landscape orientation, which suits a tree that spreads sideways across generations.

• A3 — 420 x 297 mm. Desk, shelf or a small frame in a hallway.
• A2 — 594 x 420 mm. The usual choice for a framed piece above a sideboard.
• A1 — 841 x 594 mm. A wall centrepiece, and the only comfortable size for deep trees.

Match the size to the generation count

Every generation you add roughly doubles the number of people on the page, and each of those people needs room for a name and a pair of dates. The practical limits look like this.

• 3 generations — up to 7 ancestors. Comfortable on A3.
• 4 generations — up to 15 ancestors. A3 works; A2 is more relaxed.
• 5 generations — up to 31 ancestors. A2 is the sensible minimum.
• 6 generations — up to 63 ancestors. Choose A1.

Keep the names readable

A poster is read from roughly a metre away, and text below about 6 pt becomes hard work at that distance. Rather than shrinking the type to fit another generation, it is usually better to move up a paper size or reduce the depth of the tree.

PrintMyTree suggests a paper size based on the tree you have actually built, so you can see whether your chosen depth still fits comfortably before you order.

Paper, framing and hanging

Posters are printed on 170 gsm FSC-certified paper with a matt, non-reflective surface, which keeps the chart legible under a ceiling light instead of bouncing glare back at you.

You can order the poster on its own or with a wooden frame in black, white, dark brown, or natural oak. If you frame it yourself later, standard A-series frames fit without trimming.

Digital first, if you are unsure

If you cannot decide, export the print-ready PDF first. It is generated at 300 DPI with bleed, so you can review the layout at full size on screen — or have it printed locally — before committing to a poster.