Creating a family tree with the SmartArt hierarchy feature in PowerPoint

The problem with the default SmartArt hierarchy layouts is they're built for a one-person-at-the-top orientation, but family trees require something more like one-person-at-the-bottom.

Try this trick to make an inverse (or reverse) hierarchy, then see if it's easier to work with:

1. Choose Insert>SmartArt>Hierarchy and select your preferred layout.
2. Right-click on the SmartArt border and choose Format>Object.
3. On the Format Object task pane, click on the Effects icon (A pentagon).
4. Expand 3-D Rotation section, then check Keep text flat.
5. Change Y Rotation from 0 to 180. The hierarchy flips upside down.
6. Enter present day people at the bottom, ancestors toward the top.

Cool.

Great example of "outside the box" thinking.

First time I've seen this idea for a hierarchy chart.

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Right you are. I'll delete my other reply to remove irrelevant "clutter".

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But frankly I think it would be easier to try any other solution. I've been playing with it for a couple of minutes, trying how to figure out how to make it work. I don't think it will. For eample I tried to make a top down chart from a single ancestor to show all subsequent generations. I'm obviously not thinking about this the "right" way.

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so it looks like "#1" as the most recent generation has 4, related, progenitors. Not something you want to publish ... <g>

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Yes, smartart hierarchy chart is designed to allow only one path through the hierarchy.

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Instead, you may want to use the Insert > Shapes features, using the 3 "Connector" line types. They will have "Connector" in the name

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/draw-or-delete-a-line-or-connector-f304ef73-9514-450b-9bb9-28c6057020f2

When you use "Connector" type lines and drop them to one of the "connection points" on the shape, the line will stay attached and shift to adjust when you move the shape later.

For example, the rectangle shape has 8 connections points, the 4 corners, and in the middle of each side

Other shapes will have different numbers of connector points.

In my steps, you missed "check Keep text flat". It's in the Format Shape task pane, 3 lines down from the Y Rotation field.

Hi, areyousirius.

I understand that you would like to insert two connections on the side to represent two parents. Unfortunately powerpoint family trees allow a member to come from just one branch of two. Editing for a member to have two parents must be done manually.

If this feature is very useful to you I suggest you send feedback to the microsoft team. They read the comments daily.

In PowerPoint click → Help → Comments.

Choose the option <I don't like something> or <I like something> and explain the situation in detail.