HN Explorer

Show HN: A simple, auto-layout family tree generator (familytreeeasy.com)

6 points by familytreeeasy ↗ HN
I built this as a side project because I found existing family tree tools either too bloated or too manual—I spent more time dragging boxes and aligning lines than actually mapping my family history.

My goal was to make it instant: you just add the names, and the auto-layout engine handles the hierarchy and spacing automatically. It runs entirely in the browser and exports high-res PNG/JPGs.

Would love feedback on the layout logic (especially for complex families) and the overall UI flow. Happy to answer any questions!

5 comments

[ 2.0 ms ] story [ 27.9 ms ] thread
HiiDee
Love the simplicity. Most family tree tools are so bloated that it feels like a chore just to add a cousin. One quick question: Since it runs entirely in the browser, are the family names and data stored locally, or do you have a backend keeping track of the trees? Privacy is always a big concern for people when it's about family history.
javadhu
I always wanted to make such a tool for myself but never sat to actually build it. User experience was a breeze.

I see that there is no import button. Adding Import will help many of us to keep editing the same tree instead of building it from scratch everytime. You can add a JSON export of the tree and then users can import this JSON to make edits. I can also share this JSON with other family members.

library-frog
Love how simple this is! It would be great if there you were able to add siblings without having a parent added first. And being able to add a child with only one parent present as well--there's an error that states the parent needs a spouse before adding a child.
familytreeeasy
Thanks! You’re right that adding siblings without a parent is tricky from a data-structure perspective—they need a common parent or family node to define the relationship.

To solve this without breaking the tree structure, I’m planning to support "single-parent" nodes. This will allow you to create an empty or placeholder parent to group siblings together without needing a spouse.

This should give you the flexibility you’re looking for while keeping the underlying hierarchy intact. Thanks for helping me refine these edge cases!