You have gathered a box of faded photographs, a typed ledger of births and marriages, and several handwritten letters. The next step is to arrange these items into a single, printable family history book using Microsoft Word. The process involves setting up a reliable page grid, choosing fonts that remain legible after printing, and organizing chapters so readers can follow each generation or branch without confusion. The following guide walks through each element, from front matter to final export, and highlights common pitfalls that can undermine a professional‑looking volume.
Page grid and margins
Start with a standard 8.5 × 11‑inch page. Set the top, bottom, inside, and outside margins to 0.75 inch; increase the inside margin to 1 inch if the book will be bound. Divide the printable area into three columns: a left text block of 3 inches, a central photo area of 2 inches, and a right text block of 3 inches. This grid keeps text and images aligned without crowding the gutter. 1. Open the Layout tab, choose Margins → Custom Margins, and enter the values. 2. Insert a two‑column table without borders, set column widths to match the grid, and lock the table position. 3. Use the table cells as placeholders for narrative text on the left and right, and for photographs in the center.
Choosing readable fonts
Pair a serif typeface for body copy with a sans‑serif for headings. A classic serif such as Times New Roman or Garamond at 11 pt works well for long passages, while a clean sans‑serif like Arial or Calibri at 14 pt provides contrast for chapter titles and subheadings. Keep line spacing at 1.15 to 1.2 and avoid excessive use of bold or italics, which can reduce legibility after printing. Set the heading style to “Heading 1” and the body style to “Normal” so Word can generate a table of contents automatically.
Chapter openers for periods and branches
Begin each new generation or family branch with a full‑page opener that includes a large heading, a brief timeline, and an optional decorative line. Use a larger font size (18 pt to 20 pt) for the heading and a smaller size (10 pt) for the timeline. Insert a thin horizontal rule to separate the opener from the following text. This visual cue signals a shift in focus without interrupting the flow of the narrative. 1. Insert a blank page, 2. Apply the Heading 1 style to the branch name, 3. Add a text box for the timeline, 4. Draw a line using the Shapes tool, and 5. Lock the elements in place.
Consistent photo captions
Place every photograph inside a captioned frame that follows the same format throughout the book. Use a 9 pt italic font, left‑aligned, and include the subject’s name, relationship, and date if known. Position the caption directly below the image, separated by a 0.1‑inch space. To automate this, create a custom style named “PhotoCaption” and apply it to each caption. This uniform approach helps readers locate information quickly and maintains a tidy appearance.
Front matter components
The front matter establishes context before the narrative begins. Include a title page with the book’s name, the family surname, and the year of compilation. Follow with a table of contents generated from the heading styles. Insert a simple pedigree chart on a separate page; a basic diagram created in Word’s SmartArt works for most families. End the front matter with an acknowledgements page that lists contributors and sources. Keep each element on its own page to avoid crowding.
Genealogy table vs narrative
Present the genealogy table as a reference sidebar rather than the central focus. Place the table in a narrow column on the left or right margin, using a smaller font (9 pt) and a light gray background to differentiate it from the main text. The narrative occupies the central columns, allowing stories to flow uninterrupted. By separating the two, readers can consult the table for dates and relationships while staying engaged with the personal accounts.
Exporting and avoiding layout errors
When the book is complete, export it as a high‑resolution PDF to preserve image quality. In Word, choose File → Save As, select PDF, and click Options → ISO 19005‑1 (PDF/A) to embed fonts and images. Before sending the file to a printer, review it on a screen at 100 % zoom to catch any stray page breaks or overlapping elements. Common mistakes include using low‑resolution photos, allowing text to run into the gutter, and inconsistent heading levels that break the table of contents. To avoid these, verify that all images are at least 300 dpi, keep critical text at least 0.5 inch from the inner margin, and run a final style check using the Navigation pane.
Worth remembering: Set up a clear page grid, use a serif‑sans serif font pair, and keep captions, headings, and genealogy tables consistently styled; then export to PDF/A to retain quality and avoid common layout errors.
Common questions
What should this resource include?
The resource should include a page‑grid layout, font recommendations, chapter‑opener guidelines, caption standards, front‑matter checklist, a method for balancing genealogy tables with narrative, and export instructions.
Can I use it digitally and on paper?
Yes, the template works in Word for on‑screen viewing and can be printed after exporting to a high‑resolution PDF, ensuring the layout remains consistent in both formats.
How should I customize it for my family?
Adjust the margin sizes, font choices, and caption details to match your family’s aesthetic, and replace placeholder text with your own names, dates, and stories while preserving the overall structure.