How to Make a Genogram
A genogram is a detailed family map that shows relationships, medical history, and emotional patterns across generations using standardized McGoldrick-Gerson-Petry notation.
To make a genogram, gather three generations of family data, draw standardized symbols (squares for males, circles for females), connect them with structural and emotional relationship lines, and add medical and cultural overlays. The fastest method is using GenogramAI, which builds genograms from plain-text descriptions in under 5 minutes.
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What Is a Genogram?
A genogram is a graphic representation of a family system across multiple generations, developed by Monica McGoldrick and Randy Gerson in 1985 based on Murray Bowen's family systems theory. Unlike a family tree, which only shows biological lineage, a genogram documents emotional relationships (close, distant, conflicted, fused, cutoff), medical history, behavioral patterns, and cultural context using standardized clinical notation.
Genograms are used by marriage and family therapists (MFTs), social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, physicians, genetic counselors, nursing students, and school counselors. The McGoldrick-Gerson-Petry notation system — now in its fourth edition (2020) — is the international standard, with over 150 symbols covering 9 gender types, 22 structural relationship types, 38 emotional relationship types, 7 child connection types, and 21 medical categories.
Best Genogram Software Tools (2026)
| Tool | Best For | AI | Clinical Symbols | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GenogramAI | Best overall — students, therapists, beginners | Yes | 150+ | Free / $12 mo |
| GenoPro | Offline clinical use (Windows only) | No | Yes | $35 one-time |
| Lucidchart | Team collaboration | No | No | Free / $8 mo |
| Canva | Visual design (not clinical) | Yes | No | Free / $15 mo |
| Draw.io | Free diagramming (manual) | No | No | Free |
What You'll Need
Information to Gather
- Names of family members (3+ generations)
- Birth dates and death dates
- Marriage and divorce dates
- Medical conditions and causes of death
- Significant life events
- Relationship quality notes
Tools (Choose One)
- GenogramAI (recommended)
Free, AI-powered, web-based
- Pen and paper
Traditional method, good for learning
- Drawing software
Illustrator, Figma, or similar
- Word processor
Using shapes and lines
Essential Genogram Symbols
Genogram symbols follow the McGoldrick-Gerson-Petry standard: squares represent males, circles represent females, and diamonds represent unknown gender. An X through any symbol indicates a deceased person. Modern notation adds 7 additional gender symbols for transgender, non-binary, intersex, and pet family members.
Male
Square shape
Female
Circle shape
Unknown
Diamond shape
Deceased
X through symbol
Pro Tip
GenogramAI automatically applies the correct symbols when you add family members. You don't need to memorize these—just describe your family and the AI handles the rest.
7 Steps to Make a Genogram
Gather Family Information
Start by collecting information about your family members. Focus on at least three generations: yourself, your parents, and your grandparents. The more information you have, the more valuable your genogram will be.
Information checklist:
- Full names
- Birth dates
- Death dates (if applicable)
- Marriage dates
- Divorce dates
- Medical conditions
- Occupations
- Significant events
Choose Your Format
Decide how you want to create your genogram. You can draw it by hand on paper, use general-purpose drawing software like Figma or PowerPoint, or use a dedicated genogram tool. AI-powered tools like GenogramAI automatically apply the correct McGoldrick symbols and generate professional layouts in minutes.
Format comparison:
- Pen & paper: Good for learning, but hard to edit or share
- Drawing software: Flexible, but requires manual symbol placement
- Word/PowerPoint: Accessible, but limited for complex genograms (see our Word guide)
- AI genogram tools: Fastest, with automatic symbol placement and export options
Draw Symbols for Each Family Member
Begin with the index person (also called the identified patient or IP)—usually yourself or the person you're creating the genogram for. Draw them in the center of your canvas using the correct symbol: squares for males, circles for females, and diamonds for unknown gender. Mark deceased members with an X through the symbol. Then add parents above and siblings on either side. See our complete genogram symbols guide for all 38 standard symbols.
Male index person
(double outline or arrow)
Female index person
(double outline or arrow)
Add Structural Relationship Lines
Build outward from the index person. Add parents above, siblings on either side, and children below. Follow these standard genogram rules:
Couple placement
Male on the left, female on the right, connected by a horizontal line
Children order
Oldest on the left, youngest on the right, connected to parents by vertical lines
Marriage line
Single horizontal line connecting partners
Add Emotional Relationship Overlays
This is what makes genograms more powerful than simple family trees. Add lines between any two people to show the quality of their emotional relationship:
Warm, supportive bond
Hostile, argumentative
Emotionally disconnected
No contact, estranged
Add Medical & Contextual Information
Enhance your genogram with relevant details that reveal patterns across generations:
Medical Information
- • Chronic illnesses (diabetes, heart disease)
- • Mental health conditions
- • Substance abuse history
- • Cause of death
- • Genetic conditions
Other Details
- • Occupation and education
- • Geographic location
- • Cultural/religious background
- • Significant life events
- • Adoption or foster status
Review, Refine, and Share
Once your genogram is complete, take time to review it for accuracy. Verify that every family member is represented with the correct symbol, that relationship lines are properly connected, and that each generation sits on the same horizontal level. Check for missing information and fill in gaps where possible.
When you're satisfied, export your genogram for its intended purpose. Therapists and social workers typically include genograms in clinical notes or present them during supervision. Families may want to print a copy or share it digitally. Tools like GenogramAI let you export as PNG, PDF, or editable JSON so you can update your genogram as your family evolves.
Review checklist:
- All family members represented with correct symbols
- Generations aligned on the same horizontal level
- Relationship lines clearly drawn and labeled
- Deceased members marked, dates included
- Medical and emotional information added where relevant
- Index person clearly identified
The Easy Way: Create a Genogram with AI
Instead of manually drawing symbols and lines, let AI do the work. GenogramAI creates professional genograms from simple text descriptions.
1. Describe Your Family
Type a description like "My parents John and Mary have three kids: me (Sarah), my brother Tom, and sister Lisa"
2. AI Generates It
Our AI creates the genogram with proper symbols, positioning, and relationship lines
3. Refine & Add Details
Click to add emotional relationships, medical history, and additional family members
No account required to start
Common Mistakes to Avoid
✗ Wrong gender placement
✓ Males always go on the left, females on the right in couple pairs
✗ Children out of order
✓ Oldest child on the left, youngest on the right
✗ Missing the index person
✓ Always clearly mark who the genogram centers on
✗ Confusing close vs fused
✓ Close (2 lines) is healthy; Fused (3 lines) indicates enmeshment
✗ Forgetting deceased markers
✓ Always add X through the symbol for deceased family members
✗ Inconsistent generations
✓ Keep each generation on the same horizontal level
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make a genogram?
A basic three-generation genogram takes 30-60 minutes. More detailed genograms with emotional relationships and medical history can take 2-3 hours. Using AI-powered tools like GenogramAI can reduce this to 5-10 minutes.
What information do I need to create a genogram?
At minimum, you need names, genders, and basic relationships (marriages, parent-child). For a comprehensive genogram, gather birth/death dates, divorces, medical conditions, emotional relationship patterns, and significant life events.
Can I make a genogram online for free?
Yes, GenogramAI offers free online genogram creation with AI assistance. You can create professional genograms without downloading any software, and export them as PNG, PDF, or JSON.
What is the difference between a genogram and a family tree?
A family tree shows biological relationships (who is related to whom). A genogram includes additional layers: emotional relationships (close, distant, conflicted), medical history, behavioral patterns, and other clinical information using standardized symbols.
How many generations should a genogram include?
A standard genogram includes three generations: the index person, their parents, and their grandparents. However, you can extend it further if you have relevant information about great-grandparents or earlier generations.
Related Resources
What is a Genogram?
Complete introduction to genograms
Genogram Symbols Guide
All 38 relationship symbols explained
Genogram Examples
See real genograms for inspiration
Free Genogram Templates
Download ready-to-use templates
How to Create a Genogram
Alternative creation guide with tips
How to Read a Genogram
Interpret symbols and relationship lines
Make a Genogram in Word
Step-by-step Word tutorial
3-Generation Genogram
Standard three-generation format guide
Free Genogram Maker
Create genograms online at no cost
Further Reading
- McGoldrick, M., Gerson, R., & Petry, S. — Genograms: Assessment and Treatment (4th ed.). W.W. Norton & Company, 2020.
- DeMaria, R., Weeks, G., & Hof, L. — Focused Genograms: Intergenerational Assessment of Individuals, Couples, and Families (2nd ed.). Routledge, 2013.
- Hardy, K.V. & Laszloffy, T.A. — The Cultural Genogram: Key to Training Culturally Competent Family Therapists. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 21(3), 227-237, 1995.
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