Show HN: A simple, auto-layout family tree generator
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!
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As for privacy, everything stays in your browser. There’s no backend database tracking your family history.
The data is stored locally (via LocalStorage), so if you refresh the page or come back later, it’ll still be there—but I never see it.
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.
Implementing JSON import/export is at the top of my roadmap for persistence: letting users "save" their progress locally without needing a cloud backend.
I’m working on the data schema for this right now. Stay tuned!
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!