“An individual’s family relationships and medical history can be visually represented through a genogram, also known as a family diagram. This tool is valuable in various fields such as medicine, psychology, social work, genealogy, genetic research, and education. Our tutorial will demonstrate how to construct a genogram using Canva, a free online graphic design platform.”
Step 1: Signing up for Canva
If you do not have an account yet, navigate to www.canva.com and sign up for a free account.
Step 2: Starting a new project
Once logged in, click on the Create a design button located in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Then, select the Custom dimensions option and input the size of your preference.
Step 3: Building the genogram
Use the Elements feature on the left-hand menu to start adding shapes that represent family members. Then, use the lines and arrows to indicate relationships. You can customize these elements by changing their size, color, and position.
Step 4: Adding text
Canva also provides a Text feature that allows you to add names and details to your genogram. You can customize the font, size, and color of the text as you wish.
Step 5: Saving and exporting your genogram
Once you’re satisfied with your genogram, click on the Download button at the top-right corner of the screen. Choose the format that suits your needs. If you plan to print the genogram, consider downloading it in PDF format. If you’ll include it in a digital document or presentation, the PNG or JPEG formats may be more appropriate.
Conclusion
Canva is a versatile and user-friendly tool for creating visual representations like genograms. With a wide range of shapes, lines, and text options, you can personalize your genogram to suit your needs. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone interested in tracing their family history, Canva makes genogram creation a breeze.
