It is beneficial to know how to create a genogram using Microsoft Word. Most social workers have access to this computer program and are relatively comfortable using it. A genogram made in Word can easily be inserted into the narratives of assessments, which are often typed in Word format.

The directions that follow will guide you in creating a genogram using Microsoft Word. Consider starting with a blank document from which you can copy and paste your genogram after it is completed.

1. Insert the genogram title: Click the Insert tab > Text box > Select Horizontal text box > Here we typed, “Smith Family Genogram”
2. Format the “frame” of the diagram: Here we have formatted the “frame” of the genogram so that you can see it. When you insert the text box, it will appear within a larger square inside which you will create your genogram. To adjust the size of the frame, Left Click on it, then hold down the left side of the mouse as you move the cursor toward the middle of the figure (to make smaller) or outward (to make larger). After you have completed your genogram, you can easily Copy and Paste the frame (with genogram inside) into other documents, or you can create your genogram between existing text.
3. Insert a shape: Click the Insert tab > Shape > Square > Move your mouse to the place on the page where you want the figure. Then Left Click.
4. Adjust shape color and outline: Our version of Microsoft Word created a colored shape in the default color of blue. We edited this by clicking the Format tab > Shape Styles > selecting the first option, which is a shape outlined in black with white inside.
5. Make a shape smaller or larger: Left Click on the square or circle, then hold down the left side of the mouse as you move the cursor toward the middle of the figure (to make smaller) or outward (to make larger). Remove your finger from the mouse when you are satisfied with the size of the symbol. HINT: If you hold the shift key down while adjusting the size of the circle or square, it will remain symmetrical.
6. Add text inside shape: Right Click (when you right click on box, the + needs to show up) > Add text > Here we typed “John S., 26”
7. Add a caption: Click on box > Right click > Insert caption > Here we typed “Primary Client”
8. Add a relationship line: Click on Insert > Shape > Line > Right click on line > Format shape > Here we selected the dotted line (line style, dash type) in black (line color, black). To shorten and lengthen lines, move the mouse to the line until a + appears. Left click on the small circle at either end of the line to adjust to the desired length.
9. Add a family member: Here we added a female partner to this 26-year-old male client: Insert > Shape > Circle > Click on the circle and move the mouse to connect the circle to the dotted line.
10. Provide subjective detail to a relationship line: Click on Insert > Text box (here we selected the “simple text box”) > we typed “m.2003, s.2006” to indicate married in 2003 and separated in 2006. (You may need to adjust the size of the text. To do this, highlight the text with your mouse > right click > adjust font size to 10 or 9)
11. Edit the text box so just writing is visible: right click on text box > Format shape > Line color > Selected white as line color since our shapes are black.

• For large and complex families, consider using a landscape page set up (File > Page Setup > Landscape). This will help if you anticipate that the genogram will be wide. You can insert a Page Break, if needed, so the page with the genogram is on landscape and the rest of the document is written on a portrait page.
• The example we’ve provided here is in black and white, but color used judiciously in a genogram can be helpful. For instance, multiple generations can be represented easily by formatting (Right Click > Format Auto Shape > Fill Color). Each generation can be designated a particular color (e.g., 3rd generation, blue; 2nd generation, red)
• Consider including individuals significant to the client who may not be blood related. These people might include friends and other social supports.
• Include a key with your genogram to explain the meanings of symbols (e.g., circles, squares, triangles), lines (solid, dashed, thick), and other images you have used.
• Remember there is no “one way” to construct a genogram and that a variety of information can be presented visually, as long as it’s relevant to the client. Some examples include health behaviors and disease risk and trauma and resilience across generations.