DESCENDANT TREE MAKER – USER INSTRUCTIONS
by PrintableUtils

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1. HOW TO OPEN THE TOOL

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This tool works offline and does not require installation.

1. Locate the file:
   descendant-tree-maker-vX.html

2. Double-click the file

3. It will open automatically in your web browser
   (Chrome, Safari, Edge, etc.)

Works on both Windows and Mac.

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2. HOW TO USE THE TOOL

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The screen is divided into two sections:

LEFT SIDE:
You enter names, years, and family information

RIGHT SIDE:
Live preview of your descendant tree

Steps:

1. Start typing names into the fields on the left

2. Add birth, death, or marriage years if desired

3. Add children using the add child buttons

4. Add spouse or partner information where needed

5. The descendant tree updates instantly on the right side

6. Scroll the preview area if needed
   (horizontal and vertical)

Notes:

* You can leave fields empty
* Unknown family members can be left blank
* Layout adjusts automatically
* No manual positioning or drawing required
* Large family trees may require scrolling
  to view the full layout

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3. BUTTONS EXPLAINED

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Load Example Data
* Loads a sample descendant tree so you can see how the tool works

Export JSON
* Saves your editable family data as a JSON file

Import JSON
* Loads previously saved (or one of the examples provided) family data back into the tool

Export JPEG
* Saves your descendant tree as a high-quality image (JPG format), size varies based on your tree size

Clear All Data
* Removes all entered information and resets the tool

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4. SAVING YOUR WORK

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This tool does NOT save automatically.

To avoid losing your work:

Option 1 (Recommended)

* Use "Export JSON"
* Save the JSON file somewhere safe
* Import the file later to continue editing

Option 2

* Export your tree as JPEG
* JPEG files cannot be edited later inside the tool

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5. EXPORTING YOUR DESCENDANT TREE

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1. Click "Export JPEG"

2. The image will download automatically (images are large so it can take few seconds to generate, be patient)

3. Export resolution adjusts automatically based on tree size to maintain print quality

Notes:

* Designed for landscape printing
* White background included
* Fonts are embedded for more consistent output
* Large descendant trees export at higher resolutions automatically 

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6. PRINTING

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Recommended settings:

* Orientation: Landscape
* Paper size: Depends on your tree size! We cannot recommend any print size as 
  tree will rapidly grow when multiple children are added for multiple generations
* Scale: Fit to page or 100%

Suitable for:

* Home printing 
* Professional print shops
* Large poster printing

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7. COMPATIBILITY NOTES

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* Works on Windows and Mac
* Works in modern browsers (Chrome, Edge, Safari)
* No internet connection required after opening file
* No Excel, Word, or additional software required

If something looks incorrect:

* Try another browser
* Make sure you are using the original unmodified file

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8. TROUBLESHOOTING

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Nothing happens when opening file:

* Right-click → Open with → choose a browser

Export not working:

* Refresh the page and try again
* Try another browser
* Make sure you are using the original unmodified file

JSON import not working:

* Make sure you selected a valid JSON file
  exported from this tool
* Reset your tool by pressing "Clear All Data", try to import one of the example JSON files

Layout looks too large or tree is not visible:

* Scroll horizontally and vertically to view the entire tree, if it becomes very big you need to scroll right to see content

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9. COPYRIGHT © PrintableUtils

This tool and its code are proprietary and may not be copied, modified, or distributed without permission. 

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## End of instructions