The research is done. The stories have been written. The photos are scanned, labeled, and organized. You’re holding not just a draft — but a legacy. Now comes one of the most important and creative phases of your family history journey: designing, formatting, and publishing the book that will preserve these memories for generations to come.

This phase turns your work into something tangible and beautiful — a book that can sit on a coffee table, be gifted at family reunions, shared digitally, or live on a website for the world to see. In this article, we’ll walk through every key decision to help you confidently move from draft to display.

 1. Print, Digital, or Online? Choosing the Right Format

How you publish your book depends on who it’s for and how you want it to be experienced. Let’s break down the most common formats:

Printed Book

A printed heirloom book is tactile, personal, and timeless.

• Pros: A physical object to hold, gift, and pass down.

• Ideal for: Elders, keepsakes, family reunions, memorials.

Digital PDF

A high-quality digital file that mirrors your printed layout.

• Pros: Easy to email, archive, and update.

• Ideal for: Large, dispersed families or future editing.

Website or Interactive Archive

An online version that includes text, images, videos, and audio.

• Pros: Interactive and easily shared globally.

• Ideal for: Families who want a living, evolving record.

Tip: You don’t have to choose just one. Many families opt for print + PDF, or website + downloadable e-book, to maximize access.

2. Fonts, Colors, and Page Layout — Setting the Visual Tone

Your design should reflect the tone and heart of your book. Is it formal and archival? Warm and homey? Poetic and reflective? Choose design elements that match the mood.

Fonts

• Serif fonts like Garamond, Georgia, or Baskerville create a traditional, book-like feel.

• Sans-serif fonts like Lato or Helvetica work well for captions or headings.

• Limit your font palette to 2–3 fonts for cohesion.

Color Palette

• Use neutral or sepia tones to reflect history.

• Soft color accents (like faded blue or olive green) help distinguish sections.

• Avoid overly bright or trendy colors — aim for timelessness.

Page Layout

• Choose standard sizes: 8.5”x11” landscape makes a great heirloom coffee table book. 

• Use:

  • Generous margins for readability.

  • Photo boxes or sidebars for quotes and timelines.

  • Headers/footers with book or family name.

Design Tip: Print a test page to see how the fonts and colors translate off-screen.

3. Binding and Paper — Building a Book That Lasts

Your family history book is more than a project — it’s a legacy object. That’s why materials matter.

Binding Options

• Hardcover: Durable and elegant; best for heirloom editions.

• Softcover: Lightweight and cost-effective.

• Spiral-bound: Great for cookbooks or interactive memory books.

Paper and Finish

• Use archival-quality paper to prevent yellowing or fading.

• Matte finish is best for readability and photo printing.

• Glossy pages work for photo-heavy books but can reflect light.

Legacy Touches

• Add a custom cover, embossed family name, or coat of arms.

• Include protective sleeves or a slipcase for multi-volume editions.

4. Essential Front and Back Matter — Framing the Story

Don’t skip the opening and closing sections of your book — they offer context and heart.

Front Matter

• Cover Page: Title, subtitle, family name or author.

• Dedication Page: A note to honor a loved one or entire generation.

• Introduction / Preface: Tell readers why you created this book and what to expect.

• Table of Contents: Essential for navigation, especially in longer books.

Back Matter

• Acknowledgments: Thank contributors and ancestors alike.

• Source Index: List records, photos, and interviews used.

• Family Tree Appendix: Optional, but helpful for cross-referencing.

• Blank Pages: Invite future generations to add their own notes.

Emotional Tip: Use these sections to bookend the soul of your work — what started it, what it became, and what it hopes to leave behind.

5. Printing and Distribution — Sharing the Legacy

When your book is complete, it’s time to bring it to life.

Where to Print

• Blurb and Lulu: Great for full-color, photo-rich books.

• BookBaby or KDP (Amazon): Ideal for self-publishing with ISBN options.

• Local print shops: May offer personalized service and higher craftsmanship.

Distribution Options

• Print multiple copies for family members.

• Send PDF copies via email or cloud drives.

• Upload digital versions to shared family websites or private Facebook groups.

• Create a limited edition with numbered copies, a signing page, or insert letters.

Publishing Tip: Order a proof copy before final printing to catch layout errors or photo issues.

Designing, formatting, and publishing a family history book is the final, sacred step in transforming stories into legacy. Whether printed, emailed, or displayed on a screen, the way your book is presented shapes how it will be received — and remembered.

Take the time to choose formats, fonts, and finishes that reflect your family’s personality and preserve their stories with the grace and dignity they deserve. Because someday, someone will turn the pages of this book and find themselves inside it.