Overview
The Family Tree section serves as your central hub for visualizing generational data. It automatically generates connections based on the relationship data you’ve entered in the Persons section.
One of ORCA’s most powerful features is Time Travel, which allows you to view the tree as it existed (or will exist) at any point in time. By adjusting the date, the tree dynamically updates to show births, marriages, and deaths based on the dates logged in your records.
Selecting the Focus Person
The Family Tree is always viewed from the perspective of a specific individual. To change the "root" or focus of the tree:
- Locate the Header: Look for the name in blue at the top-left of the interface.
- Open the Selector: Click the name to open a dropdown menu.
- Search or Scroll: Use the search bar to type a name or scroll through your list of created Persons.
- Switch View: Select a name, and the tree will instantly re-center around that individual.
Viewing Details & Interactions
Interacting with the tree is intuitive, though it behaves slightly differently than the Structure view:
- Member Details: Click on any member’s icon within the tree to open their detail panel. This allows you to view their specific data, documents, and relationships without leaving the Family Tree page.
- Lines vs. Icons: In the Family Tree view, the lines (connections) are for visualization only and are not clickable. To view relationship specifics (such as ownership percentages or legal ties), you should switch to the Structure view.
Using the Time Travel Feature
To visualize the family at different life stages, use the Time Travel toggle (usually found near the top of the screen):
- Before/After Life Events: If you have added dates for marriages, births, or deaths in a person’s setup, moving the timeline will expand or contract the tree accordingly.
- Scenario Planning: This is particularly useful for estate planning, allowing you to visualize the family structure following a significant transition.
- Data Requirement: For Time Travel to work accurately, ensure that all Dates of Birth, Dates of Death, and Anniversary Dates are correctly filled out in the "Person" or "Event" setup panels.
Pro-Tips for a Better View
- Clean Data = Clean Tree: If a relationship looks incorrect, check the "Relationships" tab in the Persons section for the individuals involved. Ensure parent-child and spousal links are clearly defined.
- Missing People? If a person isn't appearing, ensure they have a defined relationship with the focus person or someone already on the tree.
- Toggle Views: Use the Family Tree for lineage and history, and use the Structure View for ownership and asset flow.