Excel Family Tree Generator Template - Error message when selecting "Create Family Tree"

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Excel Family Tree Generator Template - Error message when selecting "Create Family Tree"

Mark Coblentz 20

I have used Family Tree Generator template in the past but now can no longer make corrections to old trees or make new ones. I have repaired MS365 as some posts suggested, downloaded Family Tree Generator, and saved using .xlsm. After selecting "Reset Family Members" to enter my personal family info, I enter my Grandparents, then first child in "First Generation Children" column (selecting parents from dropdown menu okay) and then select Create Family Tree in upper right corner to see if it works. Graphic is fine. Next, I add second child in "First Generation Children" column, select parents fine, then select Create Family Tree again and a Microsoft Visual Basic message pops up with "Run-time error '1004' (see attached). Is there something else that I need to do to use the template?

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Xavier-D 13,110 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hello Mark Coblentz

I can see that you are having issue with Excel Family Tree Generator Template

The screenshot shows a generic VBA Run-time error ‘1004’: Application-defined or object-defined error. Since the template creates the first chart successfully, the workbook is already macro-enabled, so another Office repair or file-format change is unlikely to help.

Try this workaround:

Create a completely new copy from Excel > File > New, then search for Family Tree Generator.
Select Reset Family Members and enter all family members and parent selections before selecting Create Family Tree.
Select Create Family Tree only once, after completing the entries. Repeatedly regenerating a partially completed tree may be where the template’s VBA code fails.
Keep names unique, avoid blank rows between entries, and make changes only on the Family Members sheet, not directly on the generated Family Tree sheet.

Error 1004 generally means the macro tried to use an invalid argument, range, worksheet object, or unsupported context.

If the error still occurs, please select Debug in the message and take a screenshot of the line highlighted in yellow. That line is necessary to identify whether the template is failing while clearing the previous chart, reading the second child, or creating a new shape. Also include the Excel build shown under File** > Account > About **Excel.

Feel free reply back to this post and update me on this issue, I'll be happy to help.

Xavier-D 13,110 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-07-19T01:24:22.1133333+00:00

Hi Mark Coblentz

I’m following up to check on the status of this issue.

Have you had an opportunity to review the answer shared earlier?

Any update you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Mark Coblentz 20 Reputation points

2026-07-19T16:05:12.03+00:00

Yes, completing more of the family members appeared to resolve the issue. Thank You!
Ian-T 12,305 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-07-20T07:52:32.7633333+00:00

Hi Mark Coblentz

Glad to hear that from you. Hope you have a great day