Cladogram Maker

Cladogram Maker & Phylogenetic Tree Maker

Free online cladogram maker. Draw a cladogram or phylogenetic tree by hand, generate it from a table of traits, or start from a template, then download it as a PNG or SVG. No signup needed.

Make a cladogram online in three steps

You don't need any software or an account. Whether you call it a cladogram creator, builder or generator, it works the same way: open the tool, build your tree, and download it.

  1. Add your organisms. Press Start Creating, then use the + handle on any node to add a branch and click a label to name it. Drag a branch to move it.
  2. Arrange the groups. Put the organisms that share a trait on the same branch. The tool keeps the lines tidy as you go.
  3. Download it. Export a sharp PNG for slides and homework, or an SVG that stays crisp in print.

New to this? The guide on how to make a cladogram walks through choosing traits and checking the result.

Cladogram generator from a table

If you already have a list of traits, let the generator draw the tree for you. Open Table, list your organisms down the side and traits across the top, and tick which organism has which trait. The cladogram is generated from the table instantly and updates whenever you change a cell. You can also paste data straight from a spreadsheet.

Phylogenetic tree maker

The same tool works as a phylogenetic tree maker. A cladogram shows only the order of branching; a phylogenetic tree can also show how much each lineage changed, with branch lengths drawn to scale. Switch to phylogram mode, or build a tree from a distance matrix, for example percentage differences between DNA sequences, and it is drawn to scale with a scale bar. Trees from other programs open here too: import a Newick file and keep editing. See how to make a phylogenetic tree for the full steps.

Cladogram templates

Start from a ready-made cladogram instead of a blank canvas. The templates cover the examples most biology classes use: vertebrates, primates, plants, arthropods, and dinosaurs and birds. Open one, rename or rearrange the branches, and it's yours.

Customize and download your tree

Lay the tree out horizontally, vertically or in a circle, with square or angled branches. Change colors, line thickness and font size, color a whole group to highlight it, and move or rotate labels one by one. When it looks right, download it as a PNG or SVG, or save the tree as Newick, NEXUS or JSON to reopen later or use in other software.

What is a cladogram?

A cladogram, also called an evolutionary tree or evolution tree, is a branching diagram that shows how a group of organisms are related. Each branch point stands for a shared ancestor, and two organisms are more closely related the nearer to the tips their branches meet. Cladograms are used in biology classes, exam revision and research to show evolutionary relationships at a glance. Read more in what is a cladogram and how to read a cladogram.

Frequently asked questions

Is this cladogram maker free?

Yes, entirely free, with no account and nothing to install. It runs in your browser.

Can I make a cladogram from a data table?

Yes. Open Table, list your organisms and traits, tick which organism has which trait, and the cladogram is generated from the table. You can also paste data from a spreadsheet.

Can I download my cladogram?

Yes. Download it as a PNG for slides and homework, or as an SVG that stays sharp in print. You can also save the tree as Newick, NEXUS or JSON.

Does my work get saved?

Your tree is saved automatically in your browser's local storage, so it's still there when you return. It stays on your device, nothing is uploaded. You can also export a JSON file to keep a copy or move it to another device.

Can I use the diagrams in schoolwork or a publication?

Yes. Diagrams you create are yours. For print, use the SVG export, it's vector, so it won't pixelate at any size.

Does it work on a phone?

Yes. Tap a label to edit it, drag to move it, and pinch to zoom. The toolbar collapses to icons on small screens.