5 Easy Ways to Create a Funeral Program Online
A calm, step-by-step guide from The Funeral Program Site — plus video, Shorts, audio, and a transcript toggle.
Watch the full walkthrough
Listen to the audio version
Tip: Play the audio while you gather photos, confirm names/dates, and double-check service details.
Transcript (toggle)
Provided for accessibility and quick scanning. If you’re short on time, keep it closed and use the table below.
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Welcome to The Funeral Program Site. If you’re trying to create a funeral program online and you don’t know which direction to go, this will simplify it. I’m going to share five easy options so you can choose what fits your timeline, your comfort level, and how much help you want.
Option one is a downloadable template. This is great when you want a professional layout right away, but you still want to edit the wording and place photos yourself. You drop in your details, review the sections, and save a print-ready file.
Option two is editing in your web browser. If you prefer not to install software, an online editor keeps things lightweight. It’s also convenient for families who need to review the program together and make quick revisions without starting over.
Option three is a digital program. Instead of printing, you share by link or QR code so guests can view it on a phone or computer. This can be especially helpful for out-of-town guests, virtual services, or anyone who wants a paperless option.
Option four is done-for-you design and printing. If you want the least stress, this is the most hands-off path. You provide the information and photos, and the layout is handled for you so you can focus on your family.
Option five is a hybrid: professional customization with a print-ready file. This works well when you want a clean, polished layout, but you’d like the flexibility to print locally or print at home—especially when timing is tight.
No matter which method you choose, here’s the fastest way to move forward: start with the essentials first—name, dates, service time/location, and one clear photo. Once the foundation is placed, you can add the obituary, order of service, acknowledgements, and any optional poem or scripture without feeling stuck.
Thanks for being here. If you want more quick answers, visit our YouTube channel, and come back to the full walkthrough whenever you need a steady, step-by-step guide.
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Creating a program during a loss can feel like one more decision on an already full plate. The Funeral Program Site approach is to reduce the moving parts: choose the simplest method for your deadline, build a clean first draft, then refine the details once the layout is stable.
If you want a single page you can return to while you work, use this funeral program guide as your quick reference.
Quick checklist: name, dates, service time/location, order of service (even a rough outline), and 1–3 photos. That’s enough to begin.
Quick comparison table
| Method | Best for | Typical time | What to have ready |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downloadable template (DIY) | Professional layout with hands-on control and full customization | 25–70 minutes | Name/dates, service basics, 1–3 photos |
| Browser-based editor | Fast updates in a web browser and easy collaboration | 20–60 minutes | Internet access, photos, service details |
| Digital program (link/QR) | Paperless sharing for remote guests, virtual services, and quick distribution | 20–60 minutes | Final text, photos, link or QR plan |
| Done-for-you design + printing | Lowest stress with professional layout and delivered prints | Varies by turnaround | Approved wording, best-quality photos |
| Hybrid: custom layout + print-ready file | Professional design with flexible local or at-home printing | Varies by turnaround | Final text, photos, printing plan |
If you’re overwhelmed, choose the option that gets you to a clean first draft fastest. You can refine wording and photos after the structure is in place.
The five easy ways (and the best time to use each)
1) Start with a downloadable template you edit yourself
Choose this when you want full control but don’t want to build a layout from scratch. A template gives you spacing, sizing, and structure up front. You simply replace placeholders with your wording and photos, then export a print-ready file.
2) Use a browser-based editor for quick changes
This option is great if you need fast edits without installing software. It’s also helpful when multiple family members need to confirm spelling, dates, or service details and you want revisions to be simple.
3) Create a digital program for sharing by link or QR code
If guests are attending virtually, traveling in, or you want a paperless approach, digital sharing is a clean solution. Guests can view the program on their phone, tablet, or computer—without needing printed copies.
4) Choose done-for-you design and printing
When you want the most support and the least stress, done-for-you is the best fit. You provide the content and photos, and the design is handled for you. Printed programs are prepared and shipped, saving you time and formatting headaches.
5) Go hybrid: professional customization + a print-ready file
Hybrid works well when you want a professional finish but prefer to print locally or print at home. You get a print-ready file you can use wherever it’s most convenient—especially helpful if your timeline changes.
Two quick Shorts for fast answers
These are “one question, one answer” clips to support the long video. If you’re deciding quickly, start here—then watch the full walkthrough for the complete process.
Short: DIY Funeral Programs (Cadence Template) overview
A quick DIY snapshot: what to place first, what to double-check, and how to avoid getting stuck on formatting too early.
Short: Digital funeral programs and sharing by QR code
A quick digital option: share by link or QR code so guests can view on any device—especially helpful for virtual or out-of-town attendees.
Quick comparison table
| Method | Best for | Typical time | What to have ready |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downloadable template (DIY) | Professional layout + hands-on control | 25–70 minutes | Photo(s), name/dates, service basics |
| Browser-based editor | Fast edits and easy collaboration | 20–60 minutes | Photos, service details, internet |
| Digital program | Paperless sharing by link/QR | 20–60 minutes | Clean text, photos, sharing plan |
| Done-for-you | Least stress, most support | Depends on turnaround | Final text, best-quality images |
| Hybrid (custom + print-ready file) | Professional layout + print flexibility | Depends on turnaround | Final text, photos, print plan |
If you’re overwhelmed, pick the option that gets you to a first draft fastest. Relief usually comes once the basics are placed.
Next step
Start with the core items first: name, dates, service location/time, and one strong photo. Then add the obituary, order of service, acknowledgements, and any optional readings. Working in this order keeps the process steady and prevents last-minute scrambling.