5 Easy Ways to Create a Funeral Program Online at The Funeral Program Site
One complete walkthrough plus two quick Shorts to reinforce the key answers.
Watch the full walkthrough
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Creating a funeral program online can feel like a lot, especially when your family is making last-minute decisions. The Funeral Program Site approach is to keep it simple: pick the method that matches your timeline, gather your essentials, and get a clean first draft completed. From there, you can refine wording, swap photos, and adjust sections without pressure.
If you want the original reference guide, use this resource from The Funeral Program Site.
Quick prep list: full name, dates, service location/time, officiant (if known), order of service, and 1–3 photos. Having those ready makes every option faster.
The five ways (with the best use-case for each)
1) Downloadable template you edit on your computer
Best for families who want full control with a polished starting layout. You place your text and photos, then export a print-ready file. This method works well when you have a little time to review and you want to make small layout choices yourself.
2) Online editor in your web browser
Best for simple edits without installing software. An online editor lets you change wording, upload photos, and preview your program quickly. It is a good option when multiple family members need to review details and you want easy revisions.
3) Digital funeral program for paperless sharing
Best for modern sharing by link or QR code. A digital funeral program can be viewed on phones, tablets, and desktops, making it ideal for out-of-town guests, virtual services, and paperless distribution.
4) Done-for-you design and printing
Best for peace of mind and a professional finish with minimal effort. You submit the details and photos, and a designer produces a clean layout, then prints and ships the final programs. This is the most hands-off option.
5) Hybrid option: professional customization with a print-ready file
Best for families who want professional layout but prefer local printing. You receive a print-ready file that can be printed near you, which can be helpful when timing is tight.
Two quick Shorts to reinforce the main answers
These are short, answer-style clips that support the long video. Add your two Shorts IDs in the placeholders so the embeds work.
Short: Fastest way to create a funeral program online
This clip focuses on speed: what to gather first and which method usually gets a clean first draft done the fastest.
Short: DIY Funeral Programs Cadence Funeral Program
This clip explains digital sharing: link vs QR code, and why digital programs are helpful for guests on mobile devices.
Quick comparison table
| Method | Best for | Typical time | What you need ready |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downloadable template (DIY) | Control and customization with a professional starting design | 20–60 minutes | Photo(s), name/dates, service details |
| Online editor | Fast edits in-browser with easy revisions | 20–60 minutes | Internet access, photo(s), service details |
| Digital program | Paperless sharing by link or QR code | 20–60 minutes | Clean text, photo(s), share method |
| Done-for-you | Least stress, professional layout and print delivery | Varies by turnaround | Final text and best-quality photos |
| Hybrid (custom + print-ready file) | Professional layout with local print flexibility | Varies by turnaround | Final text, photo(s), printing plan |
If you feel stuck, choose one method and complete a first draft. Most families feel relief once the basics are in place.
Next step
The simplest approach is to get the essentials placed first, then refine. Start with the name, dates, service information, and one strong photo. Once those are set, you can add an obituary, order of service, acknowledgements, and optional poems or scripture.