How to Create an Online Obituary: Step-by-Step Memorial Guide

Step 2: Add Photos, Words, and Details

Personal touches make the page meaningful. Here’s how to add them:

• Upload a photo: Choose a favorite image of your loved one. You can upload one directly or select from the image library.
• Add a meaningful quote: Many families choose to include a Bible verse, a favorite saying, or words that reflect their loved one’s spirit. This text will appear in a large font above the biography section. There is a 250-character limit.
• Write the obituary text: Share your loved one’s story, highlight their passions, and reflect on the memories that mattered most. If you’d like help, you can use the built-in Obituary Assistant for writing prompts and suggestions. If you’re using the Obituary Assistant, enter the details you’d like to include in each section, and once you’re done, click “Generate.” To use the text the assistant generated, scroll down and click on “Add to Obituary.” After adjusting the spacing and words, click “Create Memorial.”

Step 3: Customize the Memorial Page

Every life is unique, so your loved one’s memorial page can be, too.

• Change the banner image: Hover over the banner at the top and click “Change banner image.” Upload your own, choose from mementos, or select from the image library.
• Reposition the banner: Click “Reposition image” and drag until it looks right.
• Adjust design settings: Under Page Settings, you can update the accent color (teal is the default) and choose an icon that appears above your loved one’s name.

Step 4: Invite Family Members to Help

You don’t have to create the obituary alone. You can give other family members access to contribute by inviting them to become Memorial Keepers.

• On the memorial page, click “Edit Page Settings.”
• Go to the tab titled Keeper Admins.
• Search by their name or email if they have an Altogether account already, or send an invitation by entering their full name and email address.
• They’ll receive an email invitation to join and can then help edit and manage the page.

Step 5: Share the Obituary

Once the page feels complete, you can share it widely so others can celebrate and remember your loved one.

• Share directly: Use the Share Memorial button to send by email, copy a link, or post to Facebook, WhatsApp, or X (formerly known as Twitter).
• Save or print: Click “Print” to generate a PDF copy. You can also right-click and select “Save as PDF.”

Step 6: Preview the Page as a Guest

Before sharing with friends and family, you can see what the page will look like to visitors.

• Click “Preview as Guest.”
• A new tab will open showing the public version. You’ll also see a “Viewing as Guest” message on the bottom left corner of the screen. Close the tab to return to editing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Creating an Obituary

Q: How long does it take for the obituary to appear on the funeral home’s location page?

New obituaries usually appear within an hour, and always by the end of the day. But they will be visible under the main Obituaries tab right away.

Q: Can I make changes later?

Yes. You can update photos, text, dates, or design details at any time by going to your Obituary Dashboard, opening the obituary, and clicking on the section you’d like to edit.

Q: Can I remove a memorial page?

Yes. From the Edit Page Settings menu, click “Deactivate Memorial” and confirm by typing DELETE and clicking Deactivate.

Q: Can I change the colors or images?

Absolutely. Accent colors, banners, and photos can be updated at any time under Edit Page Settings and the Mementos tab.

Q. Do I write an obituary for a Veteran the same as for another loved one?

You write a veteran’s obituary much the same way, but be sure to include their military service, honors, and branch. Here’s an article that can help.

Online Obituaries Let You Share Memories

Our free online obituary program allows you to view and share memories with friends and family worldwide. You can personalize the tribute and update it to include new memories or additional family stories. Having an online memorial is part of keeping their memory alive, just as a funeral or life celebration, or planting a memorial tree. 

And remember: your local funeral provider is always available to help. If you’d prefer, they can walk you through the process or even create the online obituary with you, so you don’t have to do it alone.