Complete guide

Print, Share & Remember

Everything you need to preserve a life story — from printing a beautiful funeral program to sharing a memorial page with family around the world.

One memorial. Infinite ways to share.

ObituaryMLS makes it easy to honor a loved one in every format — a printed program for the service, a QR code on a headstone marker, a shared link for family who couldn't attend, and a permanent digital memorial that lives on for generations.

This guide walks you through each step so nothing is left to chance during one of life's most difficult moments.

Step-by-step guide

Check off each step as you go — your progress is saved while you're on this page.

Overall progress: 0 of 24 steps
STEP 01Print

Create & Print the Funeral Program

A printed program gives attendees something to hold, read, and keep. ObituaryMLS generates a print-ready PDF in minutes.

0 of 6 steps complete
  1. 01Sign in or create a free account
    Sign up free

    You need an ObituaryMLS account to save and print your memorial program.

  2. 02Open the 3-step memorial builder
    Create a memorial

    Click "Create a Memorial" to launch the guided form. You can pre-fill the name and category from the homepage.

  3. 03Step 1 — Add the basics

    Upload a photo, enter the full name, birth and passing dates, birthplace, and passing place. Choose a template category (Classic, Faith & Heritage, Military Honors, or Celestial) and a color theme.

  4. 04Step 2 — Write the life story

    Fill in the Life Story, occupation, education, survivors, preceded-in-death, and service details. Add additional photos and a favorite scripture or verse.

  5. 05Step 3 — Download the print program

    Review the memorial summary card. Click "Print Program" to download a print-ready PDF.

  6. 06Print the program

    Print at home on 80 lb. cardstock, take the PDF to a local print shop, or upload to an online printer. Standard sizes: 8.5×11 or 5.5×8.5 folded.

Pro tip

Use at least 80 lb. cardstock for a professional feel. Most funeral homes accept 8.5×11 or 5.5×8.5 folded programs.

Do it now

Print your memorial program

Build it in 3 steps — takes about 5 minutes

  1. 1

    Choose a template

    Pick from 25 themed programs — Classic, Faith, Military, or Celestial.

  2. 2

    Fill in the details

    Name, dates, photo, life story, scripture, and service info.

  3. 3

    Download & print

    Save a print-ready PDF. Print at home or at any print shop.

Funeral program (8.5×11)Memorial card (4×6)Headstone marker insert
Next: QR CodeGenerate & Place the QR Code

Formats & use cases

Funeral Program

8.5×11 or 5.5×8.5 folded. Print-ready PDF from Step 3 of the memorial builder.

Memorial Card

Wallet-size or 4×6 card with name, dates, photo, and QR code. Print at any photo lab.

Headstone Marker

Weather-resistant QR code plaques available from specialty vendors. Link to the digital memorial.

Social Media Post

Share the memorial link on Facebook, Instagram, or X with a photo and a short tribute message.

Email Announcement

Include the memorial link in the death notice email sent to friends, colleagues, and community.

Digital Slideshow

Build a photo slideshow in Video Vault and share the link for viewing at the reception or remotely.

Frequently asked questions

Ready to create the memorial?

Start with the 3-step builder — it takes about 10 minutes and you can save your progress at any point.