Building and Exploring Your Family Tree on FamilySearch.org

Building and Exploring Your Family Tree on FamilySearch.org

This guide will walk you through the process of building and exploring your family tree on FamilySearch.org, connecting you to your ancestors and their stories.

1. Create Your Free Account and Start Your Tree

• Go to FamilySearch.org.
• Click the "Free Account" button in the top right corner.
• Follow the prompts to create your account using your email address or mobile number.
• Once logged in, FamilySearch may prompt you to add yourself and your parents. If not, click on the "Family Tree" menu option at the top of the page, then select "Tree".

2. Add Yourself and Your Immediate Family

• On the main tree view (usually "Landscape" or "Pedigree"), you'll see a box for "You."
• To add your parents, click the "Add Father" and "Add Mother" links directly connected to your box.
• A pop-up window will appear. Enter your parent's first name, last name, gender, birth date, and birth place. If they are deceased, mark the "Deceased" checkbox.
• Click "Next". FamilySearch may suggest a matching person from the shared tree. Carefully review any suggestions. If it's a match, click "Add Match"; otherwise, click "Create Person".
• Repeat this process for your mother.
• If you have a spouse, click the "Add Spouse" link connected to your box and follow the same steps.

3. Connect to the Shared Family Tree

• As you add parents and grandparents, FamilySearch will automatically try to find existing ancestors in its vast shared tree. This is where you can connect to millions of pre-researched individuals.
• Look for icons or messages on your ancestor's boxes, such as a green temple icon (indicating possible ordinance work) or "Possible Duplicates" on their individual person page.
• If you see a "Find Matches" button or suggestions, click it to review potential connections. Always verify the information carefully before attaching.
• When you find a match, you'll typically be given the option to merge the information, adding more details and sources to your branch.

4. Expand Your Ancestral Lines

• To go back further, click on an ancestor's box, then click the "Add Father" or "Add Mother" links connected to them.
• Alternatively, click on an ancestor's name to go to their individual Person Page.
• On the Person Page, navigate to the "Details" tab. Scroll down to the "Family Members" section and use the "+ Add Father", "+ Add Mother", or "+ Add Spouse" links there.
• On the Person Page, look for the "Research Helps" section on the right side. This often provides hints for new records or possible duplicates.
• Click the "Search Records" button on the Person Page to automatically search historical records for that individual, helping you find more information and sources.

5. Explore Your Tree and Ancestor Details

• From the main "Family Tree" menu, try different tree views:
  • "Fan Chart": A beautiful, radial view of your direct ancestors.
  • "Descendancy": Shows the descendants of a chosen ancestor.
  • "Portrait": Displays ancestors with their photos.
• On an ancestor's Person Page, explore the different tabs:
  • "Details": Birth, marriage, death, and residence information.
  • "Sources": Records and documents linked to the person. Always try to add sources for new information!
  • "Memories": Photos, stories, documents, and audio recordings shared by family members.
  • "Ordinances" (for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints): Shows temple ordinance status.
• Regularly check the "Latest Changes" or "Notifications" from the top menu for updates or suggestions from FamilySearch and other users collaborating on the shared tree.