Yes, Family Tree Now is a free genealogy search engine that aggregates public records from across the United States to help you find relatives, build family trees, and discover historical data about your ancestors. It pulls from sources like census records, birth and death indexes, marriage licenses, and obituaries, then presents them in a simple, searchable format. While the service is genuinely free to use, it has limitations in accuracy and depth, and it is not a substitute for primary-source research on paid platforms like Ancestry or FamilySearch.
What Is Family Tree Now?
Family Tree Now (familytreenow.com) is a genealogy website launched in the mid-2010s that offers free access to billions of public records. Unlike subscription-based services, it does not require a paid account for basic searches. The site is operated by a company called Graphiq, which also runs other data-aggregation sites. It is designed to be a quick, user-friendly tool for anyone looking up family connections, especially in the United States.
The platform compiles data from federal and state archives, county records, and other public databases. It then normalizes that data into searchable profiles that include names, birth and death dates, possible relatives, and locations. Because it relies on public records, it does not include private information like current addresses or phone numbers unless those appear in public documents.
How Does the Search Work?
To use Family Tree Now, you simply enter a person’s name (first and last) and, optionally, a state and birth year. The search engine scans its index and returns a list of possible matches, each with a confidence score. Clicking on a match opens a profile page with details such as:
- Full name and aliases
- Birth and death dates
- Possible relatives (spouses, parents, children)
- Census records and year of residence
- Military service records (if available)
- Links to source documents (e.g., census images)
The site also offers a “Family Tree” view that attempts to map relationships automatically based on the records it has. However, this feature is less robust than dedicated tree-building tools. The search is free, but you may be asked to complete a CAPTCHA or watch an ad to access full results, a common trade-off for free data.
Is Family Tree Now Accurate?
Accuracy varies. The site is a secondary source: it aggregates data from original documents, but it does not verify or interpret them. Common issues include:
- Name variations (e.g., “Catherine” vs. “Catharine”)
- Incorrect birth year due to transcription errors in census records
- Duplicate profiles for the same person
- Merging of two different people with the same name
For example, a census record might list a 5-year-old as “John Smith” but the birth index might show a “John A. Smith.” Family Tree Now may treat these as two separate entries or incorrectly merge them. Always cross-check with original records. The site itself notes that its data is “for informational purposes only” and should not be used for legal decisions.
How Does It Compare to Ancestry and FamilySearch?
Family Tree Now is a lightweight alternative to major genealogy platforms. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Ancestry.com – Paid subscription; largest collection of historical records and DNA integration; robust tree-building tools; but expensive.
- FamilySearch.org – Free; run by the LDS Church; massive record collection; collaborative tree; but requires free account and some records are restricted.
- Family Tree Now – Free; no account needed for basic search; quick and easy; but limited record depth and no DNA features.
If you are just starting out or need a quick lookup, Family Tree Now is convenient. If you need to trace a lineage back several centuries or access original documents, FamilySearch or Ancestry are better. FamilySearch is particularly strong for US and European records.
Costs and Limitations
The core search is free, but there are trade-offs. You may encounter:
- Pop-up ads and CAPTCHAs that interrupt the experience
- Limited access to full documents – some records show only a summary, not the actual image
- No export of family tree data to GEDCOM (a standard file format)
- No DNA testing or integration
There is no premium tier; the site is ad-supported. For serious genealogists, the lack of document images is a major drawback. You can often find the same records for free on FamilySearch or via the National Archives.
Privacy and Safety Concerns
Because Family Tree Now aggregates public records, it can expose personal information that you might not want online. While it does not show current addresses or phone numbers (unless they are in public records), it can reveal birth dates, previous addresses, and family relationships. If you are concerned about your own information, you can request removal by visiting the site’s “Opt Out” page and submitting your details. The process is manual and may take a few days.
Use caution when sharing information about living relatives. Genealogy sites are a common target for identity thieves. Never enter sensitive data like Social Security numbers, and be wary of phishing attempts that ask for payment to “unlock” records – Family Tree Now does not charge for basic access.
Alternatives and When to Use Them
If Family Tree Now does not meet your needs, consider these alternatives:
- FamilySearch.org – Best free alternative with a huge record database and a collaborative family tree.
- Ancestry.com – Best for DNA testing and advanced tree building, but costs money.
- Findmypast.com – Strong for British and Irish records.
- MyHeritage.com – Good for international records and DNA matching.
- National Archives (archives.gov) – Free access to US federal records like census and military.
For a quick, free search, Family Tree Now is a decent starting point. For serious research, use it as a lead generator, then verify findings on FamilySearch or original records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Family Tree Now really free?
Yes, the basic search and profile views are free. There is no subscription fee. However, you may see ads and CAPTCHAs, and some full document images are not available without a paid subscription on partner sites.
Can I build a family tree on Family Tree Now?
Yes, but it is very basic. You can view an automatically generated tree based on the records it has, but you cannot edit it or export it. For building your own tree, use FamilySearch (free) or Ancestry (paid).
How do I remove my information from Family Tree Now?
Go to the site’s “Opt Out” page, enter your first and last name, and select your state. You will need to verify your identity via email or a phone number. The removal process is manual and can take a few days.
Does Family Tree Now have DNA testing?
No, it does not offer DNA tests or analysis. It only aggregates public records. If you want DNA matches, you need to use AncestryDNA, 23andMe, or MyHeritage DNA.
Why do I see wrong information for my relatives?
Because the site relies on automated data aggregation, errors are common. Transcriptions of old records can be inaccurate, and different sources may conflict. Always verify with original documents, such as census images or birth certificates, which are often available on FamilySearch.
Is Family Tree Now safe to use?
It is generally safe, but be mindful of privacy. The site does not ask for sensitive information, but it does display public records. If you are concerned about your own data, opt out. Avoid clicking on suspicious ads or entering payment details.
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