Yes, you can create a family tree by gathering names, dates, and relationships from relatives and records, then organizing them into a chart that branches from you or an ancestor. Start with what you know, ask family members for missing details, and use free or paid genealogy tools to build and share your tree.
What a Family Tree Actually Is
A family tree is a visual diagram of kinship, typically showing direct ancestors (parents, grandparents, great-grandparents) and sometimes siblings, cousins, and in-laws. The most common format is a pedigree chart, which focuses on direct ancestry, or a descendant chart, which starts with an ancestor and shows all known descendants. Trees can be as simple as three generations on paper or as complex as thousands of linked individuals in a database.
Genealogists often distinguish between a family tree (informal, often incomplete) and a genealogical chart (systematic, with sources). Most online platforms let you toggle between views, so you can see a clean tree or a detailed report.
Why Build a Family Tree?
People build trees for many reasons: to preserve family stories, to identify genetic health risks, to find living relatives, or to satisfy curiosity about where they come from. A tree also helps organize documents, photos, and oral history in one place. For example, knowing your great-grandmother’s maiden name can unlock census records, immigration lists, and land deeds that would otherwise be hard to search.
Building a tree is also a way to pass down knowledge. A 2016 survey by Ancestry found that 94% of Americans believe knowing family history is important, yet many do not know their grandparents’ full names. Starting a tree is a concrete step to close that gap.
How to Start: Step-by-Step
- Write down what you know. Start with yourself, then parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. Include full names, dates and places of birth, marriage, and death. Don’t worry about gaps.
- Interview relatives. Ask older family members for names, stories, and documents. Record the conversation (with permission) and note who told you what.
- Gather home sources. Look for birth certificates, marriage licenses, obituaries, family Bibles, photo albums, and letters. These provide dates and places that relatives may misremember.
- Choose a tool. You can use paper charts, spreadsheet software, or online platforms like Ancestry, FamilySearch, MyHeritage, or WikiTree. Each has pros and cons (see below).
- Add sources. For each fact, note where it came from (e.g., “birth certificate, 1920, Ohio”). This makes your tree credible and helps resolve conflicts later.
- Review and share. Show your tree to family members for corrections, and consider printing a copy or sharing a link.
Choosing the Right Tool
Your choice of tool depends on your goals, budget, and comfort with technology. Here are common options:
- Free online platforms: FamilySearch (free, requires login, huge global database) and WikiTree (free, collaborative, focuses on sourcing). Both are nonprofit and allow unlimited trees.
- Subscription services: Ancestry and MyHeritage offer extensive record collections, DNA matching, and automatic hints, but require a paid subscription for most features. They also have free trials.
- Desktop software: Programs like RootsMagic, Legacy Family Tree, and Family Tree Maker let you store data offline, with no subscription. You can sync some with online trees.
- Paper charts: Simple and portable, but hard to edit and share. Good for a first draft or a gift.
If you are just starting, a free account on FamilySearch or WikiTree is a low-risk way to learn. If you plan to do deep research or DNA matching, a paid service may be worth it.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
- Duplicate people. Two relatives may have the same name, or you may enter the same person twice. Use unique identifiers (birth date, location) and merge duplicates when possible.
- Conflicting information. A census may list an age, but a birth certificate says a different year. Record both and cite both sources; do not delete one without evidence.
- Privacy concerns. For living people, most online trees hide them from public view by default. Check your privacy settings and avoid posting sensitive data about living relatives without consent.
- Over-reliance on other people’s trees. Many online trees contain errors. Treat them as hints, not facts, and verify with original records.
- Going too far back too fast. It is tempting to jump to royalty or immigrants, but solid research builds generation by generation. If you cannot find a parent, look for siblings or neighbors in records.
Using DNA Testing with Your Tree
DNA tests (autosomal, Y-DNA, and mtDNA) can confirm relationships and break down brick walls. Autosomal tests (from Ancestry, 23andMe, MyHeritage, or FamilyTreeDNA) match you with relatives within about 5-6 generations. When you link your DNA results to your tree, the company can suggest relationships and shared ancestors.
However, DNA does not create a tree; it provides clues. You still need documents to prove a connection. Also, DNA testing can reveal unexpected relationships (e.g., adoptions, non-paternity events), so be prepared emotionally and ethically.
Costs and Time Investment
Building a basic tree is free if you use free platforms and public records. However, many records (especially recent ones) are behind paywalls. Subscriptions to Ancestry or MyHeritage range from about $20 to $40 per month, with annual plans cheaper. DNA tests cost $60–$200, plus optional monthly fees for advanced tools.
Time varies widely. A simple three-generation tree can be done in a weekend. A well-sourced tree back to 1800 might take months of part-time research. The key is to set realistic goals and enjoy the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far back can I trace my family tree?
Most people can trace back to the early 1800s with census and vital records. Beyond that, church records, land deeds, and probate files may extend to the 1600s or 1500s in Europe. For ordinary families, reaching the Middle Ages is rare and usually requires noble ancestry.
Is it okay to use other people’s family trees online?
Yes, but treat them as leads, not facts. Many trees contain errors copied from unverified sources. Always look for original records to confirm each fact. If you cannot find a record, note the uncertainty.
Do I need to pay to create a family tree?
No. Free platforms like FamilySearch and WikiTree offer robust tree-building and record access. Paid services add convenience, more records, and DNA features, but they are not required to start.
What should I do if I find a mistake in my tree?
Correct it and add a source for the new information. If the mistake came from another person’s tree, contact them politely. If you are using a collaborative tree, leave a note explaining the change.
Can I create a family tree for someone else as a gift?
Yes, but be cautious about privacy. You can create a chart with only deceased ancestors, or ask the recipient for permission to include living relatives. Many people appreciate a printed tree or a digital file they can edit.
What is the best way to preserve my family tree for future generations?
Export your tree as a GEDCOM file (a standard format) and store it in multiple places: a cloud drive, a USB stick, and printed copies. Also share it with younger relatives and consider donating copies to a local historical society or library.
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