A family tree builder is a software tool or website that lets you create, organize, and share a visual diagram of your relatives and ancestors. The best one for you depends on your budget, your research goals, and whether you want to collaborate with relatives or keep your data private.
What a Family Tree Builder Actually Does
At its core, a family tree builder replaces the paper chart and the shoebox of old photos. You enter names, dates, and places, and the software arranges them into a tree that can be viewed as a pedigree, a descendant chart, or a fan chart. Most builders also store biographical notes, sources, and media files like scanned documents and photographs.
Modern builders go beyond simple diagramming. They often include relationship calculators, timeline views, and mapping tools that show where your ancestors lived. Many also have a search function that connects to historical record databases, letting you attach census records, birth certificates, and immigration manifests directly to a person in your tree. This turns the tree from a static picture into a working research log.
How Family Tree Builders Work
The basic workflow is similar across most platforms. You start by adding yourself, then your parents, grandparents, and so on. Each person gets a profile page with fields for vital information. As you add people, the software automatically draws the connecting lines and updates all charts.
Key features to understand before choosing:
- Data ownership: Some services store your tree on their servers; others keep it in a file on your computer. This affects privacy and portability.
- Syncing: Many tools sync with a companion website or mobile app, so you can view your tree on the go.
- Source citation: Good builders let you attach sources to each fact, which is essential for verifying your research.
- GEDCOM support: GEDCOM is a universal file format for genealogy data. Check that the tool can import and export it, so you are not locked in.
- Collaboration: Some platforms allow multiple family members to edit the same tree in real time.
How to Choose the Right Builder
Start by deciding where you want your data to live. If you are privacy-conscious, a desktop program like Legacy Family Tree or RootsMagic keeps everything on your hard drive. If you want hints and record access, a web-based service like Ancestry or MyHeritage is more convenient, but your data is stored on their servers.
Next, consider your skill level. Beginners often prefer the guided, visual approach of FamilySearch or Ancestry, which offer hints and automatic record matching. Experienced researchers may want the advanced sourcing and reporting tools found in desktop software.
Finally, think about cost. Free options include FamilySearch (a shared global tree) and the basic tiers of some commercial sites. Paid subscriptions add record access, DNA integration, and advanced chart styles. A common strategy is to start free, learn the basics, and upgrade only if you need specific records.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
One of the biggest mistakes is duplicating people. If you enter the same ancestor twice with slightly different spellings, the tree becomes messy and unreliable. Always search your tree before adding a new person, and use the merge function if you find duplicates.
Another issue is accepting online hints without verification. Many builders suggest records based on names and dates, but those suggestions can be wrong. Always view the original image and compare it with what you already know before attaching it to your tree.
Privacy is also a concern. If you share your tree publicly, living people are often hidden automatically, but you should check the settings. Some sites let you make the tree private and share it only with chosen relatives.
Comparing the Major Options
The four most widely used family tree builders are:
- Ancestry: The largest commercial site, with billions of records. Its tree builder is web-based and offers strong hinting and DNA integration. The downside is the subscription cost and the fact that your tree is not fully portable unless you export it manually.
- FamilySearch: Free and run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is a single shared tree, meaning everyone works on the same global family tree. This is great for collaboration but can be frustrating if someone else edits “your” ancestors.
- MyHeritage: Similar to Ancestry but with a strong international focus, especially in Europe. It has excellent photo tools and colorized historical images. It also offers a free limited tree, with paid plans for more records.
- RootsMagic: A desktop program that many professional genealogists use. It does not host records, but it integrates with Ancestry and FamilySearch for searching. It is a one-time purchase, not a subscription.
Costs and Free Alternatives
Prices vary widely. Desktop software like RootsMagic costs around $30–$40 for a license, with no recurring fees. Web services typically charge $20–$40 per month for full access, though they often have free trials or limited free accounts.
If you want a completely free option, FamilySearch is the most robust. It includes record access and a tree builder, though it lacks some of the polished chart styles of paid sites. Another free option is WikiTree, which is a community-driven tree with a focus on accuracy and collaboration. For a simple, no-account chart, tools like Canva or Lucidchart can draw a basic tree, but they do not store genealogical data or sources.
Safety and Privacy Considerations
Before entering personal information about living relatives, think about their privacy. Many genealogists choose to mark living people as private or omit them entirely from online trees. If you are using a free service, read the terms of service to understand how your data may be used. Some sites use your tree data to improve their hint algorithms, which is generally harmless, but you should be aware of it.
Also be cautious about sharing your tree publicly. Even if you hide living people, details like birth dates and places for deceased ancestors can be used for identity theft if you have a rare surname. A safer approach is to share a read-only link with family members rather than making the tree searchable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a family tree builder the same as a genealogy website?
No. A genealogy website like Ancestry or FamilySearch includes records, DNA tools, and community features. A family tree builder is the specific tool you use to create and manage your tree. Some websites include a builder, but you can also buy standalone software that does not include any records.
Can I move my tree between different builders?
Yes, in most cases. The GEDCOM format lets you export your tree from one program and import it into another. However, some data like photos, notes, and source images may not transfer perfectly. Always export a GEDCOM backup regularly.
How do I add DNA results to my family tree?
If you take a DNA test with Ancestry, MyHeritage, or 23andMe, you can link your results to your tree on that platform. The company will then show you genetic matches and, in some cases, suggest how you are related. You cannot directly import DNA data from one company to another, but you can upload raw DNA files to some sites for free.
What is the best free family tree builder?
FamilySearch is the most comprehensive free option because it combines a tree builder with access to billions of historical records. WikiTree is also free and focuses on collaborative accuracy. For a simple, offline tree, you can use the free version of Gramps, an open-source desktop program.
Should I use a shared tree or my own private tree?
A shared tree like FamilySearch or WikiTree is useful if you want to collaborate with distant relatives and avoid duplicating work. However, you lose control over how your ancestors are represented. A private tree gives you full control but requires you to do all the research yourself.
How do I avoid making mistakes in my tree?
Always record the source for every fact, even if it is just “family oral history.” When you add a new person, search your existing tree for duplicates. And never attach a record to your tree without viewing the original image and checking the details yourself.
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