Family Tree Inc is not a single company but a broad term covering genealogy services, software, and DNA testing companies that help people build and explore their family histories. These services range from large commercial platforms like Ancestry and MyHeritage to smaller tools and public archives, and they work by combining user-submitted family trees, historical records, and genetic data to create a picture of a person’s ancestry.
Background and Origins of Genealogy Services
The modern genealogy industry grew out of a long tradition of family record-keeping, but it transformed dramatically in the late 20th century with the rise of personal computers and the internet. Early genealogy software, such as Personal Ancestral File (released in the 1980s by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), allowed people to store family data digitally. The launch of Ancestry.com in 1996 and similar sites in the following years brought records online, making it possible to search census data, birth and death certificates, and immigration records from home. The introduction of direct-to-consumer DNA testing around 2007, led by companies like 23andMe and AncestryDNA, added a genetic layer that could confirm or challenge paper trails. Today, the industry is a multi-billion-dollar market, with millions of users actively building trees and taking DNA tests.
How Family Tree Services Work
Most family tree platforms operate on a similar core model: users create an account, start a tree with themselves and close relatives, and then add ancestors by searching through digitized records or connecting to other users’ trees. The process typically involves three main components:
- Record searching: Platforms index historical documents—census records, birth and marriage certificates, military files, and passenger lists—and use algorithms to match names, dates, and locations to the people in your tree.
- Collaborative trees: Some sites, like FamilySearch, allow multiple users to edit a single shared tree, while others, like Ancestry, keep each user’s tree separate but allow linking to other users’ trees as hints.
- DNA matching: If you take a DNA test, the company compares your genetic markers to other users, identifying relatives who share segments of DNA. These matches can be used to confirm existing research or break through brick walls.
The user experience is designed to be guided: you enter a grandparent’s name and birth date, and the system suggests records that might belong to that person. Once you confirm a record, the platform attaches the source to your ancestor’s profile, building a citation trail. DNA testing adds an ethnicity estimate, which shows the geographic regions your ancestors likely came from, though these estimates are based on reference populations and can change as those populations are refined.
How to Choose a Family Tree Service
Choosing the right service depends on your goals, budget, and whether you want to use DNA testing. Consider the following factors:
- Record coverage: If your ancestors came from a specific country, check which platforms have the best archives for that region. Ancestry is strong for U.S. and U.K. records, while MyHeritage has good European coverage, and FamilySearch has a vast free collection.
- DNA database size: For DNA matching, larger databases mean more potential relatives. AncestryDNA has the largest consumer database, followed by 23andMe and MyHeritage.
- Cost: Basic tree building is often free, but accessing historical records usually requires a subscription. DNA tests range from about $50 to $200, depending on the company and promotions.
- User interface: Some platforms are more intuitive for beginners, while others offer advanced tools for experienced researchers. Try free trials to see which layout makes sense to you.
It is common to use more than one service: for example, you might build a tree on the free FamilySearch site, use Ancestry for record access, and upload your raw DNA data to multiple platforms to expand your match pool. Many companies allow DNA data uploads for free, though they may charge for advanced features.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
One of the most frequent misconceptions is that a family tree is automatically accurate once you add a record. In reality, records can be misindexed, names can be misspelled, and multiple people with the same name may be conflated. A common problem is the pedigree collapse—when cousins marry, the number of distinct ancestors decreases, which can confuse tree-building algorithms. Another issue is the non-paternity event, where a biological father is different from the presumed father; DNA tests often reveal these cases, which can be emotionally difficult. Users also often confuse the ethnicity estimate with a precise genealogical record: the estimate is a statistical guess based on modern reference populations, not a definitive statement about your ancestors’ nationalities. Finally, privacy concerns are real: some platforms have faced criticism over data sharing with law enforcement, though most now require a warrant or court order for access.
Comparing Major Platforms
The three largest commercial services—Ancestry, MyHeritage, and 23andMe—each have distinct strengths. Ancestry offers the most extensive collection of U.S. records and the largest DNA database, making it the best choice for American users. MyHeritage has a strong international focus, particularly in Europe and Latin America, and its DNA tools include a feature called Theories of Family Relativity that connects DNA matches to paper-trail ancestors. 23andMe is primarily a health and ancestry service; it has a smaller family-tree feature but provides detailed health reports and a more refined ethnicity breakdown. FamilySearch, run by the LDS Church, is free and collaborative, but its tree is public and can be edited by anyone, which some users find frustrating. For those who want a purely offline option, software like Legacy Family Tree or RootsMagic allows you to manage data locally, though you lose the convenience of online hints.
Costs and Hidden Fees
Pricing varies widely. Free services like FamilySearch and WikiTree offer unlimited tree building and record access, but their record collections are not as complete as paid ones. Ancestry’s subscription plans range from about $20 to $50 per month, depending on the level of access (U.S. records, world records, or all records plus DNA features). MyHeritage offers similar tiers, often with discounts for annual subscriptions. DNA tests are separate from subscriptions: a test kit costs around $60 to $100, but you may need a subscription to use advanced matching features. Be aware that some platforms automatically renew subscriptions, so check the terms. Also, uploading raw DNA data to a third-party site like GEDmatch is free, but you may be asked to pay for advanced tools. Hidden costs can include additional record sets (like military or immigration collections) that are not in the base subscription, and some platforms charge extra for a downloadable GEDCOM file, though most allow free export.
Safety, Privacy, and Ethical Considerations
Privacy is a central concern in genealogy. When you build a tree, you are sharing information about living relatives who did not consent to being listed. Most platforms let you mark living people as private, but you should be cautious about adding sensitive details. DNA testing raises additional issues: your genetic data can reveal information about your health, paternity, and relationships that you may not expect. Companies store your DNA and may use it for research, often with your consent. Read the privacy policy carefully before buying a test. Also, consider the impact on relatives: a DNA test can uncover adoptions, infidelities, or unknown siblings, which can be shocking. Ethically, it is wise to talk to close family members before testing and to respect their wishes if they do not want to participate. Finally, be aware that law enforcement has used public genealogy databases to solve crimes, which has led to policy changes; some platforms now require a legal process for law enforcement access, but others do not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Family Tree Inc a real company?
No, Family Tree Inc is not a specific company. It is a generic term that people often use when referring to family tree services or software. If you saw the name on a website, it might be a small business or a template, but the major players are Ancestry, MyHeritage, FamilySearch, and 23andMe.
Can I build a family tree for free?
Yes, you can build a basic tree for free on most platforms. FamilySearch and WikiTree are completely free, and Ancestry and MyHeritage allow you to create a tree and add a limited number of records without paying. However, to access the full record collections and advanced DNA features, you will likely need a subscription.
How accurate are DNA ethnicity estimates?
Ethnicity estimates are not exact. They are based on comparing your DNA to reference populations that have been collected from modern people in specific regions. The estimates can vary between companies and can change over time as reference data improves. They are best used as a general guide, not as a precise genealogical record.
What is a GEDCOM file and why do I need it?
GEDCOM is a standard file format used to share family tree data between different genealogy programs. It contains names, dates, places, and relationships. You can export a GEDCOM from one site and import it into another, which is useful if you switch platforms or want to back up your data. Most sites allow free export, but some may charge for import.
Can I take a DNA test without a subscription?
Yes, you can buy a DNA test kit without a subscription. The test itself provides an ethnicity estimate and a list of DNA matches. However, to view detailed records or use advanced matching tools, you may need to subscribe. Some platforms, like MyHeritage, offer free DNA uploads, but you may need to pay for features like chromosome browser.
How do I avoid common mistakes in building a tree?
The biggest mistake is copying other people’s trees without verifying sources. Always attach a source to each fact, and be cautious of names and dates that appear in multiple trees but lack documentation. Also, remember that a DNA match to a person does not guarantee a specific ancestor—use the match to guide your research, not to confirm it. Finally, keep your tree private until you are sure about the accuracy, especially for living people.
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