Family Tree LDS is the official family history website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), available at FamilySearch.org. It is a free, collaborative tree that lets you build, edit, and connect your family lines, with the unique feature of allowing multiple users to work on the same shared tree rather than each maintaining a separate private tree.
Background and Purpose
The LDS Church has encouraged members to research their ancestors since the 19th century, driven by the belief that families can be eternally connected through religious ordinances. In 1894, the church established the Genealogical Society of Utah, which later became FamilySearch International. For decades, the church collected genealogical records from around the world, microfilming civil registrations, parish records, censuses, and other documents. In 1999, FamilySearch launched its first website, and in 2013 it introduced the Family Tree feature, replacing the older Pedigree Resource File and New.FamilySearch.org systems. The current Family Tree is designed to be a single, global tree where all users can contribute and correct information, reducing duplication and errors.
How the Family Tree Works
Unlike traditional genealogy software where you keep your own private tree, FamilySearch Family Tree is a shared tree. When you add an ancestor, you are adding them to a worldwide database that other users can also view and edit. Each person in the tree has a unique ID number (e.g., K2C8-9XQ). You can attach sources, photos, and stories to individuals, and you can link records from FamilySearch’s vast collection of historical documents.
Key features include:
- Source linking: Attach records like census, birth, marriage, and death certificates to ancestors to prove relationships.
- Collaborative editing: Any registered user can add or correct information, but changes are tracked in a change log.
- Ordinance readiness: For LDS members, the tree shows which temple ordinances (baptism, confirmation, endowment, sealing) have been completed for each ancestor.
- Mobile apps: FamilySearch offers apps for iOS and Android, including a tree view and a photo scanning tool.
How to Get Started
To begin using Family Tree, you need to create a free account at FamilySearch.org. Then:
- Enter your name, birth date, and place. The system will search for possible matches in existing records.
- Add your parents, grandparents, and so on, either by linking to existing entries or creating new ones.
- Review the “Sources” tab for each ancestor to see attached records and hints.
- Use the “Find” feature to search for records in specific locations and time periods.
- Attach sources to confirm details and resolve conflicts.
If you are not a member of the LDS Church, you can still use FamilySearch for free, but some features (like requesting temple ordinances) are restricted to members.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
One frequent issue is duplicate entries. Because the tree is collaborative, the same person may exist multiple times if users create new entries instead of merging. FamilySearch provides a “Merge” tool to combine duplicates, but it can be tricky if there are conflicting details. Another misconception is that FamilySearch is only for LDS members—it is open to everyone. However, the tree’s purpose is tied to the church’s religious beliefs, so some users may find the emphasis on temple ordinances unusual. Also, data accuracy can vary; since anyone can edit, errors may persist until someone corrects them. Always check sources and use your own judgment.
Comparison with Other Genealogy Sites
FamilySearch differs from commercial sites like Ancestry.com or MyHeritage in several ways:
- Cost: FamilySearch is free, while Ancestry and MyHeritage require subscriptions for full access.
- Tree structure: FamilySearch uses a shared tree; Ancestry and MyHeritage allow private trees.
- Record collections: Ancestry and MyHeritage have larger indexed databases, but FamilySearch has extensive unindexed collections and is adding more.
- DNA testing: Ancestry and MyHeritage offer DNA tests; FamilySearch does not, but it can integrate with DNA data from other companies.
For beginners, FamilySearch is an excellent starting point because it is free and has a learning center. For advanced researchers, it complements other tools.
Costs and Accessibility
FamilySearch is completely free to use, with no hidden fees. The website and mobile apps are available worldwide in multiple languages. You can access it from any device with an internet connection. The church also operates FamilySearch Centers (formerly family history centers) where you can get free help and access to premium sites like Ancestry.com and Findmypast. These centers are located in LDS meetinghouses and are open to the public.
Safety and Privacy
FamilySearch takes privacy seriously. You can set privacy levels for living individuals: only you can see your own living relatives, and they are not searchable by others. Deceased individuals are public. However, be cautious about sharing sensitive information about living people in stories or photos. The site uses secure HTTPS connections and has privacy settings under “Account Settings.” Also, be aware that information you add about deceased ancestors becomes part of the shared tree, so it may be edited by others.
Alternatives and Complementary Tools
If you want a private tree, consider using software like RootsMagic or Legacy Family Tree, which can sync with FamilySearch. Other online options include WikiTree (a collaborative tree with a different philosophy) and Geni.com. For DNA testing, AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and MyHeritage DNA are popular. FamilySearch also offers the “Family Tree” mobile app, which is particularly useful for viewing and editing on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FamilySearch only for LDS members? No, it is free and open to everyone. You do not need to be a member to create an account and use the tree or records.
Can I use FamilySearch to find my ancestors without knowing my parents? Yes, you can start with yourself and add what you know. The system will suggest records and hints based on the information you enter.
How do I merge duplicate ancestors? On the person page, click “Tools” and then “Merge.” You will see a comparison of the two entries; select the correct details and confirm the merge.
Is my family tree visible to others? Deceased individuals are visible to all users, but living people are private and only visible to you and those you explicitly share with.
Can I download my family tree? Yes, you can export a GEDCOM file (a standard genealogy format) from the “Tree” page under “Settings” or “Print.”
What does “ordinance ready” mean? For LDS members, this means that the necessary temple ordinances have been identified for an ancestor and are available to be performed. It is not a requirement for non-members.
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