Yes, Family Tree Now is free to use. The site, which was previously a paid subscription service, is now completely free for all users, with no hidden charges for basic features.
Background of Family Tree Now
Family Tree Now started as a genealogy platform offering family history tools and record access. Originally, it operated on a subscription model, charging users a monthly or annual fee to access its database of historical records, family trees, and DNA matching features. The site gained attention for its user-friendly interface and the ability to connect with distant relatives. However, in recent years, the company shifted its business model to a free, ad-supported service, making it accessible to a wider audience.
What Does Free Include?
The free version of Family Tree Now includes most of the core features that were previously behind a paywall. This includes:
- Building and storing unlimited family trees
- Searching the site’s collection of historical records (birth, marriage, death, census, and more)
- Accessing DNA matching and relative finder tools (if you have uploaded DNA data from a testing company)
- Collaborating with other users on shared ancestors
- Viewing and downloading family tree charts and reports
There are no limits on the number of people you can add to your tree, and you can create multiple trees if needed. The site earns revenue through advertisements, which appear on the pages, but they do not interfere with the core functionality.
How Does It Compare to Other Genealogy Sites?
Family Tree Now’s free model is a significant departure from the industry standard. Most major genealogy platforms, such as Ancestry, MyHeritage, and Findmypast, operate on a freemium model—they offer a basic free account, but you must pay to access most records and advanced features. Family Tree Now, by contrast, gives you full access to its record collection without a subscription. However, it’s important to note that its record database is smaller and less comprehensive than the paid sites. For example, Ancestry has billions of records from around the world, while Family Tree Now focuses mainly on US and UK records. If you are researching ancestors from other regions, you may need to supplement with other sources.
How to Get Started
Getting started on Family Tree Now is straightforward:
- Go to the Family Tree Now website and click the “Sign Up” button.
- Enter your name, email address, and a password. You can also sign in with Google or Facebook.
- Once logged in, you’ll be prompted to create your family tree. You can start by adding yourself and then your parents, grandparents, and so on.
- Use the search function to look for records that match your ancestors. The site will suggest matches as you build your tree.
- If you have DNA data from a service like 23andMe or AncestryDNA, you can upload it to Family Tree Now to find genetic relatives.
The interface is intuitive, and the site provides helpful tips as you go.
Common Problems and Limitations
While Family Tree Now is a valuable free resource, it has some limitations. Users often report that the record search results can be less accurate than on paid sites, and the database is not as extensive. Additionally, the site’s user-generated family trees may contain errors, as is common on all genealogy platforms. It’s always wise to verify information with primary sources. Another issue is that the site’s ads can be intrusive, but they are a trade-off for the free service. Some users have also noted that the DNA matching feature is less robust than dedicated DNA sites, but it still provides useful connections.
Safety and Privacy Considerations
When using any genealogy site, it’s important to consider privacy. Family Tree Now allows you to set your tree to “private” so that only you can see it, or “public” to share with others. If you choose public, your tree may be viewable by other users, and they can contact you. Be cautious about sharing sensitive information about living relatives. The site also offers options to hide specific individuals from search results. Read the site’s privacy policy to understand how your data is used and stored.
Alternatives to Family Tree Now
If Family Tree Now doesn’t meet your needs, there are other free genealogy resources:
- FamilySearch: A completely free site run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with a massive record collection and a collaborative family tree.
- WikiTree: A free, community-driven tree that aims to create a single global family tree with sourced information.
- Find A Grave: A free resource for finding burial information and memorials, often with photos and biographical details.
- USGenWeb: A free network of county-based websites with local records and transcriptions.
Each of these has its own strengths, and many genealogists use a combination of free and paid sites for their research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Family Tree Now really 100% free?
Yes, all features that were previously paid are now free. There is no premium tier or hidden fees. The site is supported by ads, which you will see while browsing.
Can I upload my DNA data to Family Tree Now?
Yes, you can upload raw DNA data from AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage, and other testing companies. This allows you to use their DNA matching tools to find relatives who have also uploaded their data.
How accurate are the records on Family Tree Now?
The records are transcribed from original documents, but transcription errors can occur. Always cross-reference with the original source when possible. The site also includes user-submitted family trees, which may contain errors.
Does Family Tree Now have records from outside the US and UK?
It has some international records, but the focus is primarily on US and UK data. For other countries, you may need to use other resources.
Can I export my family tree from Family Tree Now?
Yes, you can export your tree in GEDCOM format, which is a standard file format for genealogy data. This allows you to back up your tree or transfer it to another site.
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