I love doing family history, but when it comes to organizing it, I need help. Luckily, there is an online app, Kindex, that its founders call a “record rescuer.” I was thrilled to find a new way to deal with my unending collection of files, random papers, notebooks, stacks, and sticky notes.
The website describes Kindex as “online family organization, record keeping, and transcription software.” In only three basic steps—gather, index, and share—users can create searchable archives imported from their own records and from FamilySearch.
That sounded simple enough, so I gave it a try.
Registration was fast and easy. The site was user-friendly, and navigation was simple. Sometimes it’s hard to trust new apps, so I checked the Kindex security and found it uses cloud web software but also backs up files to one or more solid state hard drives. It is FamilySearch certified and stores archives using Amazon Web Services.
I was anxious to try Kindex, so I skimmed over the directions and chose a picture from my computer to transfer.
That’s when I ran into trouble. I selected Add Record, but my photo didn’t budge.
Retracing my steps, I went back to the first page and looked under “How to Kindex.” The directions I initially missed were in Getting Started and Indexing Guidelines. Once I read the directions closely, I was successful in adding records.
Here are a few of the things I learned along the way:
- Records you want to transfer must have JPG, PDF, or PNG file extensions.
- You need to select whether you are adding a document, volume, audio/visual, or image. Otherwise the image will look distorted.
- It’s best to use Chrome or Safari. Other browsers such as Firefox or Internet Explorer aren’t recommended.
- It’s best to add everything you want for one person or family group at a time. Otherwise, it gets confusing because all memories initially show up on the same page in “Gather.”
- To import records from FamilySearch, you must give permission to use your FamilySearch profile and allow it to access and save data about living and deceased ancestors from your family tree.
- When I selected “Memories” for a FamilySearch person, Kindex transported all memories for that person; I couldn’t move just one. It’s possible to delete records from Kindex, but it takes time.
The indexing process begins as soon as you add a title, choose a record type, and assign the record to a collection or person. Kindex is able to sort the record and search it by using this information. Transcribing provides the exact information on the original record. Tagging is used to add pertinent information, such as a date or a location, to the record you have submitted.
Finally, the Share tab is used to browse and read indexed records, link the record to social media, and view search results.
Here are a few other tidbits about Kindex:
- The Kindex blog is worth reading. The link to the blog can be found by clicking Contact from the menu.
- To get to the homepage from wherever you’re working, click on your user name at the top of the page or on the Kindex logo.
- I discovered a glitch with the program and let the company know. For now, when attaching people to Kindex from FamilySearch, copy their ID into your browser. That way, when it asks, you can paste the ID. If it gives you a message that it can’t locate the person, try again. This time, paste the ID you copied but also type it in exactly the same format as you pasted. Remove the original ID you pasted in, leaving the one you typed, and hit enter. Don’t ask me why, but it worked when nothing else would.
- You can add up to fifty records to your archive for free. Additional records can be added for a monthly or annual fee. Details are available on the Kindex Overview page.
It’s never easy to move volumes of records from one place to another, but as I worked with the program, I became comfortable and confident that by using Kindex, my ever-growing collection of files had found a permanent home.
