How to add missing names to an indexed record

In some record collections, such as census records, you can add names that the original indexers missed.

Before you begin

Determine if you are able to add missing names to the indexed record.

From a record details page (the page showing the indexed information):

• Look for an Edit button. Is it gray? If so, you cannot edit the indexed record.
• Is the Edit button blue? If so, click the button.
  
  • Do you see a box with more Edit buttons? If so, the collection allows limited editing. You cannot add missing information.
  • Does a new screen appear with the image on the left and a panel on the right showing the indexed information? (On the mobile app, the index data often shows below the image.) If so, the collection is fully editable. You can add the missing information.

From a record image on Explore Historical Images (website only):

• At the top of the right panel, click Image Index.
• Do you see "This image has not been indexed"? If so, you cannot add the missing information.
• Do you see a list of names? If so, you can add the missing information.

Steps (website or mobile)

1. Navigate to the editable image index:
   
   1. Click the Edit button on a record details page (the page showing the indexed data). On the transcription panel, click the back arrow.
   2. At the top of the transcription panel of an image in Explore Historical Images, click Image Index.
2. Enlarge the image so you can see the information that you want to add to the index.
3. At the bottom of the transcription panel, click Add.
4. Click the down arrow and then click a Name Type.
5. Click Add Given Name.
6. Enter the name and then click Add Highlight.
7. Hover over the correct word in the image. Resize and position the new box that appears. Click the check mark.
8. Click Save.
9. Click Add Surname and repeat the process as for the given name.
10. In the Record Type field, click and begin to type a record type. Click the best match in the list. For example, Census Record.
11. Click Save.

You now see headings for different kinds of information that you can add. Add relationships after you enter all missing names in the household on a census record.

1. Click a pencil icon and add information about the newly created name.
2. Click Add or Remove Fields.
3. Click the fields that you want to add and then click Save Fields.
4. Enter the data in the field and click Add Highlight.
5. Hover over the correct word on the image. Resize and move the new box. Click the check mark.

Repeat the steps as you enter all the data about each missing person. After you enter all names and relationships on a census record, mark the principal name in the indexed record. In a US Census, the principal is the person identified as "head" on the census image.

1. In the Image index, click the name of the person who shows as Head on the image
2. To the right of Essential Information, click the pencil icon.
3. Under Principal Name, click the circle beside Yes.
4. Click Save Changes.