Click here for a step-by-step guide for Guided Tree.
Guided Tree is an intuitive tool that helps new FamilySearch users begin building their family tree. FamilySearch searches for existing records of deceased ancestors in the global Family Tree to help link you with your ancestral lines. Be as accurate as possible when entering information. If you are unsure, enter approximate information.
Privacy information:
- Profiles of living persons added to FamilySearch Family Tree are private and can only be seen by the person who created the profile. Therefore, any profile you create for a living person can only be seen by you.
- Profiles of deceased persons added to Family Tree are public and can be seen by other FamilySearch users.
- For additional information about FamilySearch privacy measures, please see the Privacy Notice - FamilySearch.
Steps (website):
- Sign in to your new FamilySearch account.
- At the top of the homepage, click Build Your Tree.
- Follow the prompts on the screen to enter your sex and name and click Next.
- Enter your birth information and click Next.
- Follow the prompts to add information about your mother and father. Or, you can add their information later.
- Follow the prompts to add the names and vital information about your ancestors.
- If a record with facts that match the deceased ancestor is found, review the information carefully to determine if it could be the same person.
- If you determine that a potential match is indeed your ancestor, click This is Him, or This is Her. This ancestor and any ancestors they are connected to will then be connected to you in Family Tree.
- If you were unable to find a matching deceased ancestor already in FamilySearch Family Tree, that's okay! Click Go to Family Tree and continue adding information about your ancestors as you find it. FamilySearch is always adding more records and will notify you when a potential matching record is found.
- Share this with your family and friends so they can also experience the joy of family connection.
- If you do not need extra help at this time, click Go to Family Tree to view your tree. Continue to build your tree with information about your family.
Steps (Mobile app):
- Sign in to your new FamilySearch account on the Family Tree mobile app.
- Tap Get Started.
- Tap Continue and follow the prompts on the screen to enter your sex and name. Tap Continue.
- Enter your birth information and tap Continue.
- Follow the prompts to add information about your mother and father. Or, you can add their information later.
- Follow the prompts to add the names and vital information about your ancestors.
- If a record with facts that match the deceased ancestor is found, review the information carefully to determine if it could be the same person.
- If you determine that a potential match is indeed your ancestor, tap This is Him, or This is Her. This ancestor and any ancestors they are connected to will then be connected to you in the FamilySearch Family Tree.
- If you were unable to find a matching deceased ancestor already in FamilySearch Family Tree, that's okay! Tap Search for Records to look for records about your ancestors.
- Tap Go to Family Tree and continue adding information about your ancestors as you find it. FamilySearch is always adding more records and will notify you when a potential matching record is found.
Step-by-step guide for Guided Tree:
Follow the instructions on each slide. Click Next or Continue to move through the guide.
Related articles
About the FamilySearch Profile
How do I create a free FamilySearch account?
How do I add an ancestor who is already in Family Tree to my pedigree?
How do I add living relatives to a person in Family Tree?
How do I add a family member to the pedigree in Family Tree?
How do I add an unconnected person to Family Tree?
What is included on the Person page in Family Tree?