How do I create a source in Family Tree?

Article Id: 1684
July 05, 2023

Before you start

  • If you use a source that is not on FamilySearch, manually enter the title, web page, citation, and notes.
  • As you enter the source, provide enough information for another person to find it. 
  • You can add sources to both living and deceased individuals in Family Tree. Sources can come from other websites, your personal records, or printed material.

Tips

  • When you create a source for an ancestor, provide enough context for other users to trust. Give information to help others find the record, such as a web address. 
  • Enter a title that helps you recognize the specific record later.
  • Enter any other information that you think is helpful for others.

Steps (website)

  1. Sign in to FamilySearch
  2. Navigate to the Family Tree profile of the person.
  3. Display the sources or relationship sources:
    • If the source is about a person, click the Sources tab.
    • If the source is about a couple relationship, click the Details tab. In the Family Members section, click the pencil icon next to the couple's marriage information.
    • If the source is about a parent-child relationship, click the Details tab. Scroll to the Family Members section, and click the pencil icon next to the child's name.
  4. Click Add Source.
  5. Enter the source information, including the reason to attach a source.
  6. (Optional) By default, the small box next to Add to My Source Box is checked. If you want to use the source for other people, leave the check mark. You can then attach the record from the source box to other family members.
  7. Click Save. 

Steps (mobile app)

In the Family Tree mobile app, you cannot add sources to couple relationships or parent-child relationships. You can add a source to a person.

  1. Navigate to the person.
  2. Tap the Sources tab.
  3. Tap +.
  4. Tap one of the options:
    • To search the records database for a source to attach, tap Search Records.
    • If the source is online, tap Add a Source with a Web Page.
    • If you want to use a digital image, tap Add a Source with a Photo.
  5. If you tapped to add a source with a photo, tap Add Photo. You can take a photo with your device. You can choose a photo from your device or files. You can go to your FamilySearch Gallery to choose the image.
  6. Enter the source information. Include a reason for attaching the source.
  7. Tap Save.

Steps (Family Tree Lite)

Sources cannot be added through Family Tree Lite. Please visit the full website instead. 

How do I add an outside source to Family Tree?

Was this helpful?