Genealogies Learning Center
FamilySearch Genealogies Just Got an Upgrade!
Our upgraded Genealogies allows you to upload your tree information through a GEDCOM file and enjoy the same familiar layout, tools, search capabilities, and even hinting as you have in the FamilySearch Tree—all while having the ability to limit who edits your tree.
What Changed?
FamilySearch has upgraded its Genealogies feature to include additional functionality after uploading your tree via a GEDCOM file. This new functionality allows you to upload a family tree, make edits, and in the future sync your tree from third-party software. You can also invite trusted contributors to view and edit your tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
Who should use the Genealogies upgraded features?
Uploading your tree is a great option for experienced researchers who want to carefully develop a tree, protect work in progress, or collaborate with a small group of trusted relatives, friends, or researchers.
How is the information I upload in my tree different from the FamilySearch Tree?
The FamilySearch Tree can be seen and edited by all FamilySearch users. By contrast, when you upload a tree via Genealogies, your tree can be seen by all FamilySearch users, however, only you and invited contributors can make edits to the tree.
Can I start a new tree on FamilySearch if I don't have a GEDCOM file?
Yes. If you do not have a family tree or GEDCOM file, we invite you to add what you know to the FamilySearch Tree.
You really only need a GEDCOM to start a tree in FamilySearch Genealogies. In the future, many leading genealogy software companies will let you create and maintain a tree that you can sync with FamilySearch Genealogies directly from their products.
You really only need a GEDCOM to start a tree in FamilySearch Genealogies. In the future, many leading genealogy software companies will let you create and maintain a tree that you can sync with FamilySearch Genealogies directly from their products.
Which genealogy products will integrate with FamilySearch?
In the future, many leading genealogy software companies will let you create and maintain a tree directly from their products. Check with your software provider for the latest updates.
Who can see the living people in my tree?
Only the owner and invited contributors can see and edit information about the living people.
How many trees can I create?
You can be a member of up to 10 groups, which means you can be a user or owner of up to a total of 10 trees.
How many people can be in a tree?
There is no limit to the number of people in a tree that you upload.
Will my tree be added to the Pedigree Resource File?
No. Uploaded trees are added to a new collection, which currently remains unnamed. Eventually, all trees in the Pedigree Resource File will be moved into the new collection, and the Pedigree Resource File will be retired.
Managing Your Tree
Can I copy information in my tree to the FamilySearch Tree?
Yes. When you upload your GEDCOM file, the information is compared to the FamilySearch Tree. You can easily copy information from your tree into the FamilySearch Tree using the new tree linker, which means you do not have to retype it.
Can I attach sources and documentation to my tree?
Yes. You can add sources, notes, and memories to your tree, just like you do in the FamilySearch Tree. The notes and sources in your GEDCOM file are also imported when you create the tree.
How do I merge duplicates in the trees I upload to Genealogies?
You can merge duplicates if they are in the same tree. Trees uploaded to Genealogies have the same duplicate-handling as the FamilySearch Tree, so you can use both the possible duplicates and merge by ID features.
If you receive a message that the merged failed, it is likely because the profiles are in different trees.
If you receive a message that the merged failed, it is likely because the profiles are in different trees.
Will I get record hints in my tree?
Yes. You will receive record hints in your trees, just like in the FamilySearch Tree. You can then also use the source linker to attach the record to a person as a source.
How do I invite others to collaborate on my tree?
- While viewing your tree, click Tree Details.
- Click Invite Member.
Can I keep a tree that I upload private?
When you upload a GEDCOM file to Genealogies, you’ll need to choose a privacy setting. This setting controls who can view or edit your tree, and you can change it anytime. Here are your options:
- Public. All FamilySearch users can view the deceased individuals in your tree. Living individuals remain hidden, and no one can edit your data. This option makes your research available to others and helps you connect with people working on the same family lines.
- Private. Only you and invited contributors can view or edit any part of your tree, including living and deceased individuals. This is a great choice for work in progress that you’re not ready to share publicly.
Troubleshooting and Recovery
What happens if I delete my tree from Genealogies? Can I recover it?
There is currently no way to recover your tree once you delete it. However, you may re-upload it using the GEDCOM file you used previously.
Can I export my tree as a GEDCOM file?
Currently, there is no direct GEDCOM export option. However, we anticipate that integrated genealogy software programs will allow you to download your tree and then export it as a GEDCOM file.
Can I import another GEDCOM with more individuals into an existing tree?
No, trees cannot be updated with new GEDCOM uploads.
How do I handle GEDCOM upload errors?
The easiest way to fix errors is to open your tree and make edits directly—just like you would in the FamilySearch Tree. If needed, you can also delete your tree and upload a corrected GEDCOM file.
Why do I sometimes encounter read-only records?
You may come across read-only profiles for two reasons:
- Administrative actions: A FamilySearch administrator has placed a restriction on a profile in the FamilySearch Tree. This is usually done to prevent the data of historical figures from being deliberately falsified and to prevent extensive contention among users.
- Edit permissions in trees uploaded to Genealogies: The profile belongs to a tree that someone else uploaded to Genealogies, and you haven’t been granted editing permissions. In these cases, you can view the record but not make changes.
Get Started
Create your tree and invite others to help you build it.