Creating a family tree is a wonderful way to learn about your ancestors and preserve your family’s history. While building a family tree by hand can be time-consuming and overwhelming, online family tree builders offer an easy and convenient way to create a legacy for future generations. In this article, we’ll provide tips for using an online family tree builder to create a family tree and preserve your family’s history.
Step 1: Choose an Online Family Tree Builder
The first step in creating a family tree online is to choose a family tree builder that suits your needs. There are several options available, including Ancestry, MyHeritage, and FamilySearch. Each platform has its own features, benefits, and drawbacks, so it’s essential to research each one before deciding which one to use. Consider factors such as pricing, ease of use, and the size of their database. It’s also essential to check whether the platform offers a free trial period or a money-back guarantee to test out the features before committing to a subscription.
Step 2: Research Your Family History
Once you have chosen an online family tree builder, the next step is to research your family history. Collect as much information as you can from your family members, including names, birth dates, death dates, and any significant life events. Look for any documents, photographs, or heirlooms that can provide clues about your family’s past. You can also use online resources such as census records, birth and death certificates, and immigration records to gather more information about your ancestors.
Step 3: Building Your Family Tree
After collecting all the necessary information, it’s time to start building your family tree online. The first step is to create a profile for yourself and add your parents and grandparents. From there, you can continue adding more family members by entering their names, dates of birth and death, and other relevant information. Many online family tree builders offer hints and suggestions to help you fill in any missing information or verify details. You can also add photos, documents, and other media to enrich your family tree.
Step 4: Sharing Your Family Tree
Once you have created your family tree, it’s time to share it with your family members and future generations. Most family tree builders allow you to share your tree with others by inviting them to view it or collaborate on it. You can also export your family tree as a PDF or a GEDCOM file to share it with family members who are not using the same family tree builder. Sharing your family tree with others can help you connect with distant relatives and discover new family members.
Step 5: Preserving Your Family Tree
Preserving your family tree is essential to ensure that it is available for future generations. Regularly backing up your data and keeping it safe is crucial to prevent the loss of valuable information. Many online family tree builders offer cloud storage and backup options to keep your family tree safe and secure.
Creating a family tree using an online family tree builder is a wonderful way to connect with your ancestors and preserve your family’s history. By following these tips, you can create a comprehensive family tree and share it with your family members and future generations. With your family tree online, your family’s history can be easily accessible, making it a legacy for generations to come.