Creating a family tree is a great way to explore your family history and connect with your ancestors. With the rise of technology, there are many best free family tree makers available online. These tools allow you to build, explore, and document your family’s history without spending any money. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best free family tree makers that can help you get started on your genealogy journey.
What Are Family Tree Makers?
Before diving into the best free family tree makers, it’s important to understand what these tools do. Family tree makers are online platforms or software that help you create and organize your family tree. They allow you to enter names, dates, and other important details about your ancestors, and then arrange this information in a tree structure. Most of these tools also let you add photos, stories, and other documents to give your family tree more depth and meaning.
1. FamilySearch
One of the best free family tree makers is FamilySearch. This platform is completely free to use, and it offers a wide range of features. With FamilySearch, you can build your family tree, search historical records, and even collaborate with others researching the same family. The site is user-friendly, making it perfect for beginners. It also has a large database of genealogical records, which can help you trace your ancestry back for generations. FamilySearch is a great starting point for anyone interested in genealogy.
2. MyHeritage
Another great tool for building your family tree is MyHeritage. While MyHeritage offers paid features, it also has a free plan that allows you to create and view a family tree with basic features. The platform lets you build a family tree, add details about your relatives, and search for historical records. MyHeritage also has a unique feature that uses DNA to help you discover more about your family’s origins. It’s one of the best free family tree makers for people who want to learn more about their genetic background.
3. Ancestry.com
Ancestry.com is another popular tool for creating family trees. While Ancestry.com has a paid subscription, it also offers a free trial that gives you access to many of its features. With Ancestry.com, you can create a family tree, search census records, and explore historical documents. The site also lets you view hints and suggestions for connecting with your ancestors. While you’ll need a paid subscription for full access, the free trial is still a valuable resource for getting started with your family tree.
4. Genealogy.com
Genealogy.com is another excellent free family tree maker. It offers a simple interface for building family trees and connecting with other researchers. This site has a lot of educational content and guides for beginners, so it’s easy to learn as you go. Genealogy.com also lets you search various records and add multimedia elements to your tree, such as photos and documents. The basic features are free, and you can access more advanced options with a paid subscription. However, the free version still offers a lot of value.
5. Findmypast
Findmypast is a well-known family history website that offers some free features. While the site is mainly subscription-based, Findmypast gives users access to a limited number of free records and the ability to create a basic family tree. You can also search for family records, such as census data and birth certificates. Findmypast is especially useful if you are researching your British ancestry, as it has many records from the United Kingdom. It’s a solid free family tree maker for people looking to explore their family history, particularly in the UK.
6. Geni
Geni is another excellent free family tree maker that allows you to create a family tree and collaborate with others. The basic features are free, but you can also upgrade to a paid plan for more advanced options. Geni allows you to build your family tree in a collaborative environment, meaning that other family members can contribute to the tree. This can help make your family tree more accurate and complete. Geni is a great tool for those who want to connect with family members around the world and share their family history.
7. WikiTree
WikiTree is a free, community-driven platform for building family trees. It’s unique because it relies on collaboration between users to create accurate and detailed family trees. WikiTree allows you to connect with distant relatives and work together to add information about your ancestors. The website is free to use and has a wide range of resources for genealogy research. This makes WikiTree one of the best free family tree makers for those who want to take a community-based approach to family history research.
How to Choose the Best Free Family Tree Maker
With so many options available, it can be hard to choose the best free family tree maker for your needs. Here are a few things to consider when making your decision:
- Features: Look for a tool that offers the features you need, such as record searches, tree-building options, and the ability to add photos and stories.
- Ease of Use: Choose a platform that is easy to navigate, especially if you’re new to family history research.
- Community: Some platforms offer community features that allow you to connect with other users. This can be especially helpful for finding relatives and sharing information.
- Research Tools: Look for a site that provides access to historical records, which can help you trace your ancestry.
Conclusion
There are many best free family tree makers available, each offering unique features that can help you explore your family history. Whether you’re looking for a simple tree-building tool or a platform with access to historical records, there’s a free option for you. FamilySearch, MyHeritage, Ancestry.com, and other platforms offer free tools that make it easier than ever to start building your family tree. So, explore these platforms today and begin your journey into the past!
