Building a family tree is rewarding, but it can feel overwhelming at first. These tips will help you create a tree that's accurate, organized, and visually appealing.
Start with What You Know
Begin with yourself and work outward in concentric circles:
- Add yourself first
- Add your parents and siblings
- Add your grandparents
- Add aunts, uncles, and cousins
- Continue branching outward
This approach ensures your tree has a solid foundation before tackling more distant relatives.
Use Complete Names
Always enter full names when possible:
First name: Their given first name
Middle name: Full middle name, not just an initial
Last name: Include maiden names for married women
Example: "Mary Elizabeth Johnson (née Smith)" is much more useful than just "Mary Johnson" when researching family history.
Add Photos Early
Don't wait until your tree is "complete" to add photos. Upload them as you go:
- Photos make the tree more engaging
- They help verify you've connected the right people
- Family members are more likely to contribute when they see photos
- It's easier to upload regularly than in one massive batch later
Include Birth Dates
Even approximate dates are valuable. If you don't know the exact date:
- Use just the year: "1945"
- Use a range: "circa 1945"
- Use decade: "1940s"
Dates help organize the tree chronologically and can reveal inconsistencies that need correction.
Mark Living vs Deceased
Clearly indicate which family members have passed away. This:
- Helps preserve accurate history
- Shows proper respect for deceased relatives
- Prevents confusion when sharing the tree
- Aids in understanding family timelines
Share Early for Collaboration
Don't wait until your tree is "perfect" to share it. Share early and often:
- Family members can fill in gaps
- Relatives may have photos you don't
- Others can correct mistakes before they compound
- Collaborative trees are more accurate and complete
Keep It Simple at First
Resist the urge to include every piece of information immediately. Start with:
- Names
- Relationships
- Photos (if available)
- Basic dates
You can always add more detail later. Getting the structure right is more important than having every fact from the start.
Document Your Sources
When you add information, make a note of where it came from:
- Family Bible entries
- Old letters or documents
- Information from relatives
- Official records
This helps verify information and provides context for future generations.
Regular Small Updates Beat Massive Sessions
Instead of marathon tree-building sessions, spend 15-20 minutes regularly:
- Add one branch at a time
- Upload a few photos
- Fill in missing details
- Reach out to one family member for information
Consistent small efforts build impressive trees over time.
Embrace Imperfection
Your tree will never be "complete" - there will always be one more person to add or detail to fill in. That's okay! A living, growing tree is better than one that's never shared because you're waiting for perfection.
Start building your family legacy today. Every member you add, every connection you make, preserves your family history for generations to come.