Have your family tree at Ancestry.com, FindMyPast or MyHeritage but aren’t sure how to share it? Learn simple steps to start, manage and share your online family tree.
Genealogists love building family trees. Researching records is rewarding, but nothing beats the thrill of placing a newly discovered ancestor in the correct spot on the tree.
Many people ask how to organize a family tree and which tools to use. Readers often want to know where I keep my main tree and what software I prefer.
How I Manage My Own Family Tree
My primary, most up-to-date tree is stored in Family Tree Maker 2019. There are several solid desktop programs available, including RootsMagic and Legacy Family Tree. I began with Family Tree Maker as a new researcher, found it reliable, and have continued to use it.
🌳 Which family tree program do you use? Share your choice in the comments below.
I also regularly back up my family tree both to cloud storage and to an external hard drive to ensure the research is preserved.
Why Have Both an Online and Offline Version of the Family Tree?
Having both versions gives me control and security. My offline tree is my copy—I own it. If internet access is unavailable or an online service changes, my research remains safe and accessible offline.
I also maintain online family trees at the major databases: Ancestry.com, FindMyPast and MyHeritage.
Why use multiple online services? Each site offers different search algorithms, record collections and matching systems. By uploading my tree to several platforms I increase the chances of finding new records, automated hints, and other researchers who may be working on the same lines. It’s a personal choice, but it has proven useful for uncovering additional clues.
Below I outline how I approach family trees on the major sites and how to share them.
Your Family Tree on Ancestry.com
Ancestry.com makes it easy to upload and manage trees, add sources, and share access with relatives or collaborators. Use the site’s hints and collection matches, but always verify records and attach reliable sources to each person’s profile.
Your Family Tree at FindMyPast
FindMyPast is particularly strong for British and Irish records. Their tree tools let you attach record images, add notes, and collaborate. Uploading a GEDCOM from your desktop program is straightforward, and maintaining an online copy helps you take advantage of site-specific collections.
Your Family Tree at MyHeritage
MyHeritage offers strong international records and useful matching tools. Their tree interface supports source citations, media, and collaboration settings. Like the others, MyHeritage accepts GEDCOM uploads so you can sync or transfer data from a desktop program.
Choosing where to create or host your family tree is a personal decision. If one program or site doesn’t feel right, try another. The important thing is to keep good sources, back up your work, and share thoughtfully with relatives and collaborators.
Other Posts of Interest
Find more tutorials and guides on genealogy databases at Are You My Cousin?
- Tutorial: Using Ancestry.com’s Card Catalog
- Explore Ancestry.com’s ThruLines — a DNA tool for finding connections
- FindMyPast — Getting Your Genealogy Research Started (YouTube)
- How To Make the Most of Your FindMyPast Free Trial (YouTube)
- MyHeritage — Let’s Get Started! (YouTube)
- A Beginner’s Genealogy Guide to New Features at MyHeritage
- “Don’t Miss” MyHeritage Features — Getting the Most From Your Search