And the fact that it integrates with online databases, like MyHeritage, makes it a powerful genealogical tool. It also has an easy to navigate interface, which allows you to quickly and efficiently add data and images into your sprawling family tree. A nice option for sharing your discoveries with others. Some of these family tree makers can look a little dated, so if you want to output the photos to something a bit more accessible and attractive then you could also use the best photo books (opens in new tab). If you want to know more about the difference between online genealogy website services and software that you download and install, scroll to the bottom of this guide for more detail.Īccuracy ratings are an important specification to look out for as is the output system. For even more online options the best genealogy sites (opens in new tab) can help. There are software versions that you install and those that are online, the later of which offers the biggest depth of web based records, but it's siloed.

Some also use your DNA for health data but for that specifically you're better served checking out the best DNA testing kits (opens in new tab). Either way the best family tree makers can help enhance that picture to get you even more historical information. I don't know the numbers for FamilySearch, but I bet they're quite similar to Geni.You might be new to the world of genealogy, or perhaps you've been working on your family tree for years.

It's the smallest of all, with less than 3 Million persons, where WikiTree has 8 Million, and Geni more than 80 Million persons connected in a single tree, and a few Million more that are not connected yet. If you really want free, open (access), and open source, WeRelate is best. You may need permission from an 'owner', and the same is true for WikiTree, which is free, but not open. Merging persons requires a paid membership, and you can't edit any person that you want. Moreover, if you're interested, you can use free versions of programs like Ancestral Quest or RootsMagic to synchronize persons and sources in your own database with the Family Tree. There is also no restriction on merging duplicates, meaning that you don't need anyone's permission for that either. There are no fees, and it is open in the sense that once logged-in, any-one can edit any person in the shared Family Tree. If you look for a site where you can work on a world wide tree that is open and free, I think that FamilySearch is the best choice. If you want to set up a site where you can invite others to work on shared persons, I support Randy's suggestion for webtrees.

The best free family tree software