Family Tree Builder, offered by MyHeritage, stands as a free genealogy software program designed for offline family history exploration. While internet access isn't mandatory for use, the program seamlessly syncs with a user's online MyHeritage family tree. Beyond building a family tree, Family Tree Builder mirrors MyHeritage functionalities such as Smart Matches technology and historical record matching. Additionally, users have access to additional features such as interactive maps, charts and genealogy task management.
Research your ancestors on MyHeritage
Getting Started
Getting started with Family Tree Builder is a straightforward and easy process. Simply download the program to the computer. Follow the prompts to start building a family tree from scratch. Alternately, users can connect to their pre-existing family tree already on the MyHeritage site.
For researchers with a family tree elsewhere, a gedcom file (Genealogical Data Communication file) can easily be uploaded. Once a family tree has been created, the user can access the MyHeritage features to research and grow their family tree.
SmartMatches and Record Matching Technology
SmartMatches is a powerful tool for genealogists using the MyHeritage platform. It acts as a digital matchmaker, comparing individuals in a family tree with individuals in millions of other trees built by MyHeritage users around the world. SmartMatches allows users to connect with other researchers who share common ancestors, potentially leading to joint discoveries.
Record Matching allows the researcher to delve into MyHeritage's extensive historical archives, uncovering census records, obituaries, and more to potentially verify existing information or unearth entirely new details about ancestors' lives. Combining both SmartMatches and Record Matching results, researchers can strengthen the accuracy of their family tree, discover fascinating historical context, and potentially find hidden branches in the family tree.
Photographs
Photographs and other media files can easily be uploaded to the Family Tree Builder and associated with people in the family tree and even specific events in an ancestor's life. Once a photo is added to the family tree, additional information can be added in the notes section. Photographs with multiple people present a challenge for many researchers. In Family Tree Builder, the photograph can be tagged and associated with multiple people in the family tree.
Additionally, photographs can be organized into photo albums created by the researcher.
Maps
The software's mapping feature allows users to visualize the geographic journey of their ancestors across generations. By plotting locations of births, marriages, and residences on a map, researchers can create an interesting narrative of their family's migration patterns and historical context. Family Tree Builder offers flexibility in map customization, enabling its users to choose from various base maps and personalize them with pins, colors, and labels. This visual representation not only enhances understanding of ancestral movement but also creates a deeper connection to the places that shaped their family's story.
Syncing across devices
Family Tree Builder allows for seamless syncing between the family tree data on one's personal computer and the researcher's online family tree hosted at MyHeritage. This two-way synchronization ensures information remains up-to-date across both platforms. Any edits or additions made in the Family Tree Builder software are automatically uploaded to the researcher's online tree, and vice versa. This syncing ability offers several advantages. Firstly, it creates a secure backup of one's family history research in the cloud, safeguarding data in case of computer malfunctions. Additionally, researchers can access and edit their family tree from any device with an internet connection, allowing for research on the go.
Sharing
Sharing family history in engaging and informative ways is easy with Family Tree Builder. The software has a rich selection of reporting and charting tools. Users can generate comprehensive narrative reports detailing ancestral lineages such as births, marriages, and death information. Reports can be customized to include photos, source citations, and even timelines for a richer family history experience. Alternatively, Family Tree Builder offers a range of customizable charts. Ancestor charts map out generations, while descendant charts showcase the proliferation of a family line. Fan charts and hourglass charts can also be created. This versatility in reporting and charting allows researchers to engage family members in their rich heritage.
See also
Learn more about the Family Tree Builder
- Family Tree Builder Download
- How to Use Family Tree Builder for Genealogy at MyHeritage Knowledge Base
- Helpful Tools to Know About in Family Tree Builder at MyHeritage Knowledge Base
References