Family Search
Free genealogy records and family tree builder.
Open the official app on www.familysearch.org
This tool is hosted by its maintainers. Click below to open www.familysearch.org in a new tab — it's their official demo.
Browse genealogy tools →What's next with Family Search?
Choose how you want to get started.
Use it free
Open the official tool or demo — no account needed.
Self-host it
Run the open-source version on your own infrastructure.
What is Family Search?
FamilySearch is an open-source genealogical research platform designed to help users explore and document their family history. It provides access to historical records, family trees, and collaborative tools for tracing ancestry. The tool is primarily used by genealogists, historians, and individuals interested in reconstructing their family lineages. It addresses the challenge of fragmented historical data by aggregating records from various sources and enabling users to connect with relatives globally. FamilySearch emphasizes accessibility, allowing users to contribute to and benefit from a shared repository of genealogical information.
How it works
FamilySearch is a web-based tool that combines historical records with user-generated family trees to facilitate genealogical research. Its primary purpose is to simplify the process of tracing ancestry by integrating data from public records, church archives, and user contributions. The platform serves as both a repository for historical data and a collaborative space where users can build and share family trees. It is particularly useful for individuals seeking to connect with their heritage or researchers studying population migrations and familial patterns. FamilySearch enables users to search for records such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and census data across multiple countries. It also allows users to create and edit family trees, link individuals to historical records, and collaborate with others on shared family histories. The tool includes tools for analyzing relationships and identifying gaps in lineage research.
How to use it
- 1Open the Family Search page
- 2Use the tool directly in your browser
- 3Results appear instantly — no waiting, no downloads
What it can do
- family tree
Use cases
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- source: https://www.familysearch.org/
- license: Open source
- privacy: Opens an external demo
Limitations
- Reliability depends on the completeness of third-party data sources
- Privacy concerns may arise from public access to family trees
- Limited support for non-English records or regional dialects
- Users must manually verify the accuracy of contributed data
- Technical barriers may hinder access for users with limited internet connectivity
Understanding the result
Free genealogy records and family tree builder.
Tool details
- Clearly flagged when a network request is needed.
- No account, no sign-up, and no tracking of your content.
- Powered by (MIT).
- Built with
- (https://www.familysearch.org/)
- License
- MIT
- Runs locally
- No — requires a network request
- Verification
- Not yet verified
- Input
- Query
- Output
- Text
Built with https://www.familysearch.org/. OpenToolVault provides the discovery and browser interface while crediting the original project maintainers.
- Built with
- License
- MIT
Open-source project
OpenToolVault is an independent directory. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by this project.
References
- / — GitHub Repository
Upstream project · GitHub
Frequently asked
How does FamilySearch organize its historical records?
FamilySearch categorizes records by geographic location, time period, and document type. Users can filter searches by country, region, or specific record categories like birth/marriage/death certificates. The platform also allows users to tag and annotate records for personal reference.
How does the collaborative tree-building feature work?
Users can invite others to join their family tree or contribute to public trees. Changes made by collaborators are visible in real-time, and the system tracks edits to maintain data integrity. Users can also request permissions to add or modify entries in shared trees.
How do I resolve conflicting record data in my family tree?
When discrepancies arise, users can flag conflicting entries for review. The platform provides tools to compare multiple records side-by-side and allows users to select the most accurate information. Contributions from other users can also be reviewed to validate data.
How does FamilySearch compare to commercial genealogy services?
Unlike paid services like Ancestry.com, FamilySearch is free to use and prioritizes open access to historical records. It offers a broader range of public-domain data but lacks some advanced features like DNA testing or proprietary record indexing found in commercial platforms.
What should I do if I can't find a record in FamilySearch?
If a record is missing, try refining search terms, checking alternate spellings, or exploring nearby locations. Users can also report missing records through the platform's feedback system. For complex cases, consulting local archives or historical societies may provide additional resources.