Gramps
Open-source genealogy software for family trees.
Open the official app on gramps-project.org
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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 Gramps?
Gramps is a free, open-source genealogy tool designed for building and managing family trees. It enables users to document their family history, track ancestral connections, and preserve genealogical data with a focus on privacy and data control. The tool is used by genealogists, historians, and families seeking to organize their heritage research. It addresses the challenge of maintaining accurate, accessible family records while ensuring users retain full authority over their data. Gramps supports both individual and collaborative projects, offering features that balance detailed record-keeping with user-centric privacy settings. Its open-source nature allows for customization and integration with third-party tools, making it a versatile choice for those prioritizing transparency and data sovereignty in their family history work.
How it works
Gramps is a genealogy management system that allows users to create and maintain detailed family trees. It is developed as an open-source project under the GNU General Public License v2.0, ensuring users have full control over their data and the ability to modify the software. The tool is designed for both personal and collaborative use, supporting multiple platforms including desktop and web interfaces. The primary purpose of Gramps is to facilitate the organization and analysis of family history data. It enables users to store information about individuals, relationships, dates, and events, while providing tools for research, documentation, and sharing. Its emphasis on privacy and data ownership makes it a preferred choice for users concerned about sensitive ancestral records. Gramps offers features such as hierarchical tree structures, multimedia support for documents and images, and customizable reports. Its web version allows collaborative editing while maintaining user privacy, and its desktop counterpart provides advanced data management options. Third-party add-ons extend functionality, such as integrating with external databases or generating publication-ready documents.
How to use it
- 1Download Gramps from its official repository or trusted sources. 2. Install the software on your system, following the platform-specific instructions. 3. Launch Gramps and create a new family tree or open an existing one. 4. Input data about individuals, relationships, and historical events using the intuitive interface. 5. Save and export your work in various formats for archival or sharing. Practical tips include using the built-in research tools to connect with historical records, leveraging add-ons for enhanced functionality, and configuring privacy settings to restrict access to sensitive data. Regular backups are recommended to prevent data loss.
What it can do
- genealogy software
Use cases
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- source: https://gramps-project.org/
- license: GPL-2.0 — free to use
- privacy: Self-hosted — you control your data
Limitations
- Limited mobile app support restricts on-the-go data management
- Steep learning curve for advanced features may overwhelm beginners
- Web version requires internet connectivity for full functionality
- Third-party add-ons may lack consistent compatibility across platforms
- Data export options are less comprehensive than commercial alternatives
Understanding the result
Open-source genealogy software for family trees.
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://gramps-project.org/)
- License
- MIT
- Runs locally
- No — requires a network request
- Verification
- Not yet verified
- Input
- Query
- Output
- Text
Built with https://gramps-project.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
- GPL-2.0 License
Upstream project
Frequently asked
How does Gramps handle data privacy and security?
Gramps provides users with granular control over their data through customizable access permissions and encryption options. Sensitive information can be restricted to specific users or roles, and the software does not store data on external servers. Users retain ownership of their data, which is stored locally or in private cloud environments they manage themselves. The open-source model allows for independent verification of security practices, ensuring transparency in data handling.
How does Gramps differ from commercial genealogy software?
Unlike commercial tools, Gramps is free and open-source, giving users full control over their data without subscription costs. It emphasizes privacy and data sovereignty, whereas paid platforms often prioritize cloud integration and proprietary data management. Gramps lacks some advanced features like automatic record matching or AI-driven research tools found in commercial alternatives, but it offers greater customization and transparency through its open-source framework.
How do I export my family tree from Gramps?
To export your family tree, navigate to the 'File' menu and select 'Export' or 'Export Database.' Choose a format such as GEDCOM, HTML, or PDF, and specify the target location. For web-based projects, use the 'Share' feature to generate downloadable files or link to hosted repositories. Always verify the export settings to ensure sensitive data is excluded from public shares.
What are common issues when using Gramps Web?
Common issues include browser compatibility problems, especially with older versions, and difficulties accessing private data when sharing links. Users may also face challenges with third-party add-ons that require specific dependencies. To resolve these, ensure your browser is up-to-date, use HTTPS for private shares, and check add-on compatibility with the Gramps Web version. For persistent errors, consult the developer documentation or community forums for troubleshooting guidance.