How to Make a Family Tree Online for Free (No Download Required)
You don't need to install anything, buy software, or dig through spreadsheets to start a family tree. Everything below happens right in your browser, works on your phone or computer, and costs nothing to get started.
Why a browser-based family tree beats downloaded software
Older genealogy programs ask you to install something on one specific computer, manage your own file backups, and email exported files back and forth whenever a relative wants to see the tree or add something to it. A browser-based tree skips all of that: you sign in from any device, changes save automatically, and anyone you invite can view or edit from their own phone or laptop — no file to send, no version to keep track of.
Step 1: Create your account
Go to the sign-up page and enter a username, email, and password. The first person to register on a new tree automatically becomes the admin, so if you're starting a tree for your family, that's you.
Step 2: Add your first family members
Start with yourself, then add your parents, siblings, spouse, and children. Each person gets their own record — name, birth details, and a photo if you have one. You can go back and fill in more later; nothing needs to be complete on day one.
Step 3: Connect the branches
As you add grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, link each person to their parents. The tree builds itself visually as you go — you'll see the whole shape of the family take form in the tree view.
Step 4: Invite relatives to add what you don't know
Nobody remembers every date and name on their own. Invite a parent, sibling, or cousin to join — they can fill in gaps on branches they know better than you do, like their own side of an in-law's family. Family-based permissions mean people can be shown just their own branch, or given full access to the whole tree, whichever makes sense.
A few tips before you start
- Don't aim for complete on the first sitting. Start with names and rough dates, add details over time.
- Ask before you assume. Family stories don't always match official records — note both if they conflict rather than guessing.
- Add photos as you go. A tree with faces attached to names means far more to the next generation than names alone.
- Make sure your data is backed up. Whatever tool you use, confirm it keeps automatic backups so an accidental edit or deletion never costs you the whole tree.
Ready to start your own tree?
Free to use, no download, and easy to invite family members to help fill it in.
Start your family tree