Before you start using an app to discover your family tree, it’s important to gather as much information about your family as possible. Talk to older relatives and ask them about important names, dates, and places. This will give the app a solid foundation to work from and help ensure that the results are accurate.
Once you’ve entered your initial information into the app, take some time to explore the different features it offers. Many apps allow you to add photos, documents, and other information to enrich your family tree. Take advantage of these features to create a detailed and visually appealing record of your family history.
If the app allows it, connect to other family trees that may have relevant information about your family. This can help fill in gaps and uncover unexpected connections. Also, pay attention to the app’s suggestions. It can identify potential matches and connections based on information shared by other users.
Recommended Applications and Their Differentiators
Now that you understand how these apps work and their benefits, let’s mention some of the best apps available in the market:
- Ancestry: One of the most popular and widely used apps, Ancestry offers access to a vast database of historical and genealogical records. It allows you to build your family tree, explore old photos, and even take DNA tests for a more detailed analysis of your origins.
- MyHeritage: With an intuitive interface and a strong user community, MyHeritage is a great option for anyone looking to build a collaborative family tree. It offers the option to sync your tree with other users, helping you identify relatives and connections you might not have known about.
- FamilySearch: This free app offers one of the largest genealogical databases in the world. Additionally, FamilySearch allows you to explore historical records and documents from various parts of the world, which is particularly useful for those who have ancestors from different countries.
- Findmypast: Ideal for those with British roots, Findmypast specialises in UK records. It offers a wide range of historical documents, including census records, birth certificates and marriage certificates, helping you build a detailed family tree.
- Genera: Genera is an application focused on combining genealogy with DNA testing, offering an in-depth analysis of your origins. What sets Genera apart is its ability to provide detailed information about genetic heritage, in addition to traditional genealogical data. It is ideal for those who want to understand not only their family connections, but also genetic aspects such as health and hereditary traits.
Each of these applications has its own unique features and advantages, so it is worth exploring the options and choosing the one that best meets your needs and expectations.