Starting Your Family Tree

Note: This article is about the FamilyTreeDNA Tree Builder. If you have linked your tree to your MyHeritage Account, please see the MyHeritage Help Center. 

To start your tree, you must first add an immediate relationship to your block on the tree. 

It is important to note that you can add relationships in either the Family View or the Pedigree View. However, on the Pedigree View, you will only see your direct-line relationships, which include you, your parents, your grandparents, your great grandparents, etc. You can view all of the relationships you have added on the Family View.  

Adding Immediate Relationships

To add an immediate relationship (spouse, parent, sibling, child):

1. Click on your block on the tree. The action menu is displayed. 
   
2. On the action menu, click Add Relationship. A relationship menu is displayed.
   
3. On the relationship menu, click the relationship of the person for whom you want to add, e.g., select Add Mother if you want to add your mother. The profile card for the relationship you are adding is displayed.
4. On the profile card, fill in the details that you want to add for that relationship. Please note that, if you wish, you do not have to enter any information for a relationship. 
5. Click Save. That relationship is now displayed on your tree. (Reminder, if you are on the Pedigree View, you will only see your direct-line relationships.) 

Adding a Parent Shortcut 

This shortcut allows you to quickly add a parent relationship to you or to any other relationship you have on your tree. 

To add a parent via the shortcut:

1. Simply click on the Add Father or Add Mother block linked to your block or to the relationship for whom you want to add a parent. 
   Note: You can also use this shortcut on the Pedigree View; however, you will only be able to add a parent relationship to yourself and to your direct-line relationships. 

1. The profile card for the parent you are adding is displayed.
2. On the profile card, fill in the details that you want to add for that parent. Please note that, if you wish, you do not have to enter any information for a relationship. 
3. Click Save. That parent is now displayed on your tree. (Reminder, if you are on the Pedigree View, you will only see your direct-line relationships.) 

Adding & Editing a Relative's Profile

To add or edit a relative's profile:

1. On your tree, click on the person's block for whom you want to add or edit their profile. The action menu is displayed. 
   
   
2. On the action menu, click View Profile. The profile card for that relationship is displayed. 
   
3. In the upper-right corner of the profile card, click the pen () icon. The edit version of the profile card is displayed.
4. Add or edit information.
5. Click Save. 

Adding & Editing a Relative's Notes

To add or edit notes for a relative:

1. On your tree, click on the person's block for whom you want to add or edit a note. The action menu is displayed. 
2. On the action menu, click View Profile. The profile card for that relationship is displayed. 
3. Click the Tree Notes tab.
4. In the lower-right corner of the Tree Notes tab, click Edit. 
5. Add or edit notes.
6. Click Save.

Adding a Relative's Photo

Showing & Hiding a Relative's Details 

The Details Show/Hide toggle is located at the lower-left corner of your Family Tree. You can toggle this button to show or hide family members’ details on your tree. When you select to show details, birth and death locations are displayed when entered for your family members.

Searching in Your Tree

To search for a family member on your tree:

1. In the upper-right corner of your Family Tree, enter the name or location associated with that family member in the Search field.
2. Press Enter on your keyboard. The Search list displays all of your family members who have a like name or location (depending on which you entered).
3. In the Search list, click on the family member's name to center that person on your tree view.