A family tree is a visual representation of your family history. It starts with you and goes backward, showing your parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and so on. It can include basic information such as names and birth dates, or more detailed elements like places, photos, occupations, and important events.

Today, there are many digital tools, that make this work much easier. Some of the most recommended include:

🌐 Online Platforms

• MyHeritage: Very comprehensive, allows you to connect with potential relatives and includes DNA features.
   
• Ancestry: Ideal for English-speaking users. It has a vast historical database.
   
• FamilySearch: Free, developed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Excellent for beginners.
   
• Geni: Focused on creating a “world family tree.” Very useful for global connections.
   

🧾 PC Software

• Gramps (free): Open-source genealogy program, very complete.
   
• Legacy Family Tree: Free and premium versions. Great for more advanced genealogists.
   

📝 Manual Tools

• Spreadsheets like Excel or Google Sheets.
   
• Printable family tree templates (available online).
   
• Genealogy notebooks or journals.

1. Start with yourself
   Write down your basic info: full name, date and place of birth. Then add your parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, as far as you have information.
    
2. Talk to your family
   Interview your parents, grandparents, uncles/aunts. Ask for full names, dates, places, photos, documents and anecdotes. Write everything down, even what seems unimportant.
    
3. Gather documents
   Look for birth, marriage, and death certificates, passports, old photos, letters, school or work records. They may be in your home or with relatives.
    
4. Organize the information
   Use a tool (digital or manual) to record and categorize the data. Make sure to save sources and dates to keep the context.
    
5. Verify data
   It’s common to find errors or conflicting versions. Compare sources, look for official documents or public records.
    
6. Expand your search
   Visit historical archives, churches, civil registries, or libraries. Many old records aren’t digitized and require in-person research.
    
7. Digitize and back up
   Scan photos and documents, and store them in the cloud or on external drives. This prevents loss and makes it easy to share your work with family members.
    
8. Share and collaborate
   Show your tree to your family. Someone might have more information you didn’t know. You can also connect with other genealogists online.
    

Enjoy the process: Beyond names, it’s a chance to uncover fascinating stories.

✅ Tips for a Successful Family Tree

Be organized: Name files clearly and consistently.

Document everything: Even oral stories—include the date and who told them.

Be patient: Sometimes it takes time to find or verify data.

Creating your family tree is more than just a personal project—it’s a way to honor your ancestors and preserve their memory. It’s a journey through time that can reveal surprising connections and help you better understand your identity. You don’t need to be an expert to start, just curiosity and persistence.

If you enjoyed this guide, share it or tell us about your experience researching your family history. Happy searching!