Question 1

How do I build a family tree online for free?

Accepted Answer

Sign up for a free Lineage account (or explore without signing up), click New Tree, and add your first person. Enter a name and birth year to get started. Connect parents, siblings, children, and partners. No genealogy experience needed - most people finish their first tree in under 15 minutes.

Question 2

Is Lineage really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Lineage is free to use. Core features - building your tree, adding photos, collaborating, and exporting - are all available at no cost. We have reasonable limits to manage server costs, and your data is always yours to export.

Question 3

Do I need to create an account?

Accepted Answer

No signup is required to explore example trees and try the builder. To save your own tree and collaborate with family, you will need a free account - no credit card required.

Question 4

What is GEDCOM format?

Accepted Answer

GEDCOM (Genealogical Data Communication) is the universal standard file format for genealogy data. It is a .ged text file storing family relationships, dates, and events. All major platforms - Ancestry, MyHeritage, FamilySearch - support GEDCOM. Lineage can import and export GEDCOM files so you can migrate existing research without losing anything.

Question 5

Can I import my existing family tree?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We support GEDCOM files (used by Ancestry, MyHeritage, and most genealogy software), CSV imports, and JSON. Migrate your entire family history in a few clicks.

Question 6

Can I share my family tree with relatives?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Invite family members by email to collaborate as editors or viewers. You can also generate a shareable link for a read-only public view, or keep your tree completely private.

Question 7

Can multiple family members collaborate?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Invite family members to view or edit your tree. Everyone can contribute photos, stories, and corrections from anywhere in the world.

Question 8

Is my family data private and secure?

Accepted Answer

Your data is always yours. We use industry-standard encryption. You control who sees what, can keep trees private, and export your data at any time. We never sell your data to third parties.

Question 9

What export formats are available?

Accepted Answer

Export your family tree as GEDCOM, JSON, PDF, or PNG, or share an interactive web link. Your family history is never locked in.

Question 10

I am not tech-savvy - will I be able to use this?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Lineage is designed for everyone. The interface works like a simple drag-and-drop editor. Most people create their first tree in under 15 minutes.

Question 11

What is the future roadmap for Lineage?

Accepted Answer

Our roadmap includes three phases: the current Web App with browser-based tree building, a planned native Desktop App for offline-first storage and faster performance, and a Mobile App that is currently under discussion based on user interest.

Free Online Family Tree Builder

Family Tree Builder Resources

Start Building Your
Family Tree Today

Free Online Family Tree Builder

Family Tree Builder Resources

Start Building YourFamily Tree Today

Start Building Your
Family Tree Today