How to Build Your Family Tree on Without Cost or Membership

If you're interested in building your family tree on but are concerned about costs, here’s what you need to know. offers a free trial period, but once it ends, accessing many of their records will require a membership. Alternatively, you can explore free methods and options to get started without such a commitment.

Using Free Resources

The good news is that you can still obtain valuable information for your family tree with purely free resources. Start by checking public libraries, church graveyards, and county record offices. Public libraries often have historical records and microfilmed documents that are free to access. Additionally, many churches and local record offices may have information available for free.

Free Trial and Limited Access

While offers a 14-day free trial, you will be prompted to enter your payment information during the trial. However, it’s worth noting that during this period, you can access a limited set of records. After the trial, you would need to subscribe to continue using the service.

Another option is to use FamilySearch, which is generally free to use and offers a wide range of records for building your family tree. However, if you plan to claim more detailed information or download your tree, you will need to purchase certificates and records using census information and parish records. Remember, nothing in this pursuit is entirely free.

Building Your Family Tree

Building your family tree involves collecting and organizing information. If you haven't created a family tree yet, you’ll need to start from scratch. You can begin by gathering information from family members, church records, and public records. You can download your family tree as a file, but the process can be complex and may require the use of third-party apps. Be prepared to spend time and effort to research and document your family history.

Note that itself does not provide a 'ready-made' family tree. Instead, it offers a space where you can build your tree. When using , you can build your own tree for free and then download it for free. However, you cannot view or download other people's trees without a subscription.

For detailed research, consider visiting your local public library or history commission. They often have microfiche and old papers that can help you expand your family tree. You can spend months poring over these documents to piece together your ancestry.

Building your family tree is a fascinating journey. While you may encounter some costs for detailed records and proofs, you can make significant progress with free and accessible resources. Take your time, gather information, and enjoy the process of discovering your family's history.