Finding your roots application turns complex genealogy into a simple guided journey. This tool helps you map family history, discover migration paths, and connect DNA matches with clear, actionable steps.
By combining document records, historical collections, and smart DNA tools, the platform delivers a timeline you can trust. Below is a structured overview of core capabilities at a glance.
| Feature | What It Does | Data Sources | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto Tree Build | Assembles a surname tree using shared DNA and public records | GEDmatch, FamilySearch, documented trees | Included with most subscriptions |
| Historical Records | Searches census, vital, and immigration documents | Local archives, digitized newspapers, indexed registers | Varies by database access |
| DNA Matching | Identifies close and distant relatives across testing sites | 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage transfers | One-time upload, no extra fee |
| Timeline View | Shows life events on an interactive year-by-year chart | Record dates, photo uploads, story notes | Standard in dashboard |
Navigating the Home Dashboard
The home dashboard centralizes your research, displaying recent finds, unresolved matches, and suggested record hints. From here you can jump into tree editing, map views, or report exports without leaving the main screen.
Building and Verifying Your Family Tree
Smart hints flag inconsistencies such as wrong birthplaces or impossible dates. You can accept suggestions with one click or manually adjust relationships while the system recalculates confidence scores.
Exploring Historical Records and Documents
Record scanners are linked directly to events in your tree, making it easy to verify a birth certificate or immigration file. Attach notes and source citations so future researchers understand why you chose each link.
Understanding DNA Tools and Ethnic Breakdown
Chromosome maps highlight segments you inherited from specific ancestors, while ethnicity estimates show broad regional clusters. Remember that these are probabilistic and improve as reference populations grow.
Getting the Most From Your Genealogy Platform
- Review smart hints daily to catch conflicting data early
- Export verified facts into source citations for every major claim
- Transfer DNA matches across sites to expand your relative network
- Use the timeline view to spot gaps where records are missing
- Set research goals and let the platform remind you of next steps
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I connect my existing DNA test results to Finding Your Roots?
Upload your raw data file through the DNA import section, choose the privacy level you prefer, and the platform will begin matching against its community database automatically.
Can I correct a wrong ancestor after the tree has been built?
Yes, you can edit any person profile, merge duplicate entries, and rerun hints to realign suggested relationships across the tree.
Will adding sources and citations change my tree structure?
No, attaching sources only adds evidence to existing facts; it does not alter names, dates, or relationships unless you manually choose to update them.
How often are new historical records added to the search index?
The catalog is updated monthly with newly digitized collections, and you can set alerts for specific locations or record types to be notified as soon as they appear.