Splitting or Combining Family Trees | Ancestry

One of the requests we get the most has to do with either splitting or combining family trees. Crista will walk you through how to do that in the most effective way, so you don't lose any important research.
Start Your Journey Today:
www.ancestry.co...
Subscribe: / @ancestryus
About Ancestry:
Bringing together science and self-discovery, Ancestry helps everyone, everywhere discover the story of what led to them. Our sophisticated engineering and technology harnesses family history and consumer genomics, combining billions of rich historical records and millions of family trees to over 10 million and counting to provide people with deeply meaningful insights about who they are and where they come from.
We’ve pioneered and defined this category, developing new innovations and technologies that have reinvented how people make family history discoveries. And these discoveries can give everyone a greater sense of identity, relatedness, and their place in the world.
Connect with Ancestry:
Visit Ancestry’s Official Site: www.ancestry.com/
Like Ancestry on Facebook: / ancestry
Follow Ancestry on Twitter: / ancestry
Follow Ancestry on Instagram: / ancestry
Splitting or Combining Family Trees | Ancestry
/ ancestrycom

[@dannyoconnell6608]

This is such an excellent presentation. Thank you. However, since it is old, the video quality is low & the programs have been updated, maybe you could revisit this and replace it with a new version.

[@gippslandfires]

and because it is so ancient, family tree maker 2012 is old news. Maybe this could be re-done. so much has changed, I think

[@penniez.burnett4759]

You are a winner, Crista. No matter how complex the operation or how thorny the problem, the job is simple after you have walked us through us. THANK YOU !

[@suzannefoulk9292]

This helped a lot in separating out my Husbands tree. I have tried several times before with no luck, but Thanks to you I was able to see how and follow the steps.

[@wyattandwill12]

I'm combining the two trees I have, one for my mom's and one for my dad's side, because it's inconvenient for people viewing me as a DNA match and for the new ThruLines to have more to work off of.

[@paulduplechain2981]

Krista, I love your smile. It’s genuine. Your videos are informative and pleasant. Good job.

[@CristaCowan]

Thanks, Paul!

[@AncestryUS]

We appreciate the feedback! We'll pass it along.

[@jmlynd]

I want to actually "split" my tree into 2 trees. One would contain all of my ancestors and all of their descendants. The second would contain all of my spouse's ancestors and all of their descendants. This video does not address this need which I would imagine is one of the most common reasons to "split" a tree. Is there a way to do what I describe within FTM 2017?

[@janetward]

Thanks Krista, splitting/combining trees was a great session that certainly gave me lots of information.

[@AncestryUS]

We're so glad to hear that those tips have helped you with your family tree, Janet. Thanks for sharing! 😊

[@wendypowell7866]

another cracking presentation with super helpful info Crista! I am definitely merging all my trees, thank you so much!

[@CristaCowan]

So glad to hear it was helpful for you, Wendy.

[@wyospring8797]

Great review--I have been doing this since I used PAF3.2 so it is easy-peasy. After reading the comments, I think many people have problems because they have so many duplicates on their tree when a couple has 30 kids because they have created more children with varied names with every census, etc. Instead of NOT adding a new person , use the not a match and find the person as you have them on your data base (i.e. with or without a middle name, or using the married name,etc.).

[@mariametheny883]

This is great. But not what I need to do. I want to split my husband's family tree from mine. I want to keep all of his family that I have on his (in-laws, brothers and sisters, etc.). I want 2 trees... mine and his.

[@staynavytom2963]

Did you get any replies to your comment? This is what I want to do as well. It's now 2021.

[@B4Kato]

I am looking to Delete an entire branch after I have exported it out of my tree. Is there a way to remove an entire branch other than removing individuals one at a time?

[@saraschneider6781]

It would be fabulous if we could merge trees!

[@AncestryUS]

Thanks for sharing your feedback, Sara. We regret any inconvenience as it's not possible to merge two trees directly on Ancestry currently. We hope that this video has at least provided you with some insights and options. We also have a support article that may be helpful, linked here: support.ancestry.com/s/article/Unable-to-Merge-Family-Trees. We can also recommend to submit your thoughts via the Ancestry suggestion box, linked here: support.ancestry.com/s/article/Providing-Feedback-About-Ancestry. Many thanks for being a valued Ancestry member!

[@justice7550]

I have 3 trees on ancestry but I just found a link between the two families. It would be great if I can merge the two together without having to manually input all the data again. I suppose I should have done the trees without connecting each family line as opposed to creating 3 separate trees 🙀 I seen a guy who had ONE tree with 79,000 people in it, but all the families weren't connected, Now I understand why he did it that way.

[@bound4sunshine]

Any chance Ancestry will create their own version of Merging any time soon? I only created 2 trees because I had no clue what I was doing or how it all worked when I first started. I was trying to sort between maternal and paternal lines without knowing who most of either were if at all. Now that I have become an "expert" tree maker and researcher (lol), I found the 2 huge mysteries I had in my family , My Bio Dad and My Maternal GrandMother's Bio Dad. I studied ALL your videos on KZbin and a few that weren't, and did learn how it all works. I just wish you had the option to start a tree in "Safe Mode" or a practice tree of sorts to at least help you with just the basics or link (right in the open) all your videos on KZbin so people can learn before just going into a live tree and mucking up the whole system with wrong details attached. I am still fixing errors I created myself because I just didn't know then what I know now. Love your brain girl!

[@felicitymorton2774]

I Know you are worried about merging trees but maybe you could select people who you want to be merged in to the tree.

[@AncestryUS]

Tammatha, If you have the program installed, click on the Help tab and then click on "Training Tutorials". There are some great tutorials that will help you get started in that section.

[@gregphilipmusic]

I have yet another reason for starting a new tree, in my case a second tree: This is the case where I have a tree fragment on a sheet of paper with no providence at all. So I am planning to make this into a separate tree, which can then be a guide to further research. If I just add this tree information to the existing tree, there will be a mixture of documented and undocumented entries. Not nice. Thanks Christa good work!

[@AncestryUS]

Gertrude, There isn't a way to remove the "privatized" option from the tree. That option is available if you are sending the file to someone and wish to privatize the information for the living individuals. You would need to access the original file in order to access the information for the living individuals.

[@akaPugMom]

I have to agree with this comment. Perhaps you should have a bulleted list at the beginning of your videos, with what info will be covered. Because this is the "Ancestry.com" Channel, I assumed from the title that you could split or combine your online tree. Also, I don't mean to be rude, so I apologize, but it's kind of annoying the way you apologize before saying something. Please have your script ready and be sure of your words before saying them. We trust you're the professional. Be that.

[@user-jt1jv8vl9r]

I started a tree for my sister in law using my tree save. She isn't interested in my side of the family and so I want to split it over without having to start from scratch.

[@derekstevens9312]

Thank you. You make it so easy.

[@lanaeval]

I have been working on my family tree for awhile and I love it. I have 600 people attached to it now. My husband took a DNA test and I want to start a second tree with his family history and attach his DNA results to that new tree. The only blood relatives we share are 2 children so I don't need to copy anyone else from my tree into his. Therefore I would like to start a separate tree for him that I could work on. If I click on "create a new tree" will that delete or erase my tree? I've put alot of work into it and would hate to loose all that information I have saved.

[@AncestryUS]

Lana, You can click on "Create A New Tree" and it will not affect your existing tree at all. However, I might suggest that since the two of you have children together, you can just enter your husband and his ancestry into your tree so your children have a singular view of their family history. You can attach multiple DNA kits to a single tree so that won't be a problem, either.

[@fredwenel13]

Crista, after merging, do I need to create a new ancestry account? If so do I then delete the old accounts.

[@cindylott6540]

I love your teachings. You are a great teacher. Thank you

[@AncestryUS]

Thanks so much for stopping by Cindy, we're so happy to hear that you enjoyed this video, we will be sure to pass your kind words on to Crista!

[@6KidsandaHusband]

What a wondeful video, So glad I found your channel...

[@wolfy167]

Thanks, Christa. That was a useful and informative video, even if it is fairly old.

[@vaughnvaughn9965]

This video is almost 10 years old. Does it still reflect how the site and software work?

[@annies4800]

Has anyone else noticed that when you export part of a tree, it doesn't take that whole branch, just the direct ancestors (or descendants), and removes for example - a spouses parents as well?

[@patriotsongs]

That seems like it would be extremely counterproductive. I want to merge my grandfather's tree into my main tree (made him separate since I was tracking down his family...he changed his name) and I've researched much more than direct lines. Did you find a way to overcome thst?

[@caroledw4479]

😄 Thank you! i"m saving this video for future reference.

[@AncestryUS]

Thanks so much for watching, Carol! We're glad you've found Crista's tips and tricks to be helpful. We wish you all the best in your research moving forward! 😊

[@OrchestralMusicMidJourneyArt]

Are you going to update all of your videos to the current version of 2017?

[@AncestryUS]

I have that on the list for possible future episodes, yes. Thanks!

[@scottmitchell4542]

The reason I want to split my tree is that I've begun to research the paternal lines of two different cousins, i.e., their fathers married into our family. It just makes it a bit easier to have separate trees fro them. But, does the Exporting from Family Tree Maker still keep the information in the main tree? Does it just, basically, make a copy that is then created into a new tree? I definitely don't want to lose any data. Thanks. Oh, and video was great and very informative.

[@jeanniem3559]

I have FTM 2012 and when I split of a branch and do what it says, it moves ALL of the media from the tree I am exporting from instead of just the media of the ancestors and descendants I am moving. Sorting the media is the main reason I want to split this branch off.

[@norafullerroscoe6831]

Great information! Save to my account so I can go back for referencing.

[@Travelinalong5553]

its 2017, do you know how I can download my tree info and keep that for myself or email the document to family?

[@theplumchum6300]

So I have duplicated my family tree and started over because I think my first tree was incorrect, I duplicated the tree because i felt like the first one was incorrect but I didn’t want to enter back in the information that I 100% know is correct. The people I deleted are still listed as family tree members and the family tree people count is incorrect and has not changed, how can I fix this?

[@AncestryUS]

Thanks very much for getting in touch lately! We appreciate your query and we're always happy to help as best we can. It's important to note that disconnecting a relationship in a tree won't delete the profiles found in the list of all people. Individual profiles have to be deleted one by one, so even if you don't see all the profiles when viewing your tree, they're still in the list of all people. We'd suggest reviewing your list of all people to see if any of the profiles are still there so you can delete them if needs be. We hope this helps to explain what you're encountering!

[@pattyrdh1987]

Hello Crista, I am trying to merge another family members tree with my own. He has given me access as editor. I am unable to combine, download, upload or make a GEDCOM. Would also like to merge this tree on Family Tree Maker. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thank you.

[@Thameslass]

There's a transcript (click on the icon to the right of 'Add to'), but it's not very accurate... Captions would be so much better. Accessibility for all please, Ancestry!

[@WoodworkingPro]

Image is too blurry to see the how-to portion of this video.

[@randyking3057]

In "Life Story" Why is the default half-siblings if you don't have two parents in the tree. Especially in lateral relatives, it forces you to name someone who's not in your actual bloodline.

[@christy5150]

Hi, I am not able to do this with FTM 2014. No matter what file format I export the tree in (FTM 2011, FTM 2012, FTM), it does export fine, but when I try to "Merge" it, the program is not able to identify any file with the extension ftmb. When I navigate into the folder on my hard drive it is there, yet it is invisible to FTM 2014. I am trying to merge two trees. Any ideas?

[@melissacrowe8353]

I have this exact same problem! What do I need to do, anybody? I created my husband's tree when we were dating and would like to merge it with mine.

[@TrishFunderburgWalls]

Thank you!!! I have been wondering how to do this.

[@teresamanmiller4568]

This is very helpful. Thank you

[@pattyrdh1987]

Thank you!!!! I will give this a try.

[@johnbaltes6460]

When you export an individual and his ancestors and descendants from your main tree does it remove them from this original main tree?

[@AncestryUS]

Hi there John, and thanks so much for watching. We're grateful for your query and we're always happy to help. We appreciate the opportunity to advise that downloading your tree, or copying individuals from your tree won't delete any information from your main tree. You can learn more here: support.ancestry.com/s/article/Splitting-an-Ancestry-Family-Tree?language=en_US Thanks again for stopping by!

[@susanmarie2231]

Someone has been gracious enough to give me access to their family tree. Can I merge their tree into my family tree? This will save me hours of work in having to re-type many generations of ancestors from their tree into my tree.

[@AncestryUS]

Trees can only be merged if you have access to the GEDCOM file (data only) of the tree and have a desktop software program (like Family Tree Maker). Otherwise, you can view a person in their tree and click on TOOLS and then Save To Tree.

[@uxordepp]

Just got my FTM 2014 and am trying to merge families. The button in the upper right of the screen is telling me they're merged, but my people list on the left is saying they're not. When I click the File> merge, and say yes to a backup, I'm taken to a file search screen for my computer which says it's empty. What am I missing?

[@Skans-Gustav]

Very good video. Is it really possible to get hold of the desktop version of FTM in 2019, or has this been discontinued? I can’t seem to get hold of it and would really like to try this.

[@AncestryUS]

Yes! I still use FTM (and love it). You can order it here: www.mackiev.com/ftm/

[@elizabethlivsey8471]

My FTM 2014 stopped syncing earlier this year Got a link from McKiev support which was supposed to download my current tree from Ancestry into FTM but got an error saying it couldn't do this with current tree and did I want to use a backup. Stupidly I clicked yes but used a backup of FTM that was now out of date( ie lots more people added) and FTM synced that to Ancestry as a new tree. Too confusing as I use the Ancestry App as well and don't remember which tree I am updating. I want to sync or merge both trees or just find a way to have my other preferred tree in Ancestry be the one that syncs.

[@AncestryUS]

If you have both trees in FTM, you can merge them to create one new "master" tree. Once you have verified that everything merged to your satisfaction, you can delete the old trees so you don't get confused about which tree is the current one.

[@elizabethlivsey8471]

Thanks. I've done this and I think it's sorted.

[@kelbelle3201]

I watched the video but am still confused. I'm trying to split a tree, but I still can't figure it out. When I called Ancestry they told me I couldn't split a tree.

[@AncestryUS]

You can only split a family tree if you are using some kind of desktop software (like Family Tree Maker). You can not split an online family tree.

[@stickmanII]

Great video! How would I be able to permanently "chop off" a branch of my family tree? I did a lot of research on the descendants of what I thought was my great-great grandfather's brother, but in the course of doing the research, I found out that they were not related at all, having come from completely different regions of Germany. I hate to waste the research I did as it may benefit someone else. I still gets hits for those people on my online tree even though I deleted the false sibling.

[@lelatucker1006]

I installed a tree maker and since I have I can't find some of my ancestors is there any way that you could explain what might have happened thank you maybe I just don't know how it works thank you

[@problematic7993]

I see people with massive royal lineages and they are huge in scale. Once you connect to the "western family tree" of European nobility and royalty you connect to a vast and huge web of ancestors. I know these people didn't fill in all this info manually, but I can't find out how else they put it in. Is there for example, an extensive GEDCOM on the ancestors of Edward III so I can merge it with my own and sync it to my family tree, it would be literally impossible for me to do these myself since it goes back like 2,000 years? I cannot find such a one, but I see people with huge pedigrees that I can't download. I don't even know how to correctly fill in the name field because they don't have conventional names. There should be a video on this sort of thing, since for a large number of people it comprises the majority of the known ancestors on their tree.

[@jennifervogt6249]

Very interesting and informative. You mentioned using a GEDCOM file to transfer from Ancestry to a software program but GEDCOM does not transfer pictures or notes you said, did I miss something? I have been using PAF and now I have to find a new program, is Family Tree Maker the replacement for PAF?

[@sandrajn]

I have the same problem listed below that when I try MERGE, I am told that it cannot merge ftmb files at this time. Yet BOTH files are from Family Tree Maker 2014. I don't see an answer below but hope to get one soon.

[@kenwilliams860]

I received trees from other families that contain individuals from my family. How do I merge parts of the new trees (certain sirname individuals) from imported tree into my master tree without all of the other individuals?

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Ken, thank you for the question. While merging trees, or parts of trees, is not possible at this time we do have a guide on how you can copy individuals from one tree to another. support.ancestry.com/s/article/Copying-People-from-Trees?language=en_US

[@jwebbtx1961]

My 1st cousin has recently joined Ancestry and did DNA. Is there EASY way for me to give her half of my Family Tree? Only 7 people in her tree so far. Also, if I am giving her my Tree will it carry the photos as well? I do not think she even has genealogy program other than Ancestry. Her husband is doing work and really wants to avoid moving each family individually. I have been studying your videos and not found answer. I know I could give them GEDCOM but as you say, that excludes photos and stories.....I have lots. Thanking you in advance. Also, I watch your Weekly KZbin videos. You speak of being live but I haven't located you schedule. I have one BS degree, studying Ancestry is certainly like working on second degree!! Thanks

[@AncestryUS]

The only way to transfer entire chunks of a family tree is with a desktop software program. Currently, Family Tree Maker (FTM) is the only one that syncs with Ancestry and allows you to transfer all attached media. You can sync your online tree with FTM. Then copy out the branch of the tree she needs. Then you can share that with her and have her upload it directly to her own account. BTW - We haven't had a live schedule for about a year. All current videos are now uploaded directly to KZbin on Tuesday afternoons. ~Crista

[@MaryMP45]

HI Crista, can you please update this video? I bought FTM 2017 for the exact purpose of sharing parts of my tree with some cousins (not inexpensive, BTW) - but now that I have tried following this video - it doesn't work that way.

[@kaycon4823]

If she will let you have access to her dna, you can just link her to your tree and you guys can collaborate on the one tree.

[@DebiSlinger]

Great video and explanation. I have a question. When I search or an ancestor, let's say Mary Jean King, I can see there are 3 of them, all with the same birth / death date. Why is this. Why are there doubles? Would merging the trees help removing any doubles.

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Debi, thank you for the question. If the duplicate results are all in your family tree, merging them will resolve that issue. You can learn more about merging duplicates here: support.ancestry.com/s/article/Merging-Duplicate-People?language=en_US

[@edwardyeutson8507]

I wish I could merge my 2 trees into one on ancestry as I helped when ancestry was making Family tree maker better ended up having 4 trees was able to delete 2 of the trees over years and am down to 2 trees but years back ancestry quit merging trees, now I am stuck with 2 trees

[@CristaCowan]

Do you still use Family Tree Maker? You can merge them there.

[@xxVerityGirlxx]

I have merged as per instruction in FTM 2014. However, when I look at my "Media" under the collection tab, half of files display as the FTM icon instead of the image it was before the merge. This is the same in the "People" display.They are linked correctly but the images show as FTM icons in both. However, when I select the ">Media >Display" tab, the image is displayed. What has gone wrong and how do I fix it?

[@AncestryUS]

Sounds like some of your images may be stored in a folder that got moved or copied to somewhere else. Go to MEDIA | Find Missing Media. That should walk you through reconnecting those media items to the folder where they are now stored.

[@garnmcgaughn]

26500 and growing and sadly couldn't split if I even wanted to now. I've got at least 2 or 3 maternal paternal links

[@lbfaith]

I only have one for me. And another separate tree for my husband. Trees are meant to start with a mutual person. Mostly a child

[@robertbutcher222]

Ok, I merged trees, where's the change, I didn't see anything change??? Did it make a separate file???

[@melodyfisher1992]

I am wanting to export a branch of my family to do a booklet for a family reunion. I keep getting an error message. How do I find out why? Also I use my own way to adding the people ex. John Alan (Mary Jones) Smith, first name middle name (spouse) last name is the parenthesis what is stopping it. I would think it would still automatically include any names attached to it though

[@kenwilliams860]

When merging 2 trees how do I not include new people (tree branches) to my master tree? I am not interested in unrelated people. Ken

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Ken, thank you for the question. Unfortunately, it's not currently possible to merge trees on Ancestry but we do have some tips on how to achieve the same results, support.ancestry.com/s/article/Unable-to-Merge-Family-Trees?language=en_US

[@ljsolway615]

Is it ok to do a adopted family tree?

[@Ramager580]

Anyone know a program I can print my tree? I don’t care how many pages I’d like to print at home. It’s saved on Ancestry where I am presently working with it.

[@AncestryUS]

Thanks for reaching out to Ancestry, Sharon. We regret any concerns and welcome this opportunity to provide some insights. Whilst Ancestry is focused on online family research, we still offer some printing options directly from our family tree program. You can read more about these here: support.ancestry.com/s/article/Printing-a-Family-Tree If the options available via Ancestry don't meet your printing needs you may choose to connect with our collaborative partner, MyCanvas, for professional prints (see link in above article). Another option is to download your family tree as a GEDCOM file, which you can then transport to other services that may offer the particular printing opinion you’re looking for. You can read more about GEDCOM files below: support.ancestry.com/s/article/Uploading-and-Downloading-Trees Many thanks for being a valued Ancestry member. We hope this is helpful!

[@annabornemeier9791]

Will the 2014 tree maker do this??

[@PennyLane1403]

I'm following all of your instructions on how to split my family tree. However, after naming the tree and pressing ok the process starts and then I get an error message and that it has not been completed. Do you have any tips on how to fix this problem? I'm using FTM 2014 and my computer is running windows 10.

[@AncestryUS]

Stacy - I'm not sure what might cause that problem. I just split out a branch of my FTM to share with a family member the other day. You might want to contact Software Mackiev here: support.mackiev.com/

[@rosewood3850]

I have Family Tree Maker on a Cd but i got a new computer with no Cd Rom so how can i get a new copy or will i have to buy a new copy or the Cd?

[@AncestryUS]

+Barbara Potter Find a computer with a CD drive and copy the install files to a flash drive. Then you can load them on your new computer. Hope that helps.

[@itzjoseph9028]

I bought an external cd player for my computer. It it just like a built in player and attaches like a usb. Thet are not expensive and worthwhile for using old cds to install programs, transfer and record things or just to watch old cds.

[@dales095]

I have a question I don't see has been asked, How do you enter Foreign names that may have Letters not on a US keyboard? Also how do you transition when names change after people get to the US

[@AncestryUS]

You can use your operating system to use a keyboard in whatever language you choose to enter information into your family tree. When you want to enter multiple names for a person (for example, birth names and name changes after immigration), you can enter another NAME fact from the person profile page.

[@sarahkelly969]

Can you still split trees on the Family Tree Maker 2019?

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Sarah. Thanks so much for stopping by to check out this video from our archives. We're pleased to see that you're busily researching and attempting to build a family tree to be proud of. We would be pleased to assist you in anyway we can. Unfortunately, we cannot provide support for FTM via this forum. We would refer you to www.mackiev.com/ftm/ as this is a third party product. If you ever encounter an issue relating to our website then please get back in touch and we will do our very best to assist you. We wish you every success in your family history project! 🌳

[@marriegle8317]

Family Tree Maker costs another $90-$100 in addition to what I already pay to Ancestry. Hoping for a free one.

[@CristaCowan]

Family Tree Maker is not owned by Ancestry. You can purchase it directly from the owners, Software Mackiev. It is currently sold for $79, though they sometimes have sales around the holidays and at conferences, like RootsTech.

[@ChuckKahn]

So what's the TL;DR for those of us that watched this yesterday but can't remember the name of the software?

[@AncestryUS]

Lol, Chuck! Family Tree Maker. The newest version is 2017 and it is the only version that currently syncs with Ancestry.

[@Gertieanne]

Hello, When I split a tree, I privatized living, now I can see individuals in the tree, How do I remove the privatized option?

[@cliffordhughes8535]

Good class I would like to know after merging file and want to delete the mulit. file and not loose anything how do you do that? Cliff

[@judetoke4122]

i cannot get my tree to un-privitize, therefore i have data i cannot see, like first names, it just says living, then i can see nothing about the people.

[@AncestryUS]

Did you import your tree to Ancestry from a genealogy software program? If so, you likely ticked a box in the EXPORT from that program to privatize living people. You would need to re-export without that selection and then upload a new tree to Ancestry.

[@mattpotter8725]

Isn't having a working tree as well as a complete tree actually having multiple trees?

[@rubensz]

Get better programmer so people dont have to buy software but instead do it all on your website.

[@BillGood]

Thanks for wasting 7 minutes of my time. Ancestry should have been upfront in the description that you CANNOT split the online tree.

[@julialarsen]

Split or join! That sucks

[@samantharomero1434]

one website says that my last name is italian another one says its spanish do I have no connection to mexico ?? i think my ancestors were probably spanish and mexican

[@tomo9126]

This video is 11 years old. Is it still accurate? Is it worth watching or have things changed so much this is useless?

[@palmersignsinc.3336]

I have a DNA relative, I am trying to find where our Geological lines cross. I have build both trees. can you do that in ancestry or is there a program that does that?

[@AncestryUS]

How many centimorgans of DNA do you share with this match?

[@bs322073]

I just started using Ancestry.com...(I received a 6 month gift subscription for xmas). A member on Ancestry has all the information that I need for a family member (my husbands mother's side). Is there a way that I can move all his information to my tree for this person, or do I need to input all the information manually? By information I mean, "all"...source information, etc. media included. Are there links somewhere that will let me do this? This other member gave me the instructions on how to add his tree into my list of trees and his tree is listed under "My Family Trees" for my account. If there is a video on just this subject please provide that link. I am at this point, just working with Ancestry's online tree. I do not have a Tree Maker. Thank you for any response,. Bonnie

[@coopsevy5664]

Ok what happened when my family tree has multiple wives.. ? And what happened when my father had a step father who raised him..? My tree is so twisted..

[@tntmarietntmarie333]

Is this still accurate? This video published 2012...7 years ago. Is there an update to this 'how to' re: splitting/combining trees on Ancestry.com

[@AncestryUS]

This information is still, essentially, accurate. You can not split or combine trees online. You need a desktop software program. Now, both Family Tree Maker and RootsMagic sync with Ancestry Online Trees and can be used for that function.

[@jeroenamador2957]

I can't find a screen that looks like hers--what am I doing wrong?? I want to merge 2 trees. (I have RootsMagic 7).

[@AncestryUS]

We know that Crista uses Family Tree Maker, not RootsMagic, as her desktop software program. We recommend visiting RM support for further assistance. www.rootsmagic.com/

[@mlb6d9]

Hi - how can I remove my mothers parents and ancestors from the people list? I want to send my data file to a cousin so she can continue work on my Dad's side, but I don't want all my mothers siblings, etc and ancestors in the list. I've gone and 'detached' these people in tree view and they disappear there, but still show up on the people list on the left? Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.....

[@AncestryUS]

+Monte - In order to export a portion of your tree, you would need to have desktop genealogy software. You can not do this directly from an online tree unless you delete people one person at a time.

[@mlb6d9]

Sorry, I should have mentioned that I am currently using FTM 2014

[@desireebirmingham2420]

My Ancestry pages states that I am merged with Family Tree Maker, but I cannot find how to log into FTM, to see that page you have on this video, and all of the instructional stuff on ancestry.com. Help!

[@AncestryUS]

+desiree birmingham Do you have Family Tree Maker installed on your computer? Does it show that your tree is linked to an online tree?

[@benrobinson77]

Krista - because I was adopted, I created my tree for just my biological family linked to my own DNA test and Ancestry profile. However I was thinking about building a separate tree for my adopted parents as a gift. Under the "Manage Trees" option when it says to "Add a new Tree" will doing so delete my own tree? Or do my adopted parents have to create their own profile? I'm afraid of deleting the tree I worked so tirelessly on for the past 6 months. I'm currently not using Family Tree maker, jus the website.

[@AncestryUS]

+benrobinson77 Go ahead and Add a New Tree. It will not affect your current tree at all. What a wonderful gift to give your parents by learning more about and recording their family history. (Crista)

[@benrobinson77]

Thanks for clarifying, it was hard to tell what was going to happen as I clicked through the dialogue box. I love your videos btw. Because of you sharing your knowledge I linked my biological family to the Mayflower, Black "freed" slaves, Native Americans and Sicilian immigrants. And I'm from New England where records of non-white people are quite different to navigate from the African American records, seeing how slavery there ended way before the Southern states. Thanks for your time in sharing!

[@MargaretCHarmon1]

Hello, I appreciate the knowledge gained from watching your videos; however, my screen is slightly different than yours. Thanks! Margaret Cline Harmon

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Margaret - This video is a little over 5 years old. So, there have been some changes since then. I have it on my list to refresh it with new screen shots. Until then, the basic principles still hold true. Is there something specific you are struggling with because of the differences in the screens?

[@val2crazy]

I just bought FTM2014 and I don't like it .. I have been using Ancestry and I don't understand how to load my sources plus it has a bunch of jpg. files that are unreadable .. do't know what to do

[@AncestryUS]

Family Tree Maker is owned by Software Mackiev. Contact them and they should be able to help you.

[@karinbarfield6469]

I am trying to fix this but can't figure it out. My husband was married before. His wife, whom is listed as divorced, has her as "wife of husband" of me and her parents are listed as "mother/father-in-law of husband of me. This makes all of her relatives listed as bla bla of wife of husband of me. How do I change this????

[@AncestryUS]

Technically, that is their relationship to you. She was the "wife of [your] husband." They were the "in-laws." What were you expecting to see there?

[@johnetie]

I own Family Tree Maker (ver 2017) but my tree is too big (apparently) to download. I have tried dozens of times to download my tree without success.

[@AncestryUS]

Where are you trying to download your tree FROM?

[@johnetie]

ancestry.com. I have opened a case with MacKiev so we'll see what they come up with.

[@prantikdam9855]

I want to see the entire family tree I created including my grand father and all my Uncles. How Can I see all of it in one page

[@AncestryUS]

Hey there Prantik, thanks so much for stopping by! You can toggle your view of your family tree, such as zooming in and out, as well as changing from family view to pedigree view, using the menu buttons on the left hand side of your screen. You can see much more here: support.ancestry.com/s/article/Navigating-an-Ancestry-Family-Tree We hope this helps!

[@beverlywakefield3793]

Can this be done in FT2011?

[@dbowen03]

I got through this whole video and still did not see how to merge 2 family trees using the Ancestry.com website. Very disappointed.

[@AncestryUS]

Starting at 7:00, it is clearly stated that you can not split or combine family trees if your tree is only online. You will need genealogy software to do so.

[@tanialusky7250]

How do I merge my tree with my brother's tree. I don't want to watch this entire video to figure out how to do just this

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Tania, thank you for the question. At this time it is not possible to simply merge two family trees. But we do have some tips in this article, support.ancestry.com/s/article/Unable-to-Merge-Family-Trees?language=en_US, on how you can achieve similar results.

[@philhunt9297]

@@AncestryUS It seems options are available using software [offline] but impossible online (with Ancestry AFAIK and understand being the 'go to' the 'be all' the biggest subscriber business) ^How did I get here?^ Decades ago began researching family tree. Illness = excess of time + subscription to the *biggest database/userbase* = a rather extended [marriage of a marriage of a descendant being researched and added because.....I could] family tree of +160k linked members including my perceived paternal fathers ancestry. 20 years later, after information confirmed, and a DNA test my perceived paternal father just becomes my dad and an investigation begins on potential paternal fathers - can't add to existing tree so create separate tree researching 2 brothers ancestors. After further DNA tests I now know who my paternal father is.....whoopee until I want to link my paternal father in to my main tree.....doh! Come on Ancestry - you should be better at this. You're raking in billions yet forcing those who've worked hard tp pay your subscription and worked hard to build a family tree + a userbase + a profitable business [Ancestry] to scrape the bottom of their already bare pockets to find more $'s to get software.....are we in the 21st century [where everything can be done online] or stuck in the 1980's with that audible dial up/connection tone? TLDR - Ancestry the online 'be all and end all' forces customers to buy software to fix something

[@JackTheBearTexas]

I was adopted and know at least one of my natural birth parents - Do I just make two trees or can I combine

[@AncestryUS]

It is up to you. You can make one tree for your biological heritage and one for your adopted heritage. Or, you can go into your profile on your tree and click on EDIT | Edit Relationships and add a 2nd set of parents. The only caution I would offer, is if you have done (or intend to do) DNA testing, you need to be sure that your biological parents are set as the preferred parents in your tree so that it will show your biological connections to your DNA matches. Hope that makes sense.

[@tonyroof2161]

i just found this video and would like to have my wife have a tree but stay connected to mine so we would have two trees, can we make this work that way?

[@AncestryUS]

You can use the "Member Connect" feature, found under TOOLS on the person profile page in your tree. That will allow to "connect" a person in one tree to a person in another tree.

[@IdrisBusari]

@@AncestryUS Does this feature still exist? My wife made a tree for the family on ancestry.com, how can I get the same tree on my ancestry.com profile without having to make individual entries since I am also an editor of the same tree?

[@1stdragonflyjones]

So I'm adopted and just did my DNA so now I need 2 trees for my real and adopted family how do I do this

[@AncestryUS]

Or, you can go into your profile page on your family tree and click on EDIT | Edit Relationships and add both sets of parents. Just be sure to select the appropriate designation of biological or adopted.

[@1stdragonflyjones]

@@AncestryUS I didn't know you could so that

[@gendeb9666]

I combined my tree and my ex's tree because everybody said i should because we have children. HUGE MISTAKE for me because Baby Daddy's name is in my face every time I work on genealogy and it was a very bad divorce. It is better for me to split our trees apart.

[@AncestryUS]

Or, you can just make yourself or one of your parents the home person in the tree and you never have to look at his information unless you purposefully want to. Sorry about the bad divorce. Hope that helps with the family tree. (~Crista)

[@spiritisalive1]

Ancestry my husband & I have a Brady bunch situation going on. A his, hers, & ours if you will. He has a son from a previous relationship, I have a daughter from a previous marriage, & then we have our two children together. If I put all of our children under our names, it's not really accurate. What if our older two kids decide to add their parents to the family tree & their lineage? How do we navigate this? Do we just list them as all of ours, & let the kids sort it out later? Thank you!

[@AncestryUS]

Add the father of your children to the family tree. Then enter your children under the two of you. Then add the mother of your step-children in your family tree and add your husband's children under the two of them. Then add your children with your husband as the children of the two of you. When you are in your family tree on the profile page for YOU, you should see all of your biological children listed under the appropriate father. When you are on your husband's profile page, you should see all of his children listed under the appropriate mother. Does that make sense?