Trace Your Family Tree

Getting started with Ancestry

Taking the first steps...

So, by reading this you're obviously interested in starting to build your family tree and preserve your family's history for future generations to enjoy too. If you've already started your research and have your family tree stored on another family website or in family history software package, you can easily export your family tree, saving the need to re-enter a lot of the information you've already gathered.
Find out more about how to do this now »

Getting started is easy. Within a matter of minutes, you'll have taken the key steps in your quest to build your family tree and discover more about your family's past.

Creating your family tree

All you'll need to get started is some basic information regarding you and your parents to set you on your way. Simply follow the on-screen instructions, entering as much information as you can when prompted. You'll be asked to name your tree and whether you'd like to make your tree publically viewable or not, this can be changed at any time, according to your personal preferences. Simply, click here to start building your tree now »

I'd like to collect some more information about my ancestors before I start building my family tree, what can I do?

If you prefer to collect some more information regarding your ancestors before you start putting down your findings in a family tree, that's fine. We've created a series of charts, which are free for you to access and download. These will prove invaluable when talking to other family members and relatives, providing you with an easy way of capturing key details, such as dates, names and places in a structured and clear way. Why not take a look here at the types of charts and tables we can provide for you?

Accessing your Tree for future visits

You'll be able to access your tree easily at any time, by looking for the family tree link towards the top of the homepage when you're logged into the Ancestry.co.uk site or by selecting the Family Tree tab on the navigation bar and selecting the tree you wish to access. You can start as many trees as you like-you could even play family historian to a friend or colleague!

What if I have any questions as I'm building my tree?

We want to make your family tree building as enjoyable and as easy as possible, so we've provided you with a number of resources which are free for you to refer, watch, listen to, to help you progress your research. You'll find these in our comprehensive Learning Centre. You can access it here or at any time in future from the navigation bar towards the top of the screen.

This all sounds great. Is there anything else Ancestry.co.uk can provide me with?

Yes. Through our Ancestry.co.uk shop you'll be able to purchase a range of reference materials and texts to help you in your family history research. The Who do you think you are? Encyclopedia of Family History, to accompany the hugely popular BBC series is available for purchase through the shop now. It also makes an excellent gift for other friends and family members who may also be researching their family lines too. You can find out more here now »