Are you seeking to combine several family trees on Ancestry into a single master tree? If so, you’re in the right place. Ancestry does not have a direct “Merge Trees” option, but there are methods by which you can successfully merge your trees without sacrificing important information. Continue reading to discover how to organize your genealogy research by combining your Ancestry trees with ease.
Understanding the Challenges of Merging Trees
Joining family trees isn’t as straightforward as clicking on a button, mainly because it can create duplicate entries, absent relationships, and inconsistencies. Rather than merging outright, the optimal method is to keep one tree as your reference source and hand-enter data from the other trees. This avoids errors and minimizes data loss.
Steps on How to Merge Family Trees on Anwwcestry
1. Select Your Master Tree
Decide ahead of time what tree is to be your master tree. It should be your most detailed and well-documented tree.
2. Download and Export GEDCOM Files
Because Ancestry doesn’t have a merge feature, you will export the tree data to a GEDCOM file:
- Open the tree from which you are going to transfer data.
- Tree Settings > Export Tree.
- Download the GEDCOM file.
3. Hand Enter Data in the Master Tree
After you’ve exported the GEDCOM file, hand enter individuals and relationships from the secondary tree into your master tree.
4. Check and Remove Duplicates
To prevent duplicate entries, compare individuals in both trees prior to adding them. Ancestry gives you hints and suggestions that allow you to identify duplicate profiles.
5. Use Family Tree Maker for Merging
If you are using Family Tree Maker (FTM) software, it is simpler to merge. You can import several GEDCOM files and utilize the Merge Tool of the software to merge data smoothly.
Benefits of Merging Family Trees on Ancestry
- Better Organization: A single tree makes it simpler to track relationships.
- Enhanced Research Accuracy: Avoids redundant or conflicting information.
- Easier Collaboration: Easier when collaborating with relatives about family history.
- Uncover New Connections:Combining trees can identify previously unidentified ancestors and relationships.
Conclusion
Merging family trees on Ancestry will take time but keeps your research tidy and accurate. Take heed when entering data, no copying, and the use of programs like Family Tree Maker, and you can have a complete and reliable family tree.
People Also Ask!
No, there is no direct Merge Trees option on Ancestry. You have to add manually or through a GEDCOM file.
Yes, it is possible in Family Tree Maker to import and merge more than one GEDCOM file utilizing its integrated Merge Tool.
Compare names, birth dates, and family relationships before adding new entries. Ancestry hints and Family Tree Maker tools can detect duplicates.
You can manually edit or delete erroneous entries. It’s a good practice to have a backup of your tree prior to making significant changes.
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