Free family tree makers compared
Short answerThe best free family tree maker depends on the job. FamilySearch is free with records and one shared world tree. Ancestry and MyHeritage are strongest for records and DNA, mostly paid. Gramps is free desktop research software. Canva designs one-off charts. Family Trees is a private, photo-first tree to build with relatives, free for up to 100 people.
At a glance
| Best for | Free plan | Records | DNA | Private by default | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Trees | A private photo album of the family, built together | 1 tree, up to 100 people | No | No | Yes |
| Ancestry | Record research and DNA matches | Build a tree; records need a membership | Yes, paid | Yes, kit sold separately | Tree privacy settings |
| MyHeritage | Records, Smart Matches and DNA | Up to 250 people | Yes, paid | Yes | Family site settings |
| FamilySearch | Free records and one shared world tree | Free | Yes, free | No | Living people only |
| Geni | Joining a collaborative world tree | Basic membership | No | No | Living people only |
| Gramps | Detailed research on your own computer | Free, open source | No | No | Yes, local files |
| Canva | A designed one-off chart | Free templates | No | No | Your design files |
How to choose
- Finding ancestors you don’t know yet: start with records. FamilySearch is free; Ancestry and MyHeritage have large paid collections and DNA tests.
- Connecting to other researchers: FamilySearch and Geni put everyone on one shared tree.
- Serious source-by-source research on your own computer: Gramps.
- A designed chart for one occasion: Canva or a printable template.
- Keeping the family you know, with faces and voices, and sharing it privately: Family Trees.
Where Family Trees fits
Family Trees does not search records or test DNA. It is built for the part that comes after: a round portrait for everyone, group photos tagged once and shown on each person’s page, stories recorded in the browser, Moments for birthdays and anniversaries, and five tree views including a fan chart. Trees are private to you and the relatives you invite, there are no ads on any plan, and GEDCOM export is free, so the work you do here can always move on.
Combining tools with GEDCOM
GEDCOM is the shared file format that lets these tools exchange a tree. Research on one service, then export and import elsewhere. Start with what GEDCOM is, then the steps for Ancestry, MyHeritage, FamilySearch and Gramps.
Each comparison in detail
- Family Trees vs Ancestry
- Family Trees vs MyHeritage
- Family Trees vs FamilySearch
- Family Trees vs Geni
- Family Trees vs Gramps
- Family Trees vs Canva templates
- Family Trees vs a spreadsheet or Word template
Questions
What is the best free family tree maker?
For free records and a shared world tree, FamilySearch. For free desktop research software, Gramps. For a private, photo-first tree you build with relatives in the browser, Family Trees, free for one tree of up to 100 people.
Which free family tree maker holds the most people?
FamilySearch is free with no plan limit, and Gramps is free software on your own computer. MyHeritage’s free Basic plan holds up to 250 people; Family Trees’ free plan holds up to 100, with unlimited people on Plus or Lifetime.
Can I switch family tree makers later?
Usually, through a GEDCOM file. Family Trees exports GEDCOM for free on every plan, and imports GEDCOM with Plus or Lifetime. Photos are not part of GEDCOM and move separately.
Sources
- MyHeritage Help: Basic plan (250 people)
- FamilySearch: Family Tree
- Geni: About us
- Wikipedia: Gramps (software)
- Canva: Family tree maker
Links go to other sites. Checked 19 October 2026.
Questions? Email support@familytreesapp.com and a person will reply.