Family Trees vs Gramps
Short answerGramps is free, open-source genealogy software for Windows, macOS and Linux, with deep tools for sources, citations and research notes. Family Trees runs in the browser, is free for up to 100 people, and is made for sharing the family with relatives: photo portraits, recorded voices, birthdays and invitations to edit or view.
At a glance
| Family Trees | Gramps | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it runs | Any current browser | Desktop: Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Cost | Free up to 100 people; Plus or Lifetime beyond | Free and open source |
| Source and citation tools | Notes on people and events | Extensive, built for researchers |
| Sharing with relatives | Invite links, editor or viewer | Desktop file; Gramps Web is a separate project |
| Photos and tagging | Portraits, galleries and group-photo tags | Media can be attached |
| Recorded voice memories | Yes, in the browser | Not a core feature |
| GEDCOM | Export free; import with Plus or Lifetime | Import and export |
When Gramps is the better choice
Gramps is made by genealogists for genealogists. If you cite every source, track evidence for each fact and want your data in an open format on your own computer, it is hard to beat, and it costs nothing.
When Family Trees is the better choice
Most relatives will never install desktop genealogy software. Family Trees opens in a browser on a laptop, tablet or phone, and inviting someone takes a link. It puts faces first: a round portrait for everyone, group photos tagged once and shown on each person’s page, stories recorded in the browser, and Moments for the birthdays and anniversaries coming up.
Using both
Keep your research in Gramps and share the family in Family Trees. Export a GEDCOM file from Gramps (see exporting from Gramps) and import it into Family Trees. Family Trees can export GEDCOM back at any time, free.
Questions
Is Gramps free?
Yes. Gramps is free, open-source software that runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. Family Trees is also free for one tree of up to 100 people, and runs in a browser instead of on the desktop.
Can I move a Gramps database into Family Trees?
Yes, through GEDCOM. Export a GEDCOM file from Gramps and import it into Family Trees with Plus or Lifetime; the 7-day trial includes import. Photos are added separately.
Does Family Trees have source citations like Gramps?
Family Trees keeps notes on people and events, but it does not have Gramps’ detailed source and citation tools. It is focused on keeping and sharing the family with photos, voices and dates.
Sources
Links go to other sites. Checked 19 October 2026.
Questions? Email support@familytreesapp.com and a person will reply.