Uncover Hidden Roots: Download Copy of Ancestry Trees

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Creating a New Private Tree
3. Copying Another Person's Branch
4. Using Ancestry's Hint System
5. Pulling in Details from the Source Tree
6. Limitations of the Copying Method
7. Working with the Copied Tree
8. Downloading the Copied Tree
9. Importing into Family Tree Software
10. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will explore a workaround for downloading part or someone else's family tree on Ancestry. While only the owners of a tree on Ancestry can download it to a GEDCOM file, we will show you a method that works well when you only want a specific branch of the tree. This method involves using the "save to tree" feature on Ancestry and taking advantage of the hint system. By following the steps outlined in this article, you will be able to verify the information in someone else's tree and work offline if needed. Let's dive in and learn how to download and work with a specific branch of an Ancestry family tree.

1. Creating a New Private Tree

To begin, you will need to create a new private tree to hold the copy of the branch you want to download. This will allow you to have full control over the tree without interfering with other people's research. Simply log in to your Ancestry account and navigate to the "Trees" section. From there, click on "Create and Manage Trees" and choose the option to create a new tree. You can add any placeholder person to the tree for now, as this is just a temporary addition.

2. Copying Another Person's Branch

Next, you will need to find the branch of the tree you want to copy. Navigate to the profile of the person whose branch you are interested in. Within their profile, click on the "Tools" menu and choose "Save to Tree" from the dropdown menu. A dialog box will appear asking you to choose a tree to save to. Select the private tree you created earlier.

If the person you want to copy already exists in your tree, Ancestry will provide an option to copy that person instead of creating a new one. However, if you want to add the person from the source tree as a separate individual in your tree, click on "Add a new person" in the dialog box. Fill in the necessary details and click "Save."

3. Using Ancestry's Hint System

Ancestry's hint system can help speed up the process of copying a branch from someone else's tree. After saving the person to your tree, you will see green leaf icons indicating that hints are available. These hints can include census records, marriage records, and other sources related to the person in question.

While the hints can be useful for your own research purposes, if your goal is to copy the entire branch, you can ignore most of the source records. Instead, focus on the hints that indicate matches with other public Ancestry member trees. By reviewing and selecting these hints, you can ensure that the copied branch retains its connections to the original source tree.

4. Pulling in Details from the Source Tree

To incorporate the details from the source tree into your copied branch, you will need to review and choose which information to save. Ancestry will display a list of hints that it has found from other public Ancestry member trees. Select the tree that you originally copied from to ensure accurate matching.

Review the hints and select the information you want to include in your tree. If there are differences between the information in your copied tree and the original source tree, selecting the varied details will prompt Ancestry to include additional relationships and ensure the correct family connections are preserved.

5. Limitations of the Copying Method

It's important to note that the copying method described in this article has its limitations. It only allows you to go one generation down, which means that if the copied branch has children, they will not be brought over automatically. You will need to repeat the process for each subsequent generation if you want to include all the family members.

Furthermore, this method does not pull in additional sources or uploaded media from the original tree. Ancestry only creates a source link back to the original tree for individual member trees. However, if your goal is to independently verify the information and conduct your own research, this limitation may not be a significant drawback.

6. Working with the Copied Tree

Once you have successfully copied the desired branch into your private tree, you can work with it just like any other tree on Ancestry. You can view and edit the profiles of the individuals in the copied branch, add additional information or sources, and continue your research. Ancestry's hint system will still be available to assist you in finding relevant records and connecting with other member trees.

7. Downloading the Copied Tree

If you prefer to work with the copied tree in offline family tree software, you have the option to download it as a GEDCOM file. In your tree settings, select the option to export the tree. Ancestry will process the download, and you can then save the GEDCOM file to your local machine.

8. Importing into Family Tree Software

Once you have downloaded the copied tree as a GEDCOM file, you can import it into your preferred family tree software. Most major software applications support the GEDCOM file format, allowing you to continue your research offline and take advantage of additional features offered by the software.

9. Conclusion

In conclusion, downloading a specific branch of someone else's family tree on Ancestry is possible with the right approach. By creating a new private tree, using Ancestry's hint system, and selectively choosing the details to include, you can successfully copy and work with the desired branch. Remember the limitations of the copying method, but also appreciate the time-saving benefits it offers. Whether you prefer to work on Ancestry or offline, this workaround provides a valuable way to verify information and conduct thorough research.

Highlights

• Downloading part of someone else's family tree on Ancestry is possible by using a workaround.
• Creating a new private tree is the first step to copying another person's branch.
• Ancestry's hint system can speed up the process of copying and verifying information.
• Selecting varied details from the hints ensures accurate family connections in the copied branch.
• The copying method has limitations, including going only one generation down and not pulling in additional sources or media.
• Once copied, the tree can be edited, researched, and utilized like any other tree on Ancestry.
• The copied tree can be downloaded as a GEDCOM file for offline use.
• Importing the GEDCOM file into family tree software allows for continuation of research offline.

FAQ

Q: Can I copy an entire family tree using this method? A: While this method focuses on copying a specific branch, you can use it to copy an entire tree by starting from the desired starting point in the original tree.

Q: Will the copied tree retain the connections to the original source tree? A: Yes, by selecting the hints and details from the original source tree, the copied branch will retain its connections and relationships.

Q: Is it possible to copy multiple branches from different trees into one private tree? A: Yes, you can repeat the process for multiple branches and add them to the same private tree.

Q: What if the hints in the original tree are incorrect or inaccurate? A: It's important to independently verify the information and not rely solely on the hints provided. Conducting your own research and adding additional sources is recommended.

Q: Can I download and work with the copied tree in different family tree software applications? A: Yes, the copied tree can be downloaded as a GEDCOM file and imported into most major family tree software applications.