Putting Documents as Sources in FamilySearch Family Tree

Family Tree Training



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Guide to Putting Documents in FamilySearch Family Tree as Sources. This Lesson Guide contains written Steps and Images that show how to add both online and unpublished documents to your Tree. Following this lesson guide leads to a valuable hands-on practical experience for the beginner/intermediate level FT user in attaching these kinds of records to their ancestors.

There are many instances where it is desirable to enter a Document as a Source in an individual's Details page in Family Tree. This is particularly true when the document establishes/verifies the name, date and place of a person's vital event (i.e. birth register/certificate, marriage record, etc.).

While documents found in the Family Search digital databases can be easily attached as a Source to a person, using the Source Linker, (see Wiki page Attaching FamilySearch (FS) Records to Family Tree Using the Source Linker) often documents are found on other websites (free or subscription) or in the possession of a family member or other individual. Records found in these other places ought to be added to Family Tree using a different series of STEPS that are found on the following Steps with Pictures Guide.

STEPS with Pictures Guide


To view, save and print above Attaching Documents as Sources guide.

"Putting Documents as Sources in FT" LESSON''


This FT Video Lesson can be viewed individually, in a one-on-one mentoring session or in a class setting. It is designed to provide beginner and intermediate level FT users with a hands-on practical experience in putting documents as sources in their Tree. The presentation follows a "Model with Steps;Do with Steps" approach. First, the teacher/mentor performs the series of specific directions found in the "Putting Documents as Sources in FT" Lesson Guide -- at the same time drawing attention to the steps in the guide. After that, each participant follows the same Steps and puts a document they have brought into one of their ancestor's Details page in FT. By the end of the lesson, each participant has read the Steps TWICE and completed the task ONCE. Taking home the guide for future reference, they can more readily repeat the task on their own. Note: To change the speed of the YouTube video, click on the Settings circle and select "1.25 Speed".

Other FT Entry/Intermediate Task Guide (STEPS with Pictures)
1. Putting Photos and Documents as Memories in FamilySearch Family Tree 2. Attaching FamilySearch (FS) Records to Family Tree Using the Source Linker 3. Fixing Relationships in FamilySearch (FS) Family Tree 4. Finding and Merging Duplicates in FamilySearch (FS) Family Tree

Related FT Resources

 * FSFamilyTreeUserGroup Resources: "Adding Sources in Family Tree" by Heather McPhie. Audio visual presentation of how to add sources.