How to Manage My Tree

This article will cover the following topics:

How to add a new tree

Access your account by clicking your username in the upper right corner of the screen.

In the dialogue box that appears, click "Trees" to access a list of your existing trees. (You can also access this list by clicking on the name of your tree at the top of the menu on the left.)

At the bottom of the list, click "New Tree." This will take you back to the series of screens you went through when you first created your tree. Type in a name for your new tree and choose whether you would like to start an empty tree, import a GEDCOM file, or import people from FamilySearch.

How to switch between trees

You can make an unlimited number of trees with your AmericanAncesTREES account. This can be helpful in a variety of situations: for example, when you want to split maternal and paternal lines, keep a "rough draft" speculative tree separate from your "approved" tree, or keep a separate copy of your FamilySearch tree.

You can easily switch between trees by clicking the tree name at the top of the left-hand menu. A dialogue box will pop up, and you can click on the names of each of your trees to switch between them.

How to rename a tree

You can rename your trees at any time. To do so:

  • Make sure that you are viewing the tree you want to rename.
  • Click "Tree Settings" at the bottom of the left-hand menu.
  • Scroll down to the green section labeled "Global Tree Settings." In the text box labeled "Tree Name," type the new name of your tree.
  • In the bottom right corner of the "Global Tree Settings" box, click "SAVE."

How to change a tree from public to private

Private trees are only available for Premium tree accounts. Go to "Tree Settings" at the bottom of the left-hand menu, and scroll to the green section labeled "Global Tree Settings" (see above section on how to rename your tree). If you have a Premium tree, you will be able to click the radio button labeled "Private." Remember to click "SAVE" in the lower right corner of the section.

What is the difference between public and private trees?

I don't have a Premium account. How can I upgrade my tree?

How to change the tree home page

You can choose whether you want to view your New Feed or your Tree view by default when you log in to American AncesTREES. To change:

  • Click "Tree Settings" at the bottom of the left-hand menu.
  • Find the blue section at the top labeled "Personal Tree Settings."
  • Under "Homepage," switch between News Feed or Tree using the radio buttons.
  • Click "SAVE" in the lower right corner of the section.