Exploring your family’s roots has never been easier, thanks to a wide range of free family tree maker tools available online. Whether you're creating a simple visual chart or diving deep into genealogical research, there's a tool to match your needs.
In this guide, we compare the top free family tree makers of 2025, including a standout option: Family Root App, which combines mobile ease with powerful collaboration features.
🌟 1. Family Root App – Best All-in-One Mobile Solution
Website: familyrootapp.com
The Family Root App stands out for its simplicity, cloud-based features, and strong mobile support. Perfect for families who want to build and maintain their family history together, it allows multiple contributors, media uploads, and real-time updates—all from your phone or browser.
Key Features:
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Fully free with no hidden fees
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Available on iOS, Android, and web
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Invite family members to collaborate
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Add photos, videos, and stories to each profile
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Builds a public/shared family tree for deceased members
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Secure and privacy-focused
Ideal For: Families who want a collaborative, multimedia family tree accessible from anywhere.
🎨 2. Canva – Best for Visual Design
Website: canva.com
Canva offers a design-centric approach, great for making visually attractive family trees to print or share. While it doesn’t build your tree automatically, it's perfect for creating keepsakes.
Best For: Display charts and decorative family tree posters.
🧠 3. Lucidchart – Best for Structured Collaboration
Website: lucidchart.com
Lucidchart is a diagramming tool that can be adapted for family trees. It’s useful for structured data and allows teams to collaborate in real-time, though it lacks genealogy-specific features.
Best For: Tech-savvy users wanting team-based charting.
🧬 4. Gramps – Best Offline Genealogy Tool
Website: gramps-project.org
Gramps is a powerful, open-source desktop software for advanced genealogists. It offers in-depth family history tracking and is excellent for researchers who prefer offline work.
Best For: Professional or hobbyist genealogists needing detailed data handling.
📚 5. FamilySearch – Best for Genealogy Research
Website: familysearch.org
FamilySearch is more of a research tool than a visual builder. Backed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it offers a massive historical archive, ideal for those tracing records and ancestry.
Best For: Deep historical research and document sourcing.
📊 Comparison Table
Feature / Tool | Family Root App | Canva | Lucidchart | Gramps | FamilySearch |
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Free to Use | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Collaboration | ✅ Yes | 🚫 No | ✅ Yes | 🚫 No | ✅ Yes |
Mobile App | ✅ iOS/Android | 🚫 No | 🚫 No | 🚫 No | ✅ Yes |
Multimedia Support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Limited | 🚫 No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Research Database | 🚫 No | 🚫 No | 🚫 No | 🚫 No | ✅ Yes |
Offline Use | 🚫 No | 🚫 No | 🚫 No | ✅ Yes | 🚫 No |
Best For | Family sharing | Visual design | Chart building | Genealogy experts | Historical research |
🏁 Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a simple, free, and collaborative way to build a family tree with relatives, the Family Root App is an outstanding choice. For those focused on design, Canva offers beautiful templates, while FamilySearch is essential for those deep-diving into historical archives.
Choose the tool that best suits your goals—whether you're creating a family keepsake or tracing your lineage back generations.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. All tools and apps mentioned, including the Family Root App, are evaluated based on publicly available features at the time of writing. We do not receive compensation or sponsorship from any of the platforms listed.
While we strive to keep the content accurate and up to date, we recommend visiting each tool’s official website for the latest information, pricing, and terms of use. Always review privacy policies and data-sharing agreements before entering personal or family information into any third-party application.
Use of these tools is at your own discretion.
📜 Disclaimer
The family tree and biographical information provided in this article are based on publicly available sources and records. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or authenticity of the data. This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not aim to infringe on any individual's privacy or personal rights. If you believe any information is incorrect or wish to request edits or removal, please contact us at Info@familyrootapp.com.