Question 1

What do I need to get started?

Accepted Answer

You'll need to register or sign in using your Google account, and then you're ready to start building your tree.

Question 2

Why do I need to register before I start?

Accepted Answer

Filling in a family tree can take a while, and having an account lets you save your progress, come back to it anytime, and invite others to contribute and help fill in missing information.

Creating an account is free, and you are in full control of where your family data is stored.

Question 3

Can I import a tree from another program?

Accepted Answer

Yes. RootSpring supports importing GEDCOM files, the standard format used by most genealogy software. Just export a GEDCOM file from your other program, then upload it here to create a new tree with all your people and relationships.

Question 4

What does it cost?

Accepted Answer

RootSpring is free to use, with no limitations on how big your family tree grows.

Question 5

Who can see my family tree?

Accepted Answer

By default, only you can see your tree.

It stays private unless you invite specific people as collaborators (as an Editor or Viewer), so you control exactly who gets access.

Question 6

How can I invite other people to contribute to my family tree?

Accepted Answer

Open the Collaborators dialog from the top right of your open project, then create an invite link and send it to the person you want to invite (each link can only be used once). You can choose whether they get Editor access (can add and edit information) or Viewer access (can browse only).

Once they sign in and accept the invite, they can start contributing right away, and changes made by everyone sync live.

Question 7

Can more than one person edit at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Yes — you can see everyone who currently has the project open, and all edits are synced live to everyone in real time.

Question 8

Where is my data stored?

Accepted Answer

When creating a new tree, you choose where its data lives:

App storage — your tree is stored securely on RootSpring's own servers, managed for you with no setup required.
Your own storage — your tree is stored directly in your own Google Drive, giving you full ownership and control over where your data lives.

Note: even when using your own storage, some metadata (like your project ID and settings) is still kept in RootSpring's internal storage so the application can function properly. This never includes the actual contents of your tree or any personal information.

Question 9

Can I export my family tree?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can export your tree as:

Interactive HTML — a standalone file you can open in any web browser
PDF — a print-friendly version of your tree
GEDCOM — the standard genealogy format, so you can bring your data into other programs (with an option to include photos)

Question 10

Can I delete my account and all my data?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can permanently delete your account and all its data from Settings → Danger Zone.

This action is irreversible, so make sure to export anything you want to keep first.

Question 11

Who is responsible for the personal information I add to my tree?

Accepted Answer

You are. As the person adding information, you're in full control of your tree and take full responsibility for the accuracy and appropriateness of everything in it — including details, dates, and photos of the people you add.

Always make sure you have the appropriate permission from someone (or their family, if they've passed away) before adding personal details or photos of them, especially for anyone who is still living.

Question 12

Do you collect, process, or sell my data?

Accepted Answer

We don't sell your data.

We only process the information needed to run RootSpring (like account details and the tree data you choose to store on our servers), and we do not share or sell it to third parties for advertising or any other purpose. Your family tree belongs to you.

Questions we hear most

Getting started

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