Frequently asked questions

Open the RootsPrint editor and start adding people right away - no signup or download needed. You can build unlimited trees, customize the layout and theme, and print or export them as PDFs and images, all for free.

Yes. RootsPrint is a free family tree maker that needs no account and no login. Your family data is stored privately in your own browser and never uploaded to a server.

Yes. You can build unlimited trees and export high-quality PDFs and images at no cost. There is no subscription and no account required.

No. There is no sign-up. You open the editor and start building immediately.

Entirely in your own browser using local storage (IndexedDB). Your data is never uploaded to a server, so only you can see it. Use the export feature to back it up.

Because the data is stored locally, clearing your browser storage or using a different device or browser means the tree will not be there. Export your tree as JSON or GEDCOM to keep a backup you can re-import anywhere.

Yes. You can import standard GEDCOM files from most genealogy software, as well as JSON files exported from this app.

Use the built-in relationship calculator. Pick any two people in your tree and RootsPrint works out the exact kinship for you - for example “first cousins once removed” or “great-aunt” - so you never have to puzzle it out by hand.

Yes. The statistics panel gives you an instant summary of your tree: how many people and relationships it contains, how many generations deep it goes, who is living or deceased, and highlights such as the oldest living relative and the person with the most children. Each highlight links straight back to that person on the chart.

Open the search box and start typing a name. RootsPrint filters your relatives as you type and lets you jump straight to anyone on the chart - handy once your tree grows to dozens or hundreds of people.

Yes. A non-blocking validation panel quietly checks your tree for plausibility issues - such as impossible dates, a child born before a parent, or unusually large age gaps - and shows a small badge with the count. Opening it lists each warning with a link to fix (or ignore) it. Nothing is changed automatically.

Yes. The focus filter lets you narrow the chart to a single person’s ancestors, descendants, or immediate family, so you can concentrate on one branch without deleting anything. Switch back to “All” at any time - the filter only changes what you see, never your data.

You can export a print-ready PDF, a high-resolution PNG image, or an editable SVG of a focused view of your tree - and your raw data as GEDCOM or JSON. For big families you can also export a multi-page family Book PDF. Paper sizes fit themselves to whatever you choose to print.

A whole tree is usually too big for one page, so instead of shrinking everyone to specks, pick a focused view centred on one person: “My close family”, “Where I come from” (ancestors), “My descendants”, or “My direct line” (ancestors and descendants of one person, without the cousins and in-laws). Then cap the number of generations to control depth. RootsPrint shows a live preview and automatically enlarges the paper size if it needs more room - and if even the largest sheet is too small, it points you to the family Book instead.

A Book is a multi-page printable PDF for your whole tree: a cover, a clickable table of contents with page numbers, and one page per family (a couple and their children), oldest ancestors first. Each page links to related family pages, and photos appear if you have added them. It is a private keepsake you can print, bind, and pass down - generated on your device and never uploaded.

No. GEDCOM and JSON exports contain your tree’s text - people, relationships, dates, notes, and places - but not the photos, which are stored separately in your browser. Photos do appear in PDF and PNG exports of the chart. If you move a tree to another device via a file, you will need to re-add photos there, so keep your original photo files safe.

Yes. The editor is responsive and works on phones and tablets as well as desktops.

No. Your family tree data is never shared with anyone, including advertisers, because it never leaves your device. The website may show ads on informational pages to keep the tool free.