At FamilySearch, we’ve improved the technology behind indexing. The new technology speeds up the process for making historical records searchable. We still need your help, but some of the tasks are different.
Here are answers to commonly asked questions about the updates.
Why is the indexing tool being retired?
The current indexing tool relies on outdated technology. Meanwhile, FamilySearch now uses a variety of methods to transcribe records, including artificial intelligence (AI), significantly speeding up the process of making names searchable. In 2024 alone, AI indexed 1.5 billion images containing nearly 10 billion names.
That being said, volunteers are still essential! Instead of transcribing, they now review and correct AI-generated indexes—a crucial step that makes it easier to find historical records.
That being said, volunteers are still essential! Instead of transcribing, they now review and correct AI-generated indexes—a crucial step that makes it easier to find historical records.
Has indexing changed before?
Yes! Indexing has evolved many times as technology has improved. Just as floppy disks and CDs replaced paper cards and microfilm, AI has now replaced materials and tools that at one time seemed like an indispensable part of indexing.
As technology continues to advance, we expect indexing to keep evolving, bringing even more improvements and efficiencies to the processes that make records searchable.
As technology continues to advance, we expect indexing to keep evolving, bringing even more improvements and efficiencies to the processes that make records searchable.
How can I continue to help?
On the FamilySearch home page, click the Get Involved tab, and then from the drop-down menu, click Opportunities. Explore the range of activities you find there. Most of these activities focus on making the information in historical records easier to find and improving information in the FamilySearch Family Tree.
Experienced indexers may also enjoy reviewing record hints and attaching names to the Family Tree—a great next step for the billions of names that have been indexed over the years.
Experienced indexers may also enjoy reviewing record hints and attaching names to the Family Tree—a great next step for the billions of names that have been indexed over the years.
What will happen to my projects and batches?
When the My Indexing page is retired, unfinished indexing batches will be pulled back to FamilySearch. Any indexed data will be saved and eventually made available where possible.
What will happen to my stats?
Your contributions to FamilySearch are important. Your current stats will remain the same, and new ones will be added as new activities become available. Under Get Involved, you can find them on the Opportunities page and the Your Impact page.
On the Your Impact page, you can also see how and when your contributions have helped someone else identify an ancestor or discover an important detail about their family story.
On the Your Impact page, you can also see how and when your contributions have helped someone else identify an ancestor or discover an important detail about their family story.