Source Linker Learning Center
What's new in Source Linker?
View important details about your ancestor without leaving Source Linker.
You can make changes and edit information in your family tree while working in Source Linker.
Source Linker basics
Historical records serve as evidence that the ancestor’s details in Family Tree are accurate.
Learn basic strategies for analyzing sources in Source Linker
Use Source Linker to attach historical records to your ancestors in the Family Tree.
Find the historical information you need without leaving Source Linker.
A reason statement helps other users understand why you modified the Tree, and they, in turn, will be less likely to undo or change your work.
Use Source Linker to attach the same historical record to multiple ancestors in the Family Tree.
Review existing attachments
You can make changes and edit information in your family tree while working in Source Linker.
When you detach a source, you break the connection between the source and the person in Family Tree.
When you have questions about the details you see in Source Linker, try viewing either the record or the source image for more information.
You can search for your ancestor in the FamilySearch Family Tree without leaving Source Linker.
Use the button labeled Not a Match when the name in the left column of Source Linker fails to match any of the names in the right column.
When you tag a source, you turn it into a reference for a detail listed on the person page in Family Tree.
Create new persons and relationships
With Source Linker, you can quickly add an ancestor to the FamilySearch Family Tree.
In Source Linker, use the drag-and-drop capability of your mouse to organize the family mentioned in the record.
The focus person is the central figure in Source Linker. All other individuals are displayed in relation to that person.
Learn what to do in Source Linker when the person in the record was married more than once.
Frequently asked questions
What are record hints in Family Tree?
Record hints are historical records that FamilySearch finds for you about your ancestors. These hints can often help you identify missing children, parents, siblings, and other relatives in your family tree. Learn more about record hints.
What is the difference between the left and the right column in Source Linker?
The left column shows you details from the historical record. The right column shows you details from the ancestor’s person page in the FamilySearch Family Tree.
What do the Details and Compare buttons do in Source Linker?
The Details button expands both the record details (left column) and the person details (right column)
The Compare button also expands the record details and the person details. In addition, if information in the record is not already in Family Tree, you will see green Add buttons that allow you to add the information.
The Compare button also expands the record details and the person details. In addition, if information in the record is not already in Family Tree, you will see green Add buttons that allow you to add the information.
What is my source box?
Your source box contains a list of sources that you have saved. In your source box, you can create, edit, and organize sources. You can also copy them and attach them to profiles in the Family Tree.
Selecting Add to Source Box in Source Linker saves the source’s bibliographic information to your FamilySearch account. After that, you can revisit the source any time you want:
Selecting Add to Source Box in Source Linker saves the source’s bibliographic information to your FamilySearch account. After that, you can revisit the source any time you want:
- Sign in to FamilySearch.
- In the top right corner, click your name.
- Click Source Box.
How do I give feedback to FamilySearch about Source Linker?
We want to know what you think about Source Linker. Here’s how to give feedback:
Thank you for sharing!
- At the bottom of the Source Linker page, click the Feedback button.
- Select the emoji that best describes your reaction.
- In the feedback box that opens, enter your thoughts and suggestions.
Thank you for sharing!
I’m stumped. How can I get help with Source Linker?
The Source Linker Learning Center is a great first option. You can also visit FamilySearch Help and Learning or contact FamilySearch Support.
Why is attaching a source important?
Sources help answer questions and make information about ancestors more accurate. They also make exploring the Tree a richer, more inspiring experience. These are just a few of the benefits of attaching sources to the FamilySearch Family Tree.
What do I do with an unfinished attachment?
An unfinished attachment is a source that has not been attached to all of the people mentioned in the source. If you encounter an unfinished attachment, try reviewing it and attaching it to the other relatives mentioned in it.