Tree Compare lets you view your family tree alongside another Ancestry member's tree to see what information your trees have in common and what information is different.. Use it to explore family connections, discover potentially missing relatives, and compare information between trees.

Tree Compare is available to Ancestry members using a desktop browser. It's not currently available on mobile devices or in the Ancestry app.

You’ll need an Ancestry account to access the Tree Compare feature, see Free Registered Guest Accounts.

How to access Tree Compare

You can access Tree Compare directly from your family tree.

In your family tree, select an ancestor.
On the ancestor's information card, select Compare trees.

Note: If you don't see the Compare trees option, the ancestor may not meet the eligibility requirements. You need a family tree that has at least one hint and other trees that mention your ancestor. Living people aren't eligible.

Understanding Compare mode

When you enter Compare mode, you'll see a side-by-side view: the other member's tree on the left and your tree on the right. Compare mode shows up to 3 generations at a time, centered on the ancestor you selected. People in the trees may have one of two labels: Similar or New.

Similar: This person appears in both trees and may be the same individual. You can compare their details and select additional information to save to your tree.
New: This person is in the other member's tree but not yet in yours. You can review and add them.

What you can do in Compare mode

Zoom in and out of both trees
Select an ancestor to view their details

Add people or information to your tree

Save profile photos to your ancestors
Go to profile pages

Note: Some tools from your normal tree view aren't available in Compare mode (like expansion arrows, right-click menus, and Find in Tree).

Switching trees to compare

Ancestry automatically selects the tree with the most sources and information about the ancestor you selected. To compare a different tree:

Select Pick a different tree in the top right corner.
Browse the available trees. Each card shows the tree name, the owner's name, number of people, records, and media.
Select Compare on the tree you want to view.

Adding new people to your tree

If someone in the other member's tree is labeled New, they aren't yet in your tree and may be a missing relative.

Select a person marked New in the other member's tree.
Select Review details to view the person's full profile, including available sources, photos, and other information. Review these details carefully to determine whether the person belongs in your family tree.
If you've confirmed the person belongs in your tree, select Save to add them.

A confirmation message lets you know the person has been added. The message also includes a link to view their profile and review any new hints.

Note: When you add someone from another member's tree, their sources aren't automatically added to your tree. However, you may receive Hints for those records, which you can review and save individually.

Compare mode displays up to three generations at a time. To see your entire tree, exit Compare mode and return to your full tree view.

Comparing and updating information for similar people

If someone is marked Similar, they likely appear in both trees. Use the Person Compare panel to see whether the other member's tree contains information you're missing.

Select a person marked Similar in either tree. A side panel opens, showing information from both trees side by side, including names, birth and death details, and family connections.
Select the facts you want to add by checking the boxes next to them.
Select Save to tree to save the selected information to your tree.

Realigning the view

If you've moved too far from your original view, select Realign trees to return to the ancestor you started with.

Exiting Compare mode

Select Exit in the top-right corner to leave Compare mode and return to your full tree view with all the normal tools available.

Frequently asked questions

What is Tree Compare?

Tree Compare lets you view your family tree next to another member's tree. You can see what matches, what's missing, and what's new, all in one place.

Who can use it?

Tree Compare is available with an Ancestry account, using a desktop browser. You need a family tree that has at least one hint. Living people aren't eligible.

If you don’t have an account, see Free Registered Guest Accounts.

Can I use Tree Compare on mobile devices?

Tree Compare is available to Ancestry members using a desktop browser. It's not currently available on mobile devices or in the Ancestry app.

Can I edit my tree while comparing?

Yes, you can add missing people, update existing facts, and validate data directly within Compare mode.

How does Ancestry choose which tree to compare first?

We start you with the tree that has the best sources and details about the ancestor you selected. You can switch to a different tree at any time.

Which trees can I compare with my Ancestry family tree?

You can choose from the available trees listed in the side panel when you select Pick a different tree. Private trees aren't available for comparison.

How does this differ from Member Connect or ThruLines?

Member Connect shows connections across all trees.
ThruLines helps you understand how you’re related to your DNA matches by showing possible relationship paths through common ancestors.
Tree Compare provides a detailed, visual side-by-side comparison with one specific member's tree, letting you compare and transfer information directly.

Why can I only see 3 generations?

Compare mode focuses on the branch you're comparing so you can review details without getting lost. You can exit Compare mode to see your full tree.

What do the labels mean?

Similar: the person appears in both trees. You can compare their details.
New: the person is in the other member's tree but not in yours. You can review and add them to your tree.

What if a person shows as "Private"?

Living people in other members' trees are marked Private to protect their privacy. You won't be able to see their details.

Can I undo changes after saving information to my tree?
You can review changes made to your tree but you’ll need to manually reverse any changes you want to undo.
To view activity:

From the family tree view, select the three dots in the menu on the left.
Select Activity then select Changes then you can view the changes made to your tree.

Will the other Ancestry member know I'm comparing their tree?

The other Ancestry member won’t know you’re comparing trees.

Can I compare more than one tree?

You can only compare one tree at a time but you can change or switch which tree you are comparing.

Why can't I find the Compare trees option?

If you don't see the Compare trees option on an ancestor's information card, one or more of the following may apply:

The family tree doesn't have at least one hint.
The ancestor is living.
You need an Ancestry account to access the Tree Compare feature.
You're accessing Ancestry through a mobile device or the Ancestry app. Tree Compare is only available through a desktop browser.

Does adding someone from another member's tree automatically add their sources?

When you add someone from another member's tree, their sources aren't automatically added to your tree. However, you may receive Hints for those records, which you can review and save individually.

Can I compare trees with someone who isn't related to me?

Tree Compare lets you compare your tree with another member's public tree when both trees contain the same ancestor. You don't necessarily need to know the other member or have an existing connection with them.

Will changes I make in Tree Compare automatically update the other member's tree?
No. Any changes you make in Tree Compare are saved only to your family tree and won't affect the other member's tree.