.png)
Do you feel lost when trying to edit a WikiTree profile? You're not alone! Many family historians, especially beginners, find the platform’s unique structure a bit intimidating. But don’t worry—we’ll walk through this together as I update my own family tree. By the end of this post, you’ll be editing profiles like a pro!
Why Editing WikiTree Profiles Can Be Tricky
WikiTree is an excellent tool for collaborative genealogy, but its interface and editing process can feel overwhelming. From navigating profiles to crafting accurate citations, even experienced users can get tripped up. Have you ever thought, *"Is there an easier way to do this?"* If so, you’re in good company.
When I first started, I struggled with properly formatting citations and adding new family members. I made mistakes, previewed my work countless times, and often felt like giving up. But now, I’ve learned tips and tricks that make the process smoother, and I’m excited to share them with you.
Step-by-Step: How to Edit a WikiTree Profile
1. Find the Profile You Want to Edit
After logging into WikiTree, navigate to the second toolbar under your name and select Family Tree & Tools. From here, you can explore your pedigree chart or use the search bar to quickly find a specific person.
Pro Tip: If you know the profile ID or name, search directly to save time.
2. Update Citations
Accurate citations are the backbone of any family tree. Here’s how I formatted a citation for a marriage record:
Locate the relevant event (e.g., marriage) and click Edit.
In the source section, add a citation using WikiTree’s basic coding, such as <ref> and </ref> tags.
Use the Preview option to confirm everything looks correct before saving.
Example Citation:
Marriage Record, database with images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com).
By previewing my edits, I ensured the citation linked to the correct database, making it easy for others to verify the information.
↪️ Are you struggling to break through your brick walls?
Grab your copy of this FREE Family History Guides.
3. Add Family Members
Adding children, siblings, or spouses is straightforward once you understand the process:
Navigate to the profile you’d like to edit and click Edit.
Scroll down to the Add Family Members section and choose whether to add a sibling, child, or spouse.
Enter as much information as possible (e.g., birth and death years, locations). WikiTree will search for existing matches to prevent duplicate profiles.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to historical place names. For example, "Upper Canada" was used before 1841, while "Ontario" became official in 1867. WikiTree provides suggestions based on historical periods.
4. Mark Confidence Levels
For each fact, you can specify your confidence level:
Certain: You’ve confirmed this with reliable sources.
Uncertain: You suspect it’s correct but lack solid evidence.
Add notes explaining your reasoning or the source of your information.
This feature helps collaborators understand which data points need further verification.
5. Define Parent-Child Relationships
WikiTree allows you to indicate relationships beyond biological ones:
Mark someone as an adoptive, step, or foster parent.
Use DNA evidence to confirm biological connections if applicable.
Adjusting these settings ensures the family tree accurately reflects real-life relationships.
Solutions to Common Challenges
Challenge: "I’m not sure how to format citations."
Solution: Follow WikiTree’s citation guidelines and use templates when available. Preview your work to check for errors.
Challenge: "The interface is confusing."
Solution: Spend time exploring different tabs and options on the platform. The more you use it, the more intuitive it becomes.
Challenge: "Place names don’t match historical records."
Solution: Research historical geography to ensure accuracy. WikiTree’s suggestions for place names are a helpful starting point.
Ready to Dive Into WikiTree?
Editing WikiTree profiles doesn’t have to be daunting. With these tips, you can:
Add well-sourced information to your family tree.
Ensure accuracy with historical place names.
Build a collaborative and trustworthy tree for future generations.
If you found this guide helpful, check out my YouTube playlist on using WikiTree for even more tutorials. Let’s make family history fun and approachable together!
Ready to learn more? Watch my full video on Creating WikiTree Profiles.
More Social History Resources for Your Family History:
3 Reasons You Should Use WikiTree to Build Your Family Tree (Video)
Am I Related to Famous Ancestors? Find Out on FamilySearch & WikiTree (Video)
Documenting the Enslaved in Your Tree | WikiTree Black Heritage Project (Video)