What LineagePress Is… and What It Isn’t
What is LineagePress?
LineagePress is a WordPress plugin that imports and displays GEDCOM genealogy files on your website.
It allows you to present your existing genealogy research in a clean, searchable, and visually engaging format—without rebuilding your family tree online.
Who is LineagePress for?
LineagePress is ideal for:
- Family historians who want to share research online
- Genealogy societies showcasing member trees
- Memorial or heritage websites
- Educational genealogy projects
- Family reunion or legacy websites
What LineagePress Does
Does LineagePress support GEDCOM files?
Yes. LineagePress supports:
- GEDCOM 5.5.1
- GEDCOM 7.0
- Files exported from all major genealogy programs
What can visitors see on my website?
LineagePress can display:
- Interactive family trees
- Relationship charts (pro Version)
- Individual person pages with life events and timelines
- Photos, documents, and other media
- Sources and citations
- Searchable family data
- Privacy-protected information for living individuals
Does LineagePress integrate with WordPress?
Yes. LineagePress:
- Integrates directly into your existing WordPress site
- Uses shortcodes to embed content anywhere (Future Pro version Plugin)
- Includes customizable templates to match your theme (Pro version)
What LineagePress Does NOT Do
Is LineagePress a full genealogy program?
No. LineagePress does not replace genealogy software such as:
- Family Tree Maker
- RootsMagic
- Legacy Family Tree
- MyHeritage Family Tree Builder
- Gramps
- Ancestral Quest
Can I research ancestors with LineagePress?
No. LineagePress does not:
- Search historical records
- Provide ancestor hints
- Connect to Ancestry.com or FamilySearch
- Match or merge records automatically
Can I edit my family tree in LineagePress?
No. LineagePress is for display only.
All editing must be done in your genealogy software, then re-imported via GEDCOM.
Can I build a tree from scratch in WordPress?
No. LineagePress:
- Cannot create GEDCOM files
- Has no data entry or tree-building tools
- Does not perform genealogical analysis or calculations
Workflow & Usage
What is the recommended workflow?
- Build and maintain your family tree in your genealogy software
- Export your data as a GEDCOM file
- Import the GEDCOM into LineagePress
- Customize how it displays on your WordPress site
- Re-import updated GEDCOMs as your research grows
Can multiple people collaborate on the tree?
Not directly in LineagePress.
Collaboration should happen in your genealogy software. Once updates are complete, export and re-import the GEDCOM.
Why LineagePress Works This Way
Why doesn’t LineagePress include editing or research tools?
LineagePress follows a “do one thing well” philosophy.
Instead of duplicating decades of genealogy-software development, it focuses on:
- Reliable GEDCOM importing
- Beautiful web presentation
- Seamless WordPress integration
- Easy navigation for visitors
How does this benefit users?
- You keep full control of your master genealogy research and files
- You use best-in-class tools for research and validation
- Your website stays clean, fast, and easy to update
- No vendor lock-in or proprietary data formats
Getting Started
How do I start using LineagePress?
- Choose a genealogy program (if you don’t already have one)
- Build or import your family tree
- Export a GEDCOM file
- Install LineagePress on WordPress
- Import your GEDCOM
- Share your family history online
Final Note
LineagePress complements your genealogy software—it doesn’t compete with it.
It fills the critical role of turning detailed genealogy research into an accessible, engaging web experience.