🗃️ Sources Management Guide for LineagePress
The Sources section helps you manage all the source citations and references that document your genealogical information. Sources identify where your data originates (e.g., vital records, census records, books, websites).
Getting Started
Navigate to LineagePress > Sources in your WordPress admin menu. The Browse Sources tab is the primary area for viewing and managing your source documentation.
The Browse Sources Tab
Quick Statistics and Filtering
The statistics at the top of the page function as instant filters to help you identify sources that require more detail:
| Statistic | Description | Action |
| Total | All sources currently in your database. | |
| With Author | Sources that have an author listed. | Click to filter. |
| Without Author | Sources missing author information. | Click to filter. |
| Without Publisher | Sources missing publisher information. | Click to filter. |
Searching, Filtering, and Sorting
| Action | How to Use |
| Search | Type any part of a Title, Author, or Publisher name in the search box. |
| Filter by Tree | Use the dropdown menu to restrict the list to sources from a specific family tree. |
| Clear Filters | Click the “Clear” button to reset all search and filter settings. |
| Sorting | Click any column header (Source ID, Title, Author, Publisher, Tree, Last Modified) to sort the list. Click again to reverse the sort order. |
Viewing Source Details
The table displays key information for each source:
| Column | Description |
| Source ID | Unique identifier from your GEDCOM file. |
| Title | The name of the source (clickable to view on the frontend). |
| Author / Publisher | Creator and publishing entity of the source. |
| Last Modified | The date the source was last updated. |
Viewing Full Details: Clicking any source Title takes you to the public-facing page, which displays:
- The full source details.
- All citations linked to this source.
- The people and events that are associated with the source.
- Any media files attached to the source.
Understanding and Working with Sources
What is a Source?
A Source is the original document or reference used to verify genealogical data.
- Examples: Birth certificates, census records, published genealogies, church registers, or personal documents.
- Source Information: Sources often contain a Title, Author, Publisher, Abbreviation, and a Call Number.
Managing Source Data
- Finding Incomplete Sources: Use the “Without Author” and “Without Publisher” statistics/filters to quickly find sources that need more information.
- Linking Sources: Sources are automatically linked to people, facts, and events when you import your GEDCOM file. All sourcing must be done within your primary genealogy software.
- Viewing Usage: Click the source title to see exactly how many people, facts, and events cite that source, helping you gauge its value.
Bulk Actions and Deletion
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Source management is designed to keep your genealogy database consistent.
Bulk delete is currently disabled to prevent accidental data loss. Sources are intended to be managed and deleted within your genealogy software and then updated via a fresh GEDCOM import.
Tips and Best Practices
| Action | Recommendation |
| Post-Import Review | Review the “Without Author” and “Without Publisher” lists. Update the sources in your primary genealogy software, and then re-import the GEDCOM. |
| Organizing | Use consistent naming, include full author names, and utilize abbreviations for frequently cited sources. |
| Documentation | Every fact should have at least one source. Multiple, reliable sources strengthen your genealogical evidence. |
Common Questions
| Question | Answer |
| Can I edit sources in LineagePress? | No. Sources must be managed in your genealogy software (e.g., Gramps, FTM) and imported via GEDCOM to ensure database consistency. |
| Why does data show “—”? | Information like Author or Publisher was missing from the source record in your imported GEDCOM file. |
| Source vs. Citation? | A Source is the document (e.g., “1900 US Census”). A Citation is the specific reference to that source for a fact (e.g., “Page 42, line 15, John Smith household”). |
| Do filter settings save? | No. Your search and filter settings reset when you leave the page, ensuring you see the full source list on your next visit. |
The Sources section ensures you have a clear, reliable view of the documentation underlying your entire family tree.