webtrees

webtrees is an open-source, self-hosted web application for collaborative genealogy. It allows users to view and edit family trees on a website, facilitating ancestral recording and participation among extended family members. The software is deployed on a web server and accessed via a browser, making the latest genealogical information available to authorized users in real time.

The application operates using standard GEDCOM files, ensuring compatibility with various desktop genealogy tools. It includes tools for importing existing family data and provides a setup wizard for initial configuration. Users can manage detailed privacy settings to define exactly who can view specific information on the site, ensuring that sensitive family data remains protected while allowing collaboration.

Key features

• Support for standard GEDCOM file imports
• Full editing capabilities for genealogical data
• Privacy functions to control data visibility
• Support for media uploads including photos and document images
• Collaborative environment for multiple family contributors
• Automatic upgrade facility for administrators
• Compatibility with MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL-Server, and SQLite

The software is written in PHP and follows PSR coding standards, using semistandard for JavaScript. It requires a web server such as Apache, NGINX, or IIS and a compatible database. The system is designed to scale based on the number of individuals in the tree, with memory and execution time requirements increasing for larger datasets. For example, large systems with 50,000 individuals may require up to 128 MB of memory and 80 seconds of execution time. It is intended for individuals and families who wish to maintain their own genealogical records independently of third party hosting services.

Installation involves uploading the application files to a server and configuring the database. The software supports the use of Pretty URLs through server side URL rewriting. Because it uses a prefix for table names, multiple instances of the application can be installed within a single database.

webtrees serves as a collaborative tool for genealogy enthusiasts to manage and share family history data.