Cheat Sheets

In addition to our free forms, Family Tree Magazine offers a variety of downloadable reference charts and quick guides to assist you in your research. All cheat sheets are PDF files—to view or print them, you’ll need the free Adobe Reader software. Most computers come with this program, or you can download it from Adobe.

Genealogy Essentials
A collection of basic tools every family historian needs, including a relationship chart, guidance for documenting your research, research-trip preparation and directories of research locations.

Record References
Don’t waste time searching for records that don’t exist—these cheat sheets list available records and time periods.

Maps
Put your research—and your ancestors’ lives—in geographical context with the help of Family Tree Magazine’s exclusive maps.

Computer Aids
We’ve developed lists of tricks, hints and shortcuts, plus the best online genealogy resources, to make your research faster and more efficient.

Foreign & Ethnic Research Helps
From key resources to genealogical peculiarities, refer to these guides for help tracing your roots of a particular heritage.