These six tips and tools will help you organize the genealogy files on your computer.

1. Add custom names to electronic files.
2. Organize files into folders.
3. Use genealogy software and online family trees.
4. Add visual labels.
5. Use metadata to label digital photos.
6. Manage PDFs.

How do you store your genealogy?

One good way to store paper items is placing similar-size documents together in archival-quality file folders or paper sleeves. You can place the folders or sleeves flat in archival storage boxes or upright in hanging folders. It you choose the upright option, don’t allow papers to slump inside the folder.

How do I organize my digital photos for genealogy?

How to Organize Your Digitized Genealogy Photos

1. Printed my fan chart and put numbers on it.
2. Set up a computer folder system based on the paper filing system.
3. Add new subfolders and photos as you find or scan new information.
4. Keep adding new photos and documents to my system.

How do you organize and label digital files?

These file management tips will help you keep your files accessible:

1. Use the Default Installation Folders for Program Files.
2. One Place for All Documents.
3. Create Folders in a Logical Hierarchy.
4. Nest Folders Within Folders.
5. Follow the File Naming Conventions.
6. Be Specific.
7. File as You Go.
8. Order Your Files for Your Convenience.

How do I organize my family history photos?

Six steps for tackling those piles of old pictures once and for all

1. Start today.
2. Bring all of your photos together in one place.
3. Sort photos by major categories.
4. Scan photos at high speed.
5. Back up your digital photos.
6. Enjoy your memories again.

How do you create a genealogy chart?

1. Gather information about your family. Write down what you know, ask family members to fill in the gaps, and find pictures and documents.
2. Draft a family tree outline. Compile all of the information you have and create an outline.
3. Add information to each leaf.
4. Distribute your family tree diagram.

How do you document genealogy research?

Good documentation includes:

1. Research logs—Fill in the purpose of each search, and source data on logs before looking at the source.
2. Family group records—Keep up-to-date with source footnotes for every event.
3. Photocopies of most sources—If the repository will allow it, ALWAYS make a photocopy.

How do you name genealogy files?

Here are the rules:

1. Folder-Naming Format. Keep your genealogy files in one top-level folder. I named mine FamilyTree.
2. Image-Naming Format. Inside each of your folders, follow a consistent, simple format. For census files, the format is LastnameFirstnameYear.jpg, using the name of the head of household.
3. Image Comments.

How do I organize my inherited photos?

Organize Your Family Photos

1. Start today. Let’s face it, chances are good that your photos have been on your to-do list for a long time.
2. Bring all of your photos together in one place.
3. Sort photos by major categories.
4. Scan photos at high speed.
5. Back up your digital photos.
6. Enjoy your memories again.

How do I organize my family history photo album?

Digitize the printed photos you already have. Here’s a helpful post on how to identify dates of photos and the people in them. Be sure to preserve your originals by organizing them in lignin-free and acid-free boxes.

How do you organize genealogy files on your computer?

You need a standard system for organizing those records—plus some way to label photographs with names, dates and places. You also need to be able to find a particular record or photograph when you need it. These six tips and tools will help you organize the genealogy files on your computer. 1. Add custom names to electronic files.

How can I organize my digital family tree?

Use genealogy software and online family trees. Whether you use genealogy software or an online family tree, you can attach scanned records and photos to individuals in your family tree. This gives you another opportunity to organize your digital files.

How do I organize my computer files?

When naming files, use just letters, numbers, hyphens and underscores. Don’t use spaces, periods, parentheses, brackets or special characters, such as !, & or #. (Not all programs and devices can process files with these characters in their names.) 2. Organize files into folders. Properly labeled folders can also help you organize your files.

How many digital files are there in your family history?

If you do much family history research, you’ve probably accumulated hundreds—maybe even thousands—of digital files: historical records, excerpts from books you have found online, scanned family photographs and pictures of gravestones made with a digital camera.