Ancestry.com has started the year off with a bang, releasing new features and tools that may offer great value to genealogists. Alongside these updates, some beta features are being tested that could further enhance the user experience if fully implemented. Let’s take a look at what’s new and potentially coming soon. 1. Prioritize Your Ancestors This new feature allows you to focus on up to 10 individuals in your tree by marking them with a star (★) icon. Here’s how it works:
2. Smart Search (BETA) The introduction of the Smart Search option offers an alternative to Ancestry’s Classic Search. Designed to simplify and improve search results, Smart Search includes:
Note: While I got the pop up for this new tool, I do not seem to have the feature after logging out then back in the next day; therefore, I can not provide a screenshot. Also, this is something you can already do in the Classic option by just choosing the type of data you’d like to search. 3. Expanded Custom DNA Match GroupsFor those managing DNA results, Ancestry now allows users with any subscription to create up to 64 custom DNA match groups, more than doubling the previous limit of 24. This expanded capacity is particularly exciting for those working on complex family trees or DNA mysteries. Key Details:
Note: Although Ancestry shows I’ve used 22 groups of 64, I only see the same 32 colors to use for grouping, which I have had for close to a year now. So, I am not sure if we are to recycle the colors, which would make 64. If so, that would then cause confusion with the groups. Ancestry also seems to have removed the crossed out colors showing what you have already used, which can add to the confusion. 4. Add DNA Matches from Ancestor Profiles (BETA)This beta feature integrates the ThruLines tool directly into ancestor profiles, allowing users to connect DNA matches to their tree from an ancestor's profile card—even if the match is not already part of their tree. How It Works:
My Thoughts on These Updates Among these new features, the expanded custom DNA match groups stand out as particularly useful for genealogists tackling challenging DNA cases. The ability to organize up to 64 groups significantly enhances efficiency when managing numerous matches, especially for brick-wall research. The Prioritize Your Ancestors feature might appeal to beginners or those with smaller research scopes, while advanced users may find it too restrictive, let alone steer away from hints. Similarly, the Smart Search beta and the ancestor profile DNA match feature show promise but may require further refinement before they become staples in genealogists’ toolkits. Final Takeaway Ancestry continues to innovate, adding tools that aim to enhance the genealogical experience. While some features, like expanded match groups, are likely to gain widespread use, others may appeal to specific research styles or levels of expertise. As always, remember to verify information and remain cautious when integrating beta features or hint-based suggestions into your family tree. If you’ve tried these new tools, what are your thoughts? Are they game-changers for your research, or do you find yourself sticking to the tried-and-true methods? Share your experiences in the comments! More Ancestry and Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more Ancestry updates, tips, tools, and features and other family history and genealogy resources under the Ancestry.com and the Genealogy Resources categories of my blog and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
9 Comments
Tanya
1/20/2025 10:00:01 am
I haven't tried the new features yet, but am very excited to do so, especially the smart search!
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1/31/2025 06:27:59 am
Give them a try and let me know how they worked out for you. Remember, Smart Search is in BETA and not all may have it. ;)
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Marian Wood
1/21/2025 08:06:50 am
I've just started using the "prioritize" feature and will see how the process works. Thanks for recapping these newest features!
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1/31/2025 06:29:17 am
You're welcome. Let me know how it worked for you. Happy hunting! :)
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Cathy O'Brien
1/21/2025 09:02:12 am
4. Add DNA Matches from Ancestor Profiles (BETA)
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1/31/2025 06:32:21 am
Do you mean it requires having a World Explorer subscrition? Hmmmm, I wonder why. Or, is it that you do not have it because it is in BETA and not everyone has access to BETA? ;)
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Diane
2/4/2025 05:17:29 pm
Thank you! I had heard about the new features but was never able to figure out what they were talking about. Your screenshots helped!
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