Note: This article appeared previously on the FamilySearch Blog on October 10, 2024 (See Link)
FamilySearch has a new tool that we hope will improve your experience with merges in the collaborative FamilySearch Family Tree. As merging affects the names, dates, places, sources, and relationships for 2 profiles, reviewing and fixing merges can be complex. The new merge analysis view allows you to better understand the before and after of each merge.
What Is the Merge Analysis View?
Before merge analysis became available, users could see only a summary of the surviving and deleted profiles in a merge, along with some information about the resulting changes.
With the new merge analysis view, you can now see the vital details, sources, and relationships of each person involved in the merge, side by side. Next to that, in an After Merge section, you can see information for the surviving profile.
The merge analysis view also has an Initial Contributions section, which shows the original name, creation date, and birth information (if available) for each individual.
How to See a Merge Analysis
You can find a merge analysis by first going to the list of latest changes for a person’s profile on the Family Tree. Just follow these steps:
- Go to the person’s profile (also called person page) in the Family Tree.
- Under Latest Changes on the right side, click Show All.
- Look for a merge and click Merge Analysis.
A merge analysis is now available for all merges that happened after August 1, 2016. The merge analysis view is currently only available on the FamilySearch.org website, not on the mobile app.
How to Fix Incorrect Merges
As mentioned above, the merge analysis view is a great way for FamilySearch users to see if a merge was done correctly or if it might be in error. If a merge was done in error, there are 2 ways to fix the problem:
Do a Simple Reversal (If Available)
If no changes have been made since a merge was completed, you can fully undo a merge to restore both profiles to how they were before:
- In the Latest Changes list for one of the individuals, click Merge Analysis for the merge you want to undo.
- Click Undo Merge at the top right of the merge analysis screen.
Restore the Deleted Profile
If changes have been made since the merge, the Undo Merge button will not be available. Follow these 3 steps to restore the deleted person:
- In the Latest Changes for 1 of the profiles, click Merge Analysis for the merge you want to repair.
- Click the name of the deleted person.
- At the bottom right of the black bar that shows you are looking at a deleted profile, click Restore Person.
Note: This process restores the deleted person’s profile to its state before the merge; however, the other profile keeps all the changes made since the merge. If some of those changes were made in error, those can be individually fixed.
Best Practices for Merging and Unmerging on the Family Tree
When a merge is correct, it resolves duplicates and may even help relatives find additional family members and other information. But since incorrect merges can create tangles with incorrect information, it’s best to avoid them from the beginning. Here are some best practices that can prevent incorrect merges:
Create Profiles That Are Accurate and Reasonably Complete
When you add a profile to the Family Tree, do your best to provide accurate, reasonably complete information. Incorrect merges happen most often with profiles that lack essential information (for instance, no birth information or no sources). The more complete and accurate a profile is, the less likely it is to be merged incorrectly.
Carefully Inspect All Information
When considering a merge or fixing an incorrect merge, look over the information for the 2 profiles very carefully. Two individuals could have the same name, and even the same birth locations and birth years. Surprisingly, it does happen! Look for details like similar or different relationships, occupations, and sources to help you determine whether 2 profiles really represent the same person. If in doubt, it’s better not to merge.
Repair the Surviving Profile After an Incorrect Merge (As Needed)
As mentioned above, when you restore a profile in an incorrect merge, any information and sources added since the merge remain on the surviving profile. If the information and sources are incorrect, Family Tree may display incorrect hints for duplicates, making it more likely that the incorrect merge will be redone. Take the time to review all information and sources and fix any that are wrong.
Leave Good Notes, and Collaborate with Others
Finally, remember that when you are merging or undoing a merge, you are collaborating with others on the Family Tree. It’s best to always add a helpful reason statement when making changes. You can also use notes, the chat system, and other tools to communicate. Alert notes are especially helpful when dealing with profiles that you are concerned may be incorrectly merged.
– This article was published on the FamilySearch Blog by Julene Elise Brown