If you’ve been doing genealogy for a while, you probably already know about FamilySearch.org. It’s a free website with millions of historical records from all over the world. You may have searched the indexed records, attached sources to people in your tree, and even used the Research Wiki or the Catalog. But there’s one tool that many researchers overlook…FamilySearch Images.
This little-known section of the site gives you access to millions of digitized records that haven’t been indexed yet. That means they won’t show up in a regular search. But they’re there, waiting to be found.
Let’s walk through what FamilySearch Images is, how to use it, and why it may help you in your genealogy research.
What Is FamilySearch Images?
FamilySearch Images is a collection of record sets that have been digitized but haven’t been fully indexed. That means you won’t find them with a simple name search. You have to browse them, like flipping through pages in a book, but from the comfort of your home.
If you’re willing to do that, browse by location, date, or type of record, you can often find the exact image you need, even when it doesn’t show up in the regular search results.
Where to Find It
You can find FamilySearch Images by going to: https://www.familysearch.org/en/records/images
Or, by going to the FamilySearch.org home page, then click Search, and Images.
You’ll see a search bar where you can type a place name, such as a town, county, or country. This pulls up record sets that include digitized images for that location.
Let’s say you type in “Grainger County, Tennessee.” You may see probate records, land records, town records, or church registers. Not every location is available yet, but more are being added all the time.
If you need help, click on the How To Get Started button.
How It Works
Once you choose a location, you’ll see a list of available collections. Some are listed by record type, others by the name of the archive or the years covered.
Click into a collection, and you’ll be taken to a series of images. Some of these image groups may be organized into smaller, related groupings, like census records or school records.
You’ll be browsing, so you’ll need to pay attention to the cover pages, index pages, or title frames to figure out what’s inside. Some collections have handy tables of contents right in the first few images.
It takes some time, but it’s worth it.
What Kinds of Records Are Available?
Here are a few types of records you’ll commonly find in FamilySearch Images:
- Vital records – Birth, marriage, and death registers.
- Land records – Deeds, mortgages, and property transactions.
- Probate records – Wills, inventories, estate settlements.
- Church records – Baptisms, confirmations, marriages, burials.
- Town and local records – Tax lists, voting records, town meeting minutes.
- Court records – Civil and criminal cases, guardianships, divorces.
Sometimes these records are in better shape than the versions you might find elsewhere. You might even find a second copy of a record that’s easier to read, has more information, or includes a signature that was missing before.
A good example of this is the 1870 U.S. Federal Population Census from Grainger County, Tennessee, 1st District.
Here’s how it looks on Ancestry:
And here is what I found in FamilySearch:
This is a little better, but what I found in FamilySearch Images is the easiest to read:
It may not always be a better copy, but in this instance it definitely is.
Why Use FamilySearch Images?
Here are a few good reasons:
- They often hold records you won’t find anywhere else.
Not every collection on FamilySearch has been indexed yet. Images is where many of those hidden records live. - You can find better copies of the same record.
Let’s say you’ve seen a poor-quality image of your ancestor’s will on another site. Try looking in FamilySearch Images. You might find a version with clearer handwriting, or even additional pages that were left out of the index. - They’re free to access.
No subscription needed. FamilySearch is totally free—you just need an account. - They help you understand the context.
When you browse an entire book or volume, you get a better sense of how the records were created and organized. That can help you spot patterns or missing pieces.
Tips for Using FamilySearch Images
Here are a few practical tips to make the most of it:
1. Start with a location.
Use the search bar to enter the place your ancestors lived. Narrow it down as far as you can.
2. Look for an index or table of contents.
Many books or record volumes include an index in the first few pages or at the end.
3. Use the Catalog too.
Sometimes the FamilySearch Catalog gives you more detail about a collection—like which years are covered or what type of records are inside. Go to https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog.
4. Don’t be afraid to scroll.
Browsing images can take time. But if you’re stuck, this method can uncover records that just aren’t searchable yet.
5. View recently added images.
From the main Images page, scroll down, and you’ll see View Recently Added Images. This will tell you the most recent images coming into FamilySearch, which are added literally every minute.
A Real-Life Example
I cannot find my 2x great-grandfather in the 1870 census for Grainger County, Tennessee. I know that’s where he was living from information I read in his Civil War Pension File. This is the first census after the Civil War, and many areas, especially in the South, were undercounted.
I am in the process of scouring FamilySearch Images in hopes of finding him, since the copies I have access to are faded (like above). He may be missing, but I want to take every opportunity to locate him.
Other FamilySearch Articles
If you want to read about other features on FamilySearch, check out these blog posts:
How To Search FamilySearch Collections Like A Pro
Why I Love The FamilySearch Wiki For My Genealogy Research
The Exciting World Of AI: FamilySearch Full-Text Search
Finally
FamilySearch Images can be a very powerful tool in your genealogy toolbox. And one of the least known. It takes a little extra time and patience, but it’s absolutely worth it.
If you’ve hit a dead end or you’re not finding what you need in a regular search, give this a try. There may be a hidden gem waiting in the pages of an old court book or land record just waiting for you to find it.
And remember, the more you practice browsing records, the easier it gets.
Genealogy tip: You need to stay organized when using Images. Make sure to write down the group number, image number, page number, etc., so you can easily find the image again. Even better, the first time you find a document for your ancestor, download a copy to your computer and make a citation.
FamilySearch can be a lifesaver in genealogy research, but if you’re having trouble navigating it, give me a call. Your 30-minute consultation is free.
