Free genealogy tool

Free Genealogy Research Log Generator

A genealogy research log generator creates a structured tracker for each ancestor, research question, repository, record set, search date, findings, negative searches, citations, and next steps. Use it to keep family history research organized and avoid repeating the same searches.

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Research log details

Fill in one research attempt. Copy the finished entry into your notes, spreadsheet, or genealogy software.

Ancestor or subjectPerson, family, location, or DNA matchResearch questionThe specific question this search should answerRepository or websiteArchive, website, courthouse, library, or databaseRecord set searchedCollection name, film, book, index, or folderDate searchedWhen you ran this searchSearch terms and filtersNames, variants, dates, places, and filters usedFindingsWhat you found, including record IDs and exact detailsNegative searchesWhat you checked that produced no useful matchSource citation or noteCitation, URL, access date, image number, or call numberNext stepsThe next source or action to try

Generated log entry

Copy the narrative entry or the CSV row.

Ancestor or subject: Mary Johnson, born about 1848 in Ohio
Research question: Who were Mary's parents before her 1871 marriage?
Repository or website: FamilySearch
Record set searched: Ohio county marriage records and probate indexes
Date searched: 2026-05-21
Search terms and filters: Mary Johnson, Mary Johnston, 1848 Ohio, Clark County marriage
Findings: Found an 1871 marriage record for Mary Johnson and Thomas Reed in Clark County. No parents were listed on the index entry.
Negative searches: No matching probate index entry for Johnson guardianship files from 1860-1875.
Source citation or note: FamilySearch, Ohio County Marriages, 1789-2013, Clark County, Reed-Johnson marriage index, accessed today.
Next steps: Check original marriage register image, search county probate packets, and compare 1860 census Johnson households near Springfield.

Spreadsheet CSV

Paste into Excel, Google Sheets, Airtable, or Notion.

How to use this research log

Step 1

Define the research question

Name the ancestor or family and write the specific question you are trying to answer.

Step 2

Record where you searched

Enter the repository, website, archive, or record collection along with the search date and search terms.

Step 3

Summarize findings and misses

Log both positive findings and negative searches so future work does not repeat the same path.

Step 4

Choose the next step

Add a concrete follow-up action such as checking a neighboring county, ordering a certificate, or reviewing a probate packet.

Genealogy research log FAQ

What is a genealogy research log?

A genealogy research log is a tracker that records what you searched, where you searched, what you found, what you did not find, and what to try next.

Why should I record negative searches?

Negative searches prevent duplicate work. If a census, probate index, cemetery list, or newspaper archive had no match, logging that result helps you choose a smarter next source.

What should I put in a family history research log?

Include the ancestor or family, research question, repository, record collection, search terms, date searched, results, source citation, and next action.

Can I copy this into a spreadsheet?

Yes. The generated log includes both a readable summary and a CSV row you can copy into Google Sheets, Excel, Airtable, or your genealogy notes.

How detailed should each research log entry be?

Use enough detail that you or another researcher can repeat the search later. Record exact names, variants, dates, places, filters, page numbers, URLs, and access dates when possible.

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