Family Historian User Group

Hi I am a new user, literally loaded the software onto my PC today and uploaded my tree from a ged.com file. The first record up is titled a Root record, can I re-designate another record instead ie close relative as Root Record as this one is a distant relative? Don’t really understand what Root means?

The Root person in your file is the one that appears in the Focus window when you first launch the program, and from whom all relationships are calculated. It can easily be changed.

If viewing either the Focus window or the Records window, select the person you want to be the Root, then click Edit in the top menu and there's an option there to change to Root. If you're in the Focus window you can also select the relevant person and right-click, and there's an option in the menu that pops up.

The built-in Help file tells you more - use the index or search for Root or File Root. The item listed as "Make Someone the File Root" is probably the best place to start.

(PS - welcome to the forum.)

Welcome to the FHUG.

Don't overlook how_to:key_features_for_newcomers|> Key Features for Newcomers.
The first topic Documentation & Tutorials refers to Getting the Most From Family Historian and there in Chapter 1 Getting Started with the Focus Window on Page 9 it explains all about the File Root person.

What product did you export your GEDCOM file from?
The how_to:index#importing_to_family_historian|> Importing to Family Historian has specific advice for several popular products and some generic advice that applies to all products.

Thanks, I have now worked out how to change the Root to someone else, will also look further at Help etc.