Family History Lessons

Video Tutorials - FamilyInsight

"Synchronize with FamilySearch™ Family Tree" Length: 5:39
::New:: "Reserve and Print Ordinances" Length: 13:39
"How to Add a Person to FamilySearch Family Tree" Length: 1:43
"Change Summary Information" Length: 1:56
"Separate Incorrectly Combined Records with FamilyInsight" Length: 3:30
"Edit Places" Length: 5:41
"The Guide Me Button: Your Personal Tutor" Length: 00:56
"Edit RINs and Pedigrees" Length: 3:08

In-depth Webinar Classes

Free Webinars - Sign up to attend a live class online.
Webinar Archive Page - Previous classes-These have been recorded and made available on video.

Video Tutorial - Ordinance Tracker Stand Alone

Ordinance Tracker Length: 2:50

You can also view more indepth trainings on our. Or sign up for our

FamilyInsight Lessons

FamilyInsight will appear on the Tools menu of PAF 5 or you can use it directly with GEDCOM files, PAF 5 file or PAF 5 backup files. Use these lessons to help you with the many different tasks that you can do with FamilyInsight. FamilyInsight is available for Mac and for Windows.

To open the lessons click on the PDF link by the lesson you want to view or print

  • Getting Started
  • PDF
  • Simple Update
  • PDF *NEW
  • Merge
  • PDF
  • Edit RINs and Pedigrees
  • PDF
  • Synchronizing two Databases
  • PDF
  • Editing Places
  • PDF
  • Importing a GEDCOM using FamilyInsight
  • PDF
  • Full Synchronization mode to Sync with the new FamilySearch website
  • PDF *Updated May 22, 2010
  • Reserving Ordinances and Ordinance Tracker
  • PDF *Updated May 22, 2010
  • Repair
  • PDF
  • Searching the Internet IGI
  • PDF

    Other FamilyInsight Handouts and Lessons

    These lessons and handouts were not created by Ohana Software but by others that are fans of FamilyInsight. They have been generous enough to share them with others on our website.

    New May 2009

    Author: Karen Pittman

    Karen has graciously shared her quick guide to synchronizing you PAF file with the new FamilySearch website and her overview of FamilyInsight. These files are in WORD doc format.

  • Getting Started
  • PDF
  • Searching the Internet IGI
  • PDF
  • Edit RINs and Pedigrees
  • PDF
  • Synchronizing two Databases
  • PDF
  • Merge
  • PDF
  • Importing a GEDCOM using PAF Insight
  • PDF
  • Repair
  • PDF
  • Edit Places
  • PDF

    Other PAF Insight/FamilyInsight PowerPoint Presentations by Ohana Software

    Author: Ohana Software <

    Ohana Software has created this PowerPoint to answer the question of what to do with the "Research-for-Merge" and "Research-for-Trim" notes that you can add in PAF Insight or FamilyInsight.

    Making a Custom Report for PAF Insight and FamilyInsight Research Notes --PowerPoint Presentation

    To save the PowerPoint presentations on your computer, right click on a presentation and choose "Save Target As".

    To download Microsoft PowerPoint viewer2003 click here

    If you are having problems using the current Microsoft Powerpoint viewer 2003, try using the 97 version below.
    To download Microsoft PowerPoint viewer97 click here

    PAF Insight Power Point Presentations by those not affiliated with Ohana Software

    The following lessons are the work of their respective authors. Please check with the author to determine how you may use them. Ohana Software LLC disclaims any responsibility for the content, accuracy, or applicability of any lessons not written by Ohana Software.

    Author: Regine Brindle

    Regine had composed this Powerpoint presentation on updating information from the online IGI at www.familysearch.org using PAF Insight with mention of other methods of updating.

    PAF Insight 2006 --PowerPoint Presentation ***New Sept 20, 2006

    PAF Insight 2006 --Présentation de Powerpoint en français ***New Jan 26, 2007

    To save the PowerPoint presentations on your computer, right click on a presentation and choose "Save Target As".

    To download Microsoft PowerPoint viewer2003 click here

    If you are having problems using the current Microsoft Powerpoint viewer 2003, try using the 97 version below.
    To download Microsoft PowerPoint viewer97 click here

    Free Video Presentations for Family History

    New September 7, 2007

    Mastering Family History is a free website (no log in required) that contains e-learning videos on computer programs and websites that are useful in building a family history. The videos are designed for persons who want to learn how to prepare and maintain family history or genealogical information. You can view the videos through your internet connection (streaming video) or you can download the video to your computer.

    Some of the topics covered are:
    • PAF Insight
    • PRF Magnet
    • New Family Search
    • Compiled Genealogies
    • Genealogical Research
    Mastering Family History Website

    PAF Insight

    Author: Liz Snow

    New March 25, 2004

    An Introduction to PAF Insight as a means to prepare names for Temple Submission.

    Data Entry Standards for PAF Files

    With the use of computers for Family History, it is necessary to have some standardization of entry methods. Without standardization, it is difficult for files to accurately be displayed in or interface with the online IGI and other databases. Correction of incorrectly entered places in temple submissions causes needless extra work for those maintaining the online IGI, etc. and to manually make corrections so that information will display correctly. B. Nielson of Upland, California has graciously shared his standards for data entry as a guide for correct entry of information. This file is in WORD format.

    Data Entry Standards for PAF Files by B. Nielsen

    Standard Approach for Using Insight and Pal

    New Jan 8, 2007

    This document will help you use Insight to search the IGI for completed ordinances and update your file. Proper searching technique will help avoid duplication of ordinance work. Thank you to B. Nielsen for developing and sharing this document.

    Standard Approach for Using Insight and PAL by B. Nielsen

    PAF Summary

    Author: Denney Pugmire

    Updated June 23, 2006

    Denney has taken the high points of the PAF users manual and made a quick overview to help users understand what can be done in PAF.

    This file is divided into three sections:
    Section #1 consists of 8 pages of detailed usage of PAF and its advanced features;
    Section #2 consists of 4 pages of a more simplified usage of PAF for beginners;
    Section #3 lists 14 activities to clean up a database.

    Hispanic Family History Helps

    AYUDAS PARA HISTORIA FAMILIAR

    These pages include presentations on Family History created by generous Spanish speaking Family History devotees. They are created in the Spanish language.

    Página Hispánica *** Added Oct 28, 2006

    Beginning PAF

    Author: Liz Snow

    This 4 week class covers the basics of using Personal Ancestral File version 5. It includes information on the most commonly used features of PAF 5. Each class is designed to be about one hour long.

    Beginning Family History

    Author: Liz Snow

    These lessons were created to be used in conjunction with "A Member's Guide to Temple and Family History Work". I tried to put more emphasis on doing temple work or at least verifying if Ordinance Work has been done. I also tried to make them very simple. They can be taught in a Sunday School setting or a Ward Family History Consultant can use them during in-home visits. If you have suggestions or comments please contact me . Good Luck in your Family History Endeavors. I feel it is a great blessing to be a part of this tremendous work.

    PowerPoint Presentations for Teaching PAF5

    Author: Kathleen Kimble

    *NEW Jan 15, 2005*

    Kathleen Kimble of the West Chester, PA Ward FHC and the Valley Forge, PA FHC has created these PowerPoint presentations for teaching and learning how to use Personal Ancestral File 5. She is generously sharing them for others to use. Kathleen says, " Please let everyone know that they are welcome to make corrections or suggestions to make it better and that anyone is allowed to copy it and give it to someone else. We're all in this together for our ancestors."

    Choose the lessons that fit your needs.

    To save the PowerPoint presentation on your computer, right click on a presentation and choose "Save Target As".

    To download Microsoft PowerPoint viewer click here

    Family History Presentations


    *Updated-Mar 8, 2004*

    Author: Cindy Newell

    To save the PowerPoint presentations on your computer, right click on a presentation and choose "Save Target As".

    To download Microsoft PowerPoint viewer click here

    Ascending The Temple Steps

    Author: Dawn Bushman

    This 4 week class starts with the basics of data entry in PAF and focuses on the process of submitting names for temple ordinances. Dawn also has links to other genealogical web sites.

    To access this class, please go to author's website >>

    Introduction to Family History

    This web site provides a thorough set of lessons in the basics of Family History. It is designed to be a part of the Religion 261 - Introduction to Family History class at Brigham Young University. However, it can be used by anyone wanting to learn about Family History.

    To visit the website click here >>

    Brigham Young University's Free Family History Courses

    Brigham Young University's Department of Independent Study is offering free web courses in Family History. There is quite a variety of Family History Classes including Military Records, Vital Records and an assortment of classes on French, German and Scandinavian Research. Visit their website for a complete list of classes offered.

    To visit the website click here >>

    About Us  Ohana Insights Blog  Affiliate Program  John's Picks  Privacy Policy

    FamilySearch and the FamilySearch Logo are trademarks licensed to the Genealogical Society of Utah and are registered in the United States of America and other countries