Make it easier to begin.
Find answers about preparing clues, research results, private archives and data handling.
Who can use public research?
Anyone with a Google account can sign in and research without an invitation. Guides and resources are free to browse. Your investigations stay in your private archive and are not visible to other visitors.
How many searches can I run?
Each account can start 5 searches in a rolling 24-hour window, with a shared site limit of 100. You can start up to 3 in 10 minutes and run one at a time. Started requests count even if they fail. Saving or exporting records and reading guides do not use this allowance. The research page shows your current availability.
What should I prepare before researching?
A name and any dates, places, relatives or occupations you know are a useful starting point. Leave unknown details blank and label uncertainty with ‘I heard’ or ‘possibly’. Do not guess to fill in gaps.
Why do I need to sign in?
Sign-in links investigations to your account and restricts other people’s access. Follow the sign-in link in the research space before saving clues or searching.
Can I upload photographs or old documents?
This version accepts text clues. File uploads and photo recognition are not available yet. You can transcribe material you have the right to use and include its title, date, page number and any uncertain characters.
Is someone found by AI definitely my ancestor?
No. The service organises possible leads and sources, but a matching name or similar life cannot establish identity alone. Compare relatives, dates, places and originals before accepting important conclusions.
Why might I get leads rather than a definite answer?
Relevant information may not be on public websites. Archives may not be digitised or may restrict access. When evidence is insufficient, preserving uncertainty and suggesting the next search is more useful than an unsupported answer.
How long does an investigation take?
Usually one to three minutes, depending on search and service response times. Keep the page open. If it fails, read the message before submitting again. Previously saved records remain available in My archive.
How do I continue, export or delete an investigation?
Open a saved investigation in My archive, add text clues and research again. Export full investigation downloads a Markdown file. Delete record removes the investigation and every research round; export anything you need first.
Does deleting a record delete every copy?
The investigation is removed from the app database, but downloaded files, copies held by others and providers’ security logs are not automatically deleted. See the privacy policy for details.
Is there a charge? Are there advertisements?
There is currently no visitor payment flow or advertising. Any future fees or ads will be explained in advance. Before Us does not promise to find an ancestor or establish a relationship.
What if I find an error or need help?
Note the time, page and error message, then email the operator through the contact page. Do not send passwords, API keys, identity numbers or complete private family records.
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