# \#novice **URL:** https://gramps.discourse.group/tag/novice/34.md [Latest](https://gramps.discourse.group/latest.md) · [Categories](https://gramps.discourse.group/categories.md) · [Tags](https://gramps.discourse.group/tags.md) --- ## [About the User Manual category](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/about-the-user-manual-category/2585)
**Author:** [@gramps-project](https://gramps.discourse.group/u/gramps-project)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2024, 11:00am UTC](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/about-the-user-manual-category/2585 "2024-06-15T11:00:00Z")
Links to the primary reference materials and downloads for the Gramps suite of Genealogical Tools. Name Description Gramps for Desktops Genealo… --- ## [New user - no import button](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/new-user-no-import-button/10033)
**Author:** [@FleetFoot](https://gramps.discourse.group/u/FleetFoot)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2026, 10:10am UTC](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/new-user-no-import-button/10033 "2026-09-24T10:10:17Z")
Complete newbie here. I’ve just downloaded and installed the latest release of 6.0.8 (not beta) onto Windows 10. Having read the sidebar on the main page and also the manual, I understand I should be able to import a GE… --- ## [What do/did you find to be the most complicated parts of Gramps?](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/what-do-did-you-find-to-be-the-most-complicated-parts-of-gramps/9392)
**Author:** [@dsblank](https://gramps.discourse.group/u/dsblank)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2026, 10:10pm UTC](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/what-do-did-you-find-to-be-the-most-complicated-parts-of-gramps/9392 "2026-06-19T22:10:22Z")
What parts of Gramps do/did you find to be overly complicated? Are there UI functions that are too messy? Too many ways to do something? Are there features that are hard to use? Hard to discover? Do you have ideas on … --- ## [Quickest and easiest way to start a Tree](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/quickest-and-easiest-way-to-start-a-tree/7123)
**Author:** [@emyoulation](https://gramps.discourse.group/u/emyoulation)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2025, 7:29am UTC](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/quickest-and-easiest-way-to-start-a-tree/7123 "2025-03-12T07:29:58Z")
After working on the beta What’s Next? gramplet for a long time, I’d like to share my opinion on the 2 most-straightforward ways to start your Tree in 5.2 Gramps as it stands today. Hopefully, a lot of dissenting opinio… --- ## [Addon Manager feedback from new User on Facebook](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/addon-manager-feedback-from-new-user-on-facebook/9588)
**Author:** [@emyoulation](https://gramps.discourse.group/u/emyoulation)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2026, 1:01am UTC](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/addon-manager-feedback-from-new-user-on-facebook/9588 "2026-06-09T01:01:59Z")
A new user suffering overload and balking at the novice hurdles (being exceedingly barrier shy, common in those who choose Mac due to its GUI reputation) gave some feedback on the Gramps for Genealogists Facebook. Here’… --- ## [Questions from an absolute beginner](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/questions-from-an-absolute-beginner/9495)
**Author:** [@healPast](https://gramps.discourse.group/u/healPast)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2026, 6:02pm UTC](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/questions-from-an-absolute-beginner/9495 "2026-05-31T18:02:02Z")
Win 11 Home AIO64-6.0.8–1 I’m an absolute beginner to Gramps. I like that it’s free and powerful. But to me, it’s not an intuitive interface. I’ve been working on my family history for a while now and I’d like to make … --- ## [Truenas install never brings up firstrun after setup](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/truenas-install-never-brings-up-firstrun-after-setup/9531)
**Author:** [@wsargent](https://gramps.discourse.group/u/wsargent)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2026, 4:32pm UTC](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/truenas-install-never-brings-up-firstrun-after-setup/9531 "2026-05-26T16:32:16Z")
Hoping someone can help. I have installed Gramps Web using the TrueNas Scale App catalog, following the directions on the grampsweb site. Everything seems to install fine, however the firstrun screen never runs to be a… --- ## [Welcome & FAQ reincarnate](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/welcome-faq-reincarnate/443)
**Author:** [@emyoulation](https://gramps.discourse.group/u/emyoulation)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2026, 9:45am UTC](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/welcome-faq-reincarnate/443 "2026-05-24T09:45:05Z")
A recent thread highlighted that the Welcome to Gramps! and FAQ dashboard content have become very dated. (Of the 16 FAQs, 7 are linked to sub-sections that no longer exist on the Wikipages!) But that text is hard-coded… --- ## [Markdown viewer (no editing) addon](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/markdown-viewer-no-editing-addon/2884)
**Author:** [@emyoulation](https://gramps.discourse.group/u/emyoulation)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2026, 5:57pm UTC](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/markdown-viewer-no-editing-addon/2884 "2026-05-15T17:57:21Z")
Many of the Addons developed in the GitHub repositories include readme.md markdown files. A tool that leveraged these markdown files would give a system that allows documentation to in sync WITH the add-ons Could a vie… --- ## [No apparent way to begin a tree](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/no-apparent-way-to-begin-a-tree/9178)
**Author:** [@BiggyD](https://gramps.discourse.group/u/BiggyD)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2026, 3:18pm UTC](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/no-apparent-way-to-begin-a-tree/9178 "2026-03-01T15:18:38Z")
Just opened a new Gramps file. There is no apparent way to start entering people. --- ## [Inserting tags in general](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/inserting-tags-in-general/9032)
**Author:** [@Seagram](https://gramps.discourse.group/u/Seagram)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2026, 12:41pm UTC](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/inserting-tags-in-general/9032 "2026-01-12T12:41:17Z")
How do I add tags in general? I’ve tried to find it in the manual, but I can’t. I’m a complete beginner in GRAMPS. I’m using GRAMPS 6.0.6 --- ## [Beta of "What's Next?" gramplet released to 5.2 addon list](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/beta-of-whats-next-gramplet-released-to-5-2-addon-list/4213)
**Author:** [@emyoulation](https://gramps.discourse.group/u/emyoulation)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2025, 1:01pm UTC](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/beta-of-whats-next-gramplet-released-to-5-2-addon-list/4213 "2025-09-07T13:01:25Z")
Revised Gramplet now available in the 5.2 and 6.0 Addon Manager. (Thanks to @Nick-Hall for making it available.) A lot of complaints have been voiced over the years about the steep learning curve and newbies bailing out… --- ## [Gramps unique concepts for newbies](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/gramps-unique-concepts-for-newbies/2414)
**Author:** [@emyoulation](https://gramps.discourse.group/u/emyoulation)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2025, 2:57pm UTC](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/gramps-unique-concepts-for-newbies/2414 "2025-06-17T14:57:14Z")
This is followup thread asking for suggestions of concepts, features & interface in Gramps that typically surprise or elude newbies. One objective has been to linkify some of the more unique phrases. So, by using that… --- ## [Gramps isn't very beginner friendly](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/gramps-isnt-very-beginner-friendly/7843)
**Author:** [@turtlecat77](https://gramps.discourse.group/u/turtlecat77)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2025, 2:19pm UTC](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/gramps-isnt-very-beginner-friendly/7843 "2025-06-17T14:19:55Z")
Trying to get the hang of the basics, the trouble is so many options are front-loaded that it’s not that straightforward to work out. When trying to just input basic information, it’s just a sea of buttons and panels. I… --- ## [Tutorial videos](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/tutorial-videos/126)
**Author:** [@emyoulation](https://gramps.discourse.group/u/emyoulation)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2025, 11:46pm UTC](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/tutorial-videos/126 "2025-04-11T23:46:20Z")
A List of Gramps 5.1 Tutorial videos was posted to the r/Gramps Reddit discussion community by NoBunchOfCoconuts. (That was the foundation of this posting. Although the generic genealogy videos and Review videos have bee… --- ## [How does Gramps open a GEDCOM directly](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/how-does-gramps-open-a-gedcom-directly/6007)
**Author:** [@emyoulation](https://gramps.discourse.group/u/emyoulation)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2024, 6:32pm UTC](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/how-does-gramps-open-a-gedcom-directly/6007 "2024-09-05T18:32:31Z")
When you choose a GEDCOM file from your OS desktop and choose Gramps as the Tool to open it, then Gramps launches, creates a new Tree with the filename and imports the selected GEDCOM file. How can this same simplified … --- ## [Novice user UX proposed solution](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/novice-user-ux-proposed-solution/1832)
**Author:** [@Mattkmmr](https://gramps.discourse.group/u/Mattkmmr)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2021, 7:43pm UTC](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/novice-user-ux-proposed-solution/1832 "2021-10-03T19:43:06Z")
Gramps is difficult for beginners unfortunately. It probably takes them up to a few hours just to add closly related family members, the ancostors back to greatgrandparents and generate some reports. All the different e… --- ## [Newbie intro for Gramps Web](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/newbie-intro-for-gramps-web/4780)
**Author:** [@emyoulation](https://gramps.discourse.group/u/emyoulation)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2024, 7:44pm UTC](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/newbie-intro-for-gramps-web/4780 "2024-02-23T19:44:05Z")
( @DavidMStraub please ignore this item. This is something the Admins and Owners should work on.) We need volunteers to write a SHORT and uncomplicated introduction to the basics for first time visitors to a Gramps Web … --- ## [Check for prerequisite gramplet question](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/check-for-prerequisite-gramplet-question/3009)
**Author:** [@metadata](https://gramps.discourse.group/u/metadata)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2022, 9:16pm UTC](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/check-for-prerequisite-gramplet-question/3009 "2022-11-21T21:16:39Z")
Running Mint and Win 10/11 with Gramps 5.1.5 After restarting my work on the metadata viewer plugin - had to reinstall Mint and all that goes with Python, except for the Gramps code - I have come up against a puzzle. I… --- ## [Revamp Entry point for developers?](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/revamp-entry-point-for-developers/2707)
**Author:** [@emyoulation](https://gramps.discourse.group/u/emyoulation)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2022, 6:18pm UTC](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/revamp-entry-point-for-developers/2707 "2022-08-22T18:18:14Z")
Posted a query on an R & Python development forum asking for examples of clean entry points for developers and newbie coders. (The Gramps developer docs are spread out & require a good bit of exploration before someone … --- ## [Permissive vs. Restrictive Philosophy](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/permissive-vs-restrictive-philosophy/2674)
**Author:** [@iabarry](https://gramps.discourse.group/u/iabarry)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2022, 6:36pm UTC](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/permissive-vs-restrictive-philosophy/2674 "2022-08-13T18:36:00Z")
Noob to Gramps, but have experience with other gen programs. AIO64-5.1.5-1 655 People in db I’m trying to print a book or report with as much content as possible. I recently read https://gramps.discourse.grou… --- ## [Novice Onboarding Gramplet](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/novice-onboarding-gramplet/2034)
**Author:** [@bjpcorp](https://gramps.discourse.group/u/bjpcorp)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2022, 5:38pm UTC](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/novice-onboarding-gramplet/2034 "2022-02-10T17:38:51Z")
A concept for novice/teens to start a basic printable family tree in 5mins, zero learning curve and minimal input. If there is no database an onboarding gramplet could display a basic family tree input and pedigree char… --- ## [Novice tree maker](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/novice-tree-maker/1870)
**Author:** [@fjohnw](https://gramps.discourse.group/u/fjohnw)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 8:38pm UTC](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/novice-tree-maker/1870 "2021-09-30T20:38:21Z")
i have entered a family name of Pay, with father, mother, and 3 siblings however when i use the tree it only shows the parents and one child what am i doing wrong i was under the immpression that it would show parents a… --- ## [Diagramming a family tree for the absolute novice](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/diagramming-a-family-tree-for-the-absolute-novice/1792)
**Author:** [@emyoulation](https://gramps.discourse.group/u/emyoulation)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2021, 10:41pm UTC](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/diagramming-a-family-tree-for-the-absolute-novice/1792 "2021-09-28T22:41:09Z")
I’m always exasperated when I see responses to a Facebook posting from an absolute beginner asking how to simply create a basic family tree. So many people tell them to use Word (or Excel) and just start! Others tell th… --- ## [Toolbar and Navigator reorganization](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/toolbar-and-navigator-reorganization/916)
**Author:** [@zebulon](https://gramps.discourse.group/u/zebulon)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2021, 6:23pm UTC](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/toolbar-and-navigator-reorganization/916 "2021-01-12T18:23:09Z")
Restarting from here : I now do this : To the left of the separator all that isn’t context specific. These icons will be static (and therefore always displayed in the same place, in the same order). To the right … --- ## [Roughing in a Tree with the Pedigree chart & Gramplets](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/roughing-in-a-tree-with-the-pedigree-chart-gramplets/1332)
**Author:** [@emyoulation](https://gramps.discourse.group/u/emyoulation)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2021, 12:30am UTC](https://gramps.discourse.group/t/roughing-in-a-tree-with-the-pedigree-chart-gramplets/1332 "2021-03-28T00:30:01Z")
After watching Ed Thompson trying to use Gramps to quickly rough in a tree, I realized that I’d never used the Charts in that way. It was intriguing … but the entry workflow he tried was awkward. So I wondered if a com…