Ancestry "Tree Compare" in Beta

Here's a new Ancestry feature I'm exploring: Tree Compare, now in beta. I discovered it while looking at some ancestor-in-laws such as Alice Hopperton, who was the second wife of my husband's grandfather.

Of course I don't rely on any online tree as a quote fact unquote. But trees often have great clues such as family photos and record sources that I can examine and evaluate to determine relevancy and then follow up if I wish.

As shown, Alice is "found in 10+ Ancestry trees" and with one click, I was able to begin comparing Alice on those trees with Alice on my tree.

Using Tree Compare, my tree is on the right and another tree for comparison is on the left. (I obscured info for privacy.) When info is similar or identical on the other tree, Ancestry adds a "similar" label, as you can see on the tree at left. The comparison also shows the name and the owner of the other tree. That's helpful because I've already seen many of these trees and sometimes I recognize the tree name or the owner's name. I can also "pick a different tree" at the top right of the comparison screen.

When I clicked to pick a different tree, a longer list of trees (all with Alice) showed up. I could look at the overviews (including name of tree, number of records, number of people, and owner) and select another to compare.

This is a convenient way to look at trees "at a glance" and pick one (or more) to closely compare with my tree and that ancestor. Remember, clues only!

CAUTION: If a different tree has someone labeled as "new," then this beta Ancestry feature will suggest where to place the person in your tree. Beware.

Direct above, I was using Tree Compare to see James E. Wood on other people's trees. Ancestry's comparison examined related people. The suggested placement for Edith E. Baker (from someone else's tree, on left) is entirely wrong. Edith clearly does not belong to the parents where Ancestry wants to put her. I already have her on my tree as a daughter of, yes, James Sills Baker and Adelaide M Slatter. 

I discovered similar mistakes in Tree Compare's suggestions of other ancestors on same tree and in another tree. Tree Compare can't take the place of doing research to understand potential tree connections. Confirm before you click!