Does Ancestry have handwriting recognition? Genealogists are starting to see the phrase “Full Text Search” appear on multiple platforms—but not all full-text searches work the same way. In this episode, we take a clear, practical look at what Ancestry currently means by “Search Full Text,” how it differs from FamilySearch Full-Text Search, and why that distinction matters for serious research.
We’ll talk about what types of records each platform appears to be searching right now, including the difference between indexed text, OCR-generated text, and AI-driven handwriting recognition. We’ll also revisit Ancestry’s handwriting recognition tools found in the Gallery/Memories area—something many researchers [myself included] may have forgotten was already available.
If you work with deeds, wills, probate, court minutes, or other handwritten records, this episode will help you understand when to use each platform, what results to expect, and how to build smarter search strategies as these tools continue to evolve.
There is a handout for this episode for qualifying members.
?? Previous Episode Mentioned:
BREAKING NEWS Ancestry Released NEW Image Handwriting Recognition & Transcriptions
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Watch a walk-about at the RootsTech Expo Hall, see some interviews with genealogy industry experts and consumers. If you were not able to attend this year’s RootsTech conference, this video...
Academy members can now watch the latest updates from Connie’s interview with Ancestry’s Crista Cowan during RootsTech 2026. Be sure you are logged in and use this link below. https://genealogytv.org/courses/2026-youtube-videos/lessons/new-features-at-ancestry-with-crista-cowan-rootstech-2026/
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