Genealogy Document & Source Tracker | Citation Log Formats | Excel + Google Sheets

Know what genealogy records you have, where they came from, and exactly where you saved them.

You know you downloaded the certificate. You remember finding the census image. You may even remember which website it came from.

But six months later, the real question is:

Where did I save it — and how do I cite it?

The Genealogy Document & Source Tracker gives every record a permanent place in your research system.

Track what the document is, who it belongs to, where you found it, the complete citation, the quality of the evidence, and the exact folder and filename where your digital copy is stored.

There is also a dedicated On Order tracker for records you have requested but have not received yet, plus practical Citation Formats with fill-in examples for common genealogy record types.

WHAT YOU GET

• 1 editable .xlsx genealogy workbook
• 4 organized tabs
• Document & Source Tracker
• Records On Order tracker
• Citation Formats reference
• Start Here instructions and progress counters
• Sample entries showing how the workbook works
• Drop-down menus, filters and frozen headers
• Designed for Microsoft Excel
• Compatible with Google Sheets
• Instant digital download

THE 4 TABS

DOCUMENTS

Create a searchable inventory of the genealogy records you have already collected.

Track details such as:

• Record type
• Ancestor or research subject
• Record date
• Place
• Repository or website
• Full citation
• Whether you obtained the record
• Record or image quality
• Filename
• Folder or storage location
• Research notes

The goal is simple: when you need a record again, you know exactly where it is.

ON ORDER

Keep requested records from disappearing into forgotten emails and receipts.

Track:

• Record requested
• Ancestor
• Office, archive or repository
• Date ordered
• Cost
• Reference or order number
• Expected date
• Follow-up date
• Arrival status
• Notes

Especially useful when you have records coming from several archives, courthouses or government offices at once.

CITATION FORMATS

Stop rebuilding citations from scratch every time you find a record.

This tab includes practical fill-in patterns and examples for commonly used genealogy sources such as:

• Census records
• Birth records
• Immigration records
• Cemetery records
• Church records
• Probate records

The examples are designed as an everyday genealogy aid so you can record source information while the record is still in front of you.

START HERE

A plain-English introduction explains how to use the workbook.

Built-in counters give you an at-a-glance view of your document and source tracking progress as you add your own research.

WHY TRACK THE ACTUAL FILE?

A citation tells you where the information came from.

A file-location field tells you where your copy went.

Both matter.

Recording the filename and folder at the same time you save a document can prevent duplicated downloads, lost scans and hours spent searching through folders later.

KEEP THE EVIDENCE QUALITY VISIBLE

Not every genealogy source carries the same weight.

An index entry, transcription, derivative record and image of an original document may provide different levels of evidence.

The workbook gives you a place to record the quality of the source so you do not accidentally treat every piece of information as equally strong evidence later.

SAMPLE DATA INCLUDED

Sample records are included so you can see how the workbook is intended to be used.

Replace the sample information with your own documents, citations and research as you go.

PERFECT FOR

• Genealogists with large digital record collections
• Researchers who have downloaded the same record more than once
• Keeping genealogy citations organized from the beginning
• Tracking certificates and documents ordered from archives or offices
• Organizing record filenames and folders
• Preparing family histories or research reports
• Researchers who want their sources connected to the evidence they support
• Anyone who has ever said, “I know I saved that somewhere.”

EXCEL + GOOGLE SHEETS

Your download is one editable Microsoft Excel .xlsx workbook.

Open it directly in Microsoft Excel or import it into Google Sheets:

Google Sheets → File → Import → Upload

Google Sheets can be used with a free Google account. Because Excel and Google Sheets are different programs, some spreadsheet formatting or features may display slightly differently after importing.

GOOD TO KNOW

The citation examples are practical genealogy reference formats designed to help you record the important elements of a source.

They are not intended to replace a comprehensive professional citation-style manual.

This workbook is a research organization tool. It does not contain genealogy records, automatically create citations from websites, search databases or include access to subscription services.

DIGITAL DOWNLOAD

This is a DIGITAL PRODUCT. Nothing physical will be mailed.

Your purchase includes one editable .xlsx workbook, available for download after your Etsy purchase is complete.

PERSONAL USE ONLY

This workbook is for the buyer's personal genealogy and family-history research. The file may not be resold, redistributed, shared, uploaded to another website or reproduced for commercial use.

Questions? Just message me — a real person makes these, and a real person answers.

Wendi Smiles Paperie
Where Your Family Story Comes to Life

Always smile, Wendi