Frequently Asked Questions

The Archivist is a private, secure platform that helps families preserve their stories, memories, and history. You can record voice memories, upload photos, and use AI to automatically link stories to family members. Everything is stored privately and securely, and you can download all your data at any time. Learn more about why we built it on our about page, or check out our guide on how to preserve family memories.

We use AI in a human way - to help organize and connect your family's stories, not to replace them. The AI automatically transcribes your voice recordings, identifies people mentioned in stories, and links memories to family members. It helps you build a connected family archive without the manual work. The AI doesn't tell your stories - it helps preserve and organize them.

Yes, absolutely. The Archivist is built with GDPR compliance in mind. Your data is stored securely and is never used to sell products, train AI models, or profile people. We don't share your information with third parties. Your family's memories are private to you and the people you choose to share them with.

Yes, you can download all your data at any time. We believe you should own your family's memories, so we make it easy to export everything - photos, recordings, transcripts, and family tree information. Your data belongs to you, not to us.

You can download all your data at any time, so you'll never lose your family's memories. We designed The Archivist specifically to avoid the problem of services disappearing and taking your data with them. Your information is yours, and you can take it with you whenever you want.

The Archivist is free to start. You can create your first memory and begin building your family archive without any cost. We offer a free trial so you can see if it's right for your family before committing.

Only the people you invite can see your family's memories. You control access completely - you can invite family members as viewers or editors, and you can revoke access at any time. Your memories are private by default and only shared with people you explicitly invite.

Recording memories is simple. Just click the record button and start talking. The Archivist uses your browser's speech recognition to transcribe your words in real-time. You can record stories, conversations, or any memories you want to preserve. The AI automatically identifies people mentioned and links them to your family tree. For tips on having meaningful conversations, check out our guide on how to interview your parents about their life.

Yes, you can upload photos and link them to people, events, or memories. Photos can be associated with specific moments in voice recordings, creating rich multimedia memories. You can also import photos from Google Photos if you prefer. Learn more about organizing family photos in our guide on nostalgic photo apps.

You can edit transcripts, add or remove people from memories, and even re-record if needed. The Archivist gives you full control to refine and perfect your family's archive. Nothing is set in stone - you can always update and improve your memories.

The Archivist is designed specifically for families who want a private, judgment-free space to share real memories. Unlike social media, there are no algorithms, no ads, no public feeds, and no pressure to perform. It's just your family, your stories, and a safe space to preserve what matters.

Yes, The Archivist works on mobile devices through your web browser. You can record memories, upload photos, and access your family archive from your phone or tablet. The interface is designed to work seamlessly across all devices.

You can upload photos in common formats (JPEG, PNG, WebP) and record audio directly through your browser. The Archivist handles transcription automatically, so you don't need to worry about file formats for voice recordings.

We want you to preserve as many memories as possible. While there may be limits based on your plan, the free trial allows you to create multiple memories so you can see how The Archivist works for your family.

The transcription accuracy depends on several factors including audio quality, background noise, and speaking clarity. The Archivist uses advanced speech recognition technology, and you can always edit transcripts to correct any errors. The AI is designed to help, not to be perfect - you have full control to refine everything.

You can create shareable links for specific memories if you want to share them with friends or extended family. However, by default, all memories are private and only accessible to people you've invited to your family tree. You have complete control over who sees what.

You can download all your data at any time, including if you decide to stop using The Archivist. We believe in data portability - your memories belong to you, and you should be able to take them with you. We'll never hold your data hostage.