Branch Permissions: Access Control
Control who can view and edit specific branches
Branch permissions let you control access to specific parts of your tree. Some branches might be private (personal thoughts), some shared with immediate family, others open to extended relatives. Fine-grained control over who sees and edits what.
📋 How It Works
Set Branch Permissions
Branch settings → Permissions → Choose visibility (Private, Family, Extended, Public). Then set edit permissions separately.
Viewing Rights
Private: Only you. Family: Immediate family members. Extended: All tree members. Public: Anyone with tree link.
Editing Rights
Separate from viewing. Can allow viewing but restrict editing. Or require approval workflow for certain members' edits.
Inheritance
New memories inherit branch permissions. Change branch permissions anytime - updates all existing memories in that branch.
💡 Use Cases
- •Private journal branches for personal reflections
- •Sensitive family matters (health, finances) restricted to immediate family
- •Extended family branches everyone can contribute to
- •Heritage/genealogy branches open to all cousins
- •Wedding planning branches for couple only
- •Parent-specific branches (Mom's side, Dad's side)
✨ Pro Tips
- →Default new branches to most restrictive, then open up as needed
- →Use branch permissions instead of separate trees when possible
- →Communicate permission changes to family so they understand why access changed
- →Private branches are truly private - end-to-end encrypted
- →Can create "approval only" branches where anyone views but owner approves edits
- →Branch permissions override tree-level sharing settings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
If I restrict a branch, do existing viewers lose access?
Yes. Permission changes apply immediately. Members who could see branch suddenly can't. Use with care.
Can I share individual memories instead of whole branches?
Yes! Memory-level visibility settings override branch permissions. Useful for sharing one special memory more widely.
What happens to memories I contributed to branches I no longer access?
They stay there. You contributed them to the tree owner. If you want them back, export before losing access.
Can someone see that a private branch exists?
No. Private branches are completely invisible to non-permitted members. They don't see branch name or that it exists.
How does this work with heirs?
Heirs inherit your permission level to all branches. If you can't see it, they can't either. Plan accordingly.
📚 Related Guides
Try Branch Permissions: Access Control
Sign up for Firefly Grove and start preserving your family memories today.