Arbor is a ProcessWire genealogy module for building source-based family trees.
It combines people, families, places, sources, documents, photos, DNA notes,
research questions, search logs, tasks, proof conclusions, and GEDCOM import/export
inside the ProcessWire admin.
Status
Beta. Arbor is usable in a test copy, but should not be installed on an important
production site without a full database and file backup first.
Repository: github.com/mxmsmnv/Arbor
Author: Maxim Semenov
Website: smnv.org
Email: maxim@smnv.org
Requirements
- ProcessWire 3.0.200 or newer
- PHP 8.1 or newer
- MySQL/MariaDB with InnoDB
Modules
Arbor installs the schema, models, configuration, permissions, and shared services.ProcessArbor provides the admin UI under Setup > Arbor.ArborApi provides optional REST-style endpoints for integrations.
Features
- Multiple family trees with owner/public settings
- Person profiles with names, events, notes, sources, photos, and relationships
- Family/union management with partners, parents, children, and relationship type
- Interactive tree viewer with main person, selected-person panel, agenda, and legend
- Places, repositories/archives, sources, citations, documents, and document leads
- Research workflow: questions, tasks, search log, proof conclusions, and next actions
- DNA kits, matches, and segments
- GEDCOM 5.5.1 and GEDCOM 7 export
- GEDCOM import foundation
- Optional AI helper integration through AiWire-compatible providers
Installation
- Download the release ZIP or copy the
Arbor directory into site/modules/Arbor/. - If installing manually, go to ProcessWire admin > Modules > Refresh.
- Install
Arbor. - ProcessWire should also install
ProcessArbor and ArborApi. - Go to Setup > Arbor.
- Create a tree and start adding people.
Permissions
Arbor installs these permissions:
arbor-view: view Arbor treesarbor-edit: create and edit trees owned by the current userarbor-admin: administer all Arbor trees and delete trees
Public trees can be viewed without ownership checks. Editing always requires a
logged-in user with the correct Arbor permission.
Data And Files
Arbor creates database tables prefixed with arbor_.
Uploaded files are stored under:
/site/assets/files/arbor/
Uninstalling the module removes Arbor database tables. Before uninstalling, make
sure you have exported or backed up any family data you want to keep.
Publication Notes
Before listing Arbor as a stable ProcessWire module, test:
- fresh install on an empty ProcessWire site
- upgrade from an older Arbor schema
- uninstall on a disposable copy
- CRUD flows for trees, people, families, sources, documents, photos, DNA, and research
- permissions with owner, editor, admin, and anonymous users
- mobile and narrow admin layouts
License
MIT. See LICENSE.