These days, it’s so easy to create your family tree using the latest technology. The days of hand-drawn trees covered with sticky notes are over! With so many genealogy programs to choose from, how does the family historian find the right one for their needs?
Family Tree Builder is a brand new, free, and original program for amateur and professional genealogy fans. Packing the most innovative features developed for genealogy in the past decade, such as. They should have free access to genealogy sites such as Ancestry and Find My Past. Alternatively you could go to the Family Search site. I have visited this site from time to time. It is a bit hit and miss but it is free, (you do need to register though). Anyway, please check out my Best Genealogy Software Programs Guide.
And with websites such as Ancestry and FamilySearch already providing simple-to-use trees for their members, why would you need additional tree software? Let’s take a closer look at what genealogy software can do for your research!
But first, here’s a quick summary of my top picks:
- MyHeritage Family Tree Builder – a great option for free desktop software without any “free trial” limitations.
- RootsMagic 7 – best overall desktop-based family tree software and most used by professional genealogists. Simple, easy to use, yet powerful and robust. Free and paid versions available.
- Legacy 9.0 – an oldie but a goodie. A great option for desktop software and has the best set of reports/charts available.
- Ancestry.com Online Trees – good for making simple trees, attaching records, and linking DNA results. Available with free Ancestry account.
- MacKiev Family Tree Maker – popular in the genealogy community but the most expensive of the desktop software by far. We much prefer RootsMagic for desktop software and is half the price.
Online family tree software
Online family trees do have several benefits. Genealogy websites make it easy to edit your tree, search for records, and attach them to people, all in one place. They can be accessed anywhere, from any device- when visiting Grandma or great-uncle Earl, you can quickly pull up the family tree on your phone, tablet, or laptop to share your latest discoveries.
Additionally, online trees can be invaluable when investigating DNA matches- attaching a family tree to DNA results helps you make connections with cousin matches, confirm shared ancestors, and discover new records.
However, there are some major downsides to maintaining your family information on the internet. First, while the World Wide Web is a modern miracle that gives you the world at your fingertips- you need an internet connection in order to access it. That can sometimes be tricky in certain types of repositories- for example, an old historic museum or library. Remember, not everyone provides Wi-Fi access, and even if they do, the connection can be spotty.
Believe it or not, you do not own your online tree or the data contained within it- the company hosting the website does. Although the user is allowed control of the trees they create- the ability to restrict access, edit and delete trees, for example- the data contained within ultimately belongs to that company. When you “save” a record to your tree, you are not really saving a copy of that record- you are simply linking that record to a “fact” on your tree.
If you stop subscribing to a website and you have not downloaded a copy of your tree’s records to your computer or hard drive, you will no longer have access to them.
Also, many of the records available online were digitized in partnership with local and national archives, who retain ownership of the original material. If the online company’s agreement with these archives someday changes, those records may no longer be available for users to view. Or, if the website where your tree is held decides to restrict your access, gets hacked or crashes, or the company simply goes out of business, your family tree is gone.
Clearly, there are advantages to keeping an offline version of your tree! Let’s dig a little deeper into some of the features of these programs.
Desktop family tree software
Family tree-building software is the most common type of genealogy software available. But these programs can do much more than simply create a family tree!
One of the major advantages to using software is that you can import or export family tree data as a GEDCOM file. A GEDCOM, or Genealogical Data Communication, is a specific file type used for exchanging tree data between different software programs (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GEDCOM). Additionally, many online trees can be imported and exported as GEDCOM files too. This means you don’t have to start from scratch with a software program- you can simply download your online tree as a GEDCOM, and then import it into your new program- family connections intact!
Some of the many additional features you could find infamily-tree programs include:
- User-friendly and easy to learn
- Report-building capability- create reports, familygroup sheets and more, and add notes to individuals or families
- Ability to add records, photographs, and even soundbites and videos, to individuals in your tree
- Applications to help build and publish a familyhistory narrative
- Assistance with documenting citations
- Alerts to help you correct inconsistencies and errorsin data
- “Clean-up” help for duplicate entries
- Options to create printable family trees
- Organizational tools to help you track your researchand create a “to-do” list
- Ability to download your tree to a USB flash drive totake with you- helpful when researching in a facility with no internet access
- Some programs can even integrate with the major onlinedatabases, making it even easier to sync tree data between online and offlineprograms. For example, when you have a record “hint” in Ancestry, you could see it reflected in your offline tree as well!
Finding a middle ground: online and offline
You may still be hesitant to move your entire family history to an offline database. Good news- most experienced genealogists work BOTH online and offline! The biggest advantage to keeping trees in both places is that you have a backup, in case something should happen on one end or the other. You can always import or export your GEDCOM again to re-build your tree, providing peace of mind that your data will not be lost. Additionally, you can download and save copies of all your digital records to your offline tree. Working with both types of trees also allows you to benefit from the advantages each one provides.
When it comes to DNA research, having that online tree up-to-date and synched to your results is essential.
With offline trees, you have the ability to customize the program’s workspace to fit your research needs and organizational style.
Whichever route you decide to take, it is imperative that you create a backup not only for your tree data, but for ALL of your genealogy files.
In addition to importing and exporting your GEDCOMs to different programs, save that GEDCOM file in a separate folder on your PC, or even better, on an external hard drive. That way if your PC or device crashes, you’ll still have a copy of your data saved elsewhere. Create a reminder or alert for yourself to save an updated GEDCOM and create a new backup on a regular basis. All of that hard work is certainly worth protecting!
What to look for
Before selecting a genealogy program, make sure to do yourhomework and find the right software to suit your needs. Some of the points toconsider when comparing family tree programs include:
- GEDCOM capability- Can the program import data fromthe website where your online tree is located?
- What type of reporting output does the program have,and do the options mesh with your needs? This feature may be especiallyimportant to those who are working on a family narrative or book.
- Does the program offer tutorials or a “learningcenter” for new users, or perhaps an online forum for users to connect andlearn from each other?
- Look closely at the software version- has it beenupdated recently? If a program has not been updated in a long time, thatusually means the developer is no longer working on the product- resulting in“bugs” that will never get fixed and no new features being added. This willeventually render the program obsolete.
- Does the product offer a “free trial” period, where youcan test it out before purchasing?
Another important point to consider is whether the software company is active in the genealogy community. Do they attend conferences or participate in other local and national genealogy events? Do they sit in on genealogy podcasts to discuss the software’s latest features, or do they write technology articles for genealogy magazines? This is an indicator that they are not just a random company- they are in tune with their customers and the industry, and are looking to innovate and meet the needs of modern-day genealogists.
When it comes to free software versus a program you pay for, be sure to carefully compare the features of each before proceeding. Do you have unlimited access to your tree, and can you work on your own time? Do you have the same customization and reporting options?
Some of the advantages of paying for a program are the fact that you own the disc and the product key- once you register your program, you can re-install on a new device if needed, and receive online support from the software maker. Plus, many genealogy software programs are very reasonably priced for the everyday user.
Other types of software
Besides family tree-making software, there are plenty of other software options to choose from, including:
- Programs that help users craft citations
- Programs that help analyze genealogical sources to create sound research conclusions
- Programs that help design and print custom family trees
- Programs that help you write a family narrative by providing a writing analysis, historical context, and even timelines
- Programs that can help create maps to depict your important family events
There are even online apps you can download to your phone or another device to make your life easier, including time trackers, organizational tools, and citation crafters that can sync with your current word processor. There is a whole world of possibilities for every type of researcher, and new products are being created every day.
It’s easy to keep up with the latest trends in genealogy technology and find out what the professionals are using! Read genealogy magazines, follow blogs, check out video tutorials, and listen to podcasts to hear reviews of the latest products, see demonstrations, read announcements of new features and updates, and much more.
Genealogy researchers 50 years ago could never imagine all the resources we would have at our fingertips today! Technological innovations have truly changed the research field for the better. So why not take advantage, and find a software option that will grow your family tree to its greatest potential?
FAQ
What does genealogy software enable you to do?
Genealogy Software Mac Free
Genealogy software provides different tools for building and organizing a family tree that are both easy and intuitive to use. Online trees such as FamilySearch and Ancestry are great tools, but there are things you can’t do that you can do in desktop software. Most family tree building software allows you to build and manage your tree, whether you are online or offline. You can tailor your workspace to meet your organization’s style and research needs. The majority of desktop software includes printing capabilities. This is a benefit not found in customizable options with online tree-building websites like Ancestry or FamilySearch.
What genealogy software works with Ancestry.com?
There are several software programs that work with Ancestry, including RootsMagic, Legacy, Family Tree Maker, and Ancestral Quest.
Do I need family tree software if I use Ancestry.com?
Ancestry.com offers tree building entirely online without users needing downloadable software. You can create, build and edit your family tree online without having to download any external software. All downloadable family tree software is optional and unnecessary for any more extensive online tree-building website (MyHeritage, FamilySearch, etc.).
What is the best free genealogy program?
MyHeritage Family Tree Builder is the best option for free desktop software. MyHeritage Family Tree builder is available on Windows and Mac. This software allows for optimal ease of use, photo management, and online tree publishing and searching. This software will enable you to sync your offline tree with your online account. Free versions of RootsMagic are also available.
What programs can open a GEDCOM file?
Most desktop family tree software allows users to upload a GEDCOM file, so one does not have to build their tree from scratch. RootsMagic, Family Tree Builder, MyHeritage Family Tree Builder, and MacKiev Family Tree Maker offer GEDCOM uploads. Editing a family tree in desktop software is much easier than in most online trees. Many professionals use desktop software to clean up client trees before uploading them back online.
Does Microsoft have genealogy software?
Microsoft Windows offers a genealogy application called My Family Tree. Published by Chronoplex Software, this software provides a platform for creating trees, uploading GEDCOMs, photos, stories, and basic life facts. This isn’t the most popular choice for professionals or hobbyists, but it is among the options for free desktop software. It is not available for Mac.
What software is compatible with Windows 10?
Most genealogy software programs are compatible with Microsoft Windows, including Roots Magic 7, MyHeritage Family Tree Builder, Legacy 9.0, MacKiev Family Tree Maker, and Ancestry’s Family Tree Maker. iFamily is Mac-operated genealogy software that is one non-Windows compatible genealogy software. Make sure that the software is compatible with your version of Windows before buying.
What software is compatible with Mac?
Mac users can use RootsMagic7, MyHeritage Family Tree Builder, Legacy 9.0, MacKiev Family Tree Maker, and Ancestry’s Family Tree Maker. My Family Tree, a product made by Microsoft and Chronoplex Software, is the only software not supported by Mac operating systems. Make sure that the software is compatible with your Mac before buying.
'You cannot beat Ancestral Quest. It is a very comprehensive program. It is very easy to use. The data entry screens are well designed. One of the things I like best is how it handles and documents the sources of info found in your research. I like the way you can attach images of records to an individual. It contains about every type of report you need.'
'I have used AncQuest for over 20 years! I love this program! I have seen others, but nothing compares to the logical and intuitive features of AQ. I love their collaboration feature. There are so many features that I think it leaves all the other programs 'in the dust.' Try it, buy it, you won't regret it.'
'Great software, always up to date with the best tools. I have been a user for many years, and support was always there to help when I needed answers.'
Best Genealogy Software Mac
'This is a full featured program with unlimited expandability. It is the perfect program for beginners, with its simple, clear and uncluttered main screens. As you become comfortable with the processes used to enter, view and manipulate your data you begin to understand the many advanced features and the wide variety of reports which are infinitely customizable. The charts with the program are easy to use and modify to suit your needs. The circular fan chart is the best anywhere. There are many tools that allow all facets of your DB to be refined or condensed such as the Source and repository lists. I have used [others] and each have their strengths; but AQ is the complete package.'