Genealogy Software Choices

The last time we wrote a post on genealogy software and online trees was back in January 2017 -- a little more than three years ago. It seems like a good time to do an update article. Of course, as soon as we hit the publish button some publisher out there will announce an update or upgrade. Since we can not control that we present what we know as of today.

What can I use to keep track of all of this?

For anyone that does not use a computer, the answer is the various genealogy forms in the MCGG Beginner's Packet available on our Research Help page.

For anyone with computer access, the answer to that is an online genealogy tree and/or a genealogy software/program for your computer. Several options exist and which one to use depends on how you work and think, and how you feel about sharing/privacy.

We suggest investigating your options. If a program looks like a possibility for you and it has a free option then try the free version out. If you decide you like it, then decide if the pay version is worthwhile for you or not. Ask a variety of our MCGG members what they use when you attend one of our meetings. If they have their laptop with them, they might even demonstrate the program they have chosen to use. [Note: We know that can not happen at this time due to the current national emergency so feel free to ask questions in the comment area and we will try to answer them.] 

So what is out there for keeping track of things?

Online trees come in two forms.

• Personal trees which you control (add/delete/edit) often have privacy settings that can be set to public (anyone can see it) or private (only you or those you invite can see it) depending on how you feel about sharing/privacy. Online trees at websites like Ancestry.com, MyHeritage.com and FindMyPast.com websites are examples of this.
• Collaborative/Community trees which are an online shared tree meaning everyone works on the same tree that allows anyone to add/delete/edit any person. Online trees at FamilySearch.org and WikiTree.com are examples of this.

Most websites with online trees have some privacy controls that keep information on living persons private. Generally online trees have fewer charting and reporting options than those in genealogy software. Additionally there are sometimes fewer events/fact fields to chose from and fewer source citing options. The advantage is that you often can access an online tree from a variety of devices not just a specific device. The disadvantage is that you have to have internet access to access an online tree.

Desktop genealogy software is made by a variety of software publishers.

Generally desktop genealogy software has more charting and reporting options than online trees. There is often more event/fact fields to use and more source citing options. By having your tree on your computer you control access, adds, deletes, and changes to the information in it. Another advantage is that you can see and work on your tree without the internet if needed. A disadvantage is that often the genealogy software tree is strictly on one computer or involves some effort to move a tree to another computer.

Almost all genealogy software has a website devoted to providing information about the program, sales and customer service. Take a look at them to learn of each program's features and how the program's interface looks/works. Some companies have overview, feature and how-to videos on their websites or a YouTube channel and these are good ways to get the feel of how a program works.

Most genealogy software is distributed by online download but some offer the option to purchase the software on a CD or USB drive for an extra fee. Also, printed software manual books are usually an option for a fee though most are e-books/PDF files now. Remember, genealogy software (downloaded or on a physical device) is a one-time purchase not a subscription with annual costs. Only when a major upgrade to a program (i.e. version 7 to version 8) is released by a software company is there an additional upgrade cost. Minor updates (i.e. version 7.2 to version 7.4) to a program are usually free. And always remember to make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements to run the software you are considering purchasing.

To find past posts on genealogy software, just click on the label "Genealogy Software" in the left-hand column to see just those posts using that label. Generally a download of a program costs less than a program on CD or USB drive which has to be physically delivered.

Family Tree Maker

Family Tree Maker is not dead in case you had not heard. It is now a product of the Software MacKiev company. There is a Windows version and Mac version of Family Tree Maker 2019 program which costs $79.95 for one computer license. If you want the program on a CD or USB drive there is an extra charge. If you have an earlier version of Family Tree Maker, you can get an upgrade to the new version generally for a lower cost by signing up for the FTM mailing list.

Currently, Family Tree Maker is one of only two genealogy program that syncs with the Ancestry.com online trees, and the only program that lets you merge records by searching Ancestry.com from within the program. It also works with the Ancestry Hints (Shaky Leaves) feature. It has a variety of charts and reports and has an interactive location map. MacKiev has a Frequently Asked Questions page regarding and support pages for Family Tree Maker.

There are two optional, plug-ins available for purchase for the Windows version: Charting Companion and Family Book Creator.

Legacy Family Tree

Legacy 9

Legacy Family Tree 9 is the product of Millennia company, which also produces the Legacy Family Webinars. Both were purchased by MyHeritage in August 2017. Legacy is a currently still a Windows only program that comes in a free Standard version and a pay (starting at $29.95 for a download) Deluxe version. At one time, we understand a Mac version might be in the works too though news on that front is lacking.

The Standard version is a full-feature program that has no limitations on how many individuals can be entered. Purchasing the Deluxe version unlocks almost one hundred advanced features, like mapping, a Source Writer, interview reports, and powerful search capabilities for within your tree file.

There is a features overview and both a webpage tour (click on any screen image to enlarge it) and a video tour of the program. Also, at Legacy Family Webinars there are additional free videos on various Legacy features.


RootsMagic

RootsMagic 7

RootsMagic has both a free version, RootsMagic Essentials, and a pay ($29.95) version, RootsMagic 7, of its product. The company also has a Mac version of the RootsMagic 7 software. Just two days ago it announced support for Mac OS 10.15 Catalina. The release of RootsMagic 8 is expected in the near future but an exact release date has not been announced. RootsMagic is the other genealogy software program can can sync with an Ancestry member tree. The how of the sync is different from the way the other software program syncs.

According to its blog, the company has set up a special website that includes training videos and more.

RootsMagic has also created "Magic Guides" on a variety of topics like importing data from Family Tree Maker 2008 and later, importing data from Family Tree Maker 2006 and older as well as media import from Family Tree Maker.

RootsMagic Essentials is promoted as containing many of the core features of the pay version. The RootsMagic 7 product page gives an overview of the pay versions features and includes a link to new features as well.


MyHeritage's Family Tree Builder 8 

Family Tree Builder 7.0

Family Tree Builder (FTB) is the free genealogy database program of the MyHeritage.com website. Its latest version 8 supports up to hundreds of thousands individuals. A few features from version 7 are temporarily disabled while they are being worked on.

According to its overview, Family Tree Builder (FTB) supports over 40 languages; has a PC and Mac version; creates charts; has a maps feature; can be linked to a private family site (free and pay site); has SmartMatches Technology, Record Matching Technology and Instant Discoveries (when used with a MyHeritage data subscription); and more.

More details can be learned on version 8's initial announcement page from 2016. One thing the company does not mention is the program's sourcing and citation features which are really important if you are serious about your genealogy.


Family Historian 

Family Historian 6

Calico Pie Ltd., the makers of Family Historian 6 hail from the United Kingdom.

Several webpages have been created with Family Tree Maker users in mind. There is a welcome page, user questions page,  as well as a guide to migrating from FTM to FH.

There is also a screenshot tour as well as a video tour of the program. Videos are also available on the software's YouTube channel.

Family Historian does offer a 30-day trail of the program after which a license to the program must be purchased ($46.50 USD for download version) to continue using it. We are not sure if there are customer service issues with the time difference between the United States and United Kingdom.

AncestralQuest 

Ancestral Quest 14

Incline Software are the makers of  Ancestral Quest 16 which has a Windows and Mac version of the program. The program has a variety of features and has been described by some as an alternative to the old, discontinued Personal Ancestral File (PAF) software. There are a variety of tutorials on the website also. Some tutorials are for older versions but the basics of them still apply to the current version.

Incline has an Ancestral Quest Basics version (for Windows or Mac) that is free. It is fully functioning but does not contain all the "bells and whistles" of Ancestral Quest 16 which begins at $34.95 for the download Windows version and $44.95 for the download Mac version.

 
Heredis

Heredis 2020

Heredis is the product of a French company and the program is available for Windows and Mac. The current version is Heredis 2020 which is regularly $29.99 for Windows download, $49.99 for Mac download and $69.99 for a Windows & Mac download. There is a free trial version limited to 50 persons.

There is a page devoted to highlighting the new features of Heredis 2020 and a page devoted to highlighting all the features of the program.


Brother's Keeper 

Brother's Keeper 7.

Brother's Keeper 7.4 is a stand alone genealogy program that is actually shareware. According to its website, the program works on a variety of windows operating systems, but there is no Mac version. Brother's Keeper has 18 foreign language versions as well as many features.

The program's reports capabilities have been described as highly customizable and the program easy to use. 

Because Brother's Keeper is shareware you can download a trial version and try it before you buy it for $45.00 with printed manual and CD or USB drive. The trial version is not limited by size or time but purchasing the program unlocks a lot more features.

MacFamilyTree (for Mac only)

MacFamilyTree 9

Synium, a company in Germany, is the maker of MacFamilyTree 9 which is available in 16 languages. The company does not make a Windows version of the software.

Version 9 costs $59.99 and is exclusively available in the Mac App Store. It is the largest update to date and includes a new user interface. The features have been detailed on its website and a variety of screen shots can seen at the website. There are tutorial videos on its website. An overview and a support tutorial videos are on the company's Youtube channel.

MacFamilyTree also has a demo version of the program so you can try the program out but it does not allow you to save, print or use CloudTree Sync.


Reunion (for Mac only) 

Reunion 12

Leister Pro. is the maker of Reunion 12 software for Mac. The company does not make a windows version of the program.

The program, which costs $99.00,  has many features/capabilities and website has many tutorial videos. New features for version 12 are also highlighted.

There is a demo version that let's you play around with the program a little bit. You are limited to entering 50 individuals; import/export is locked; charts and slideshows can not be saved; and printed output contains a watermark. Purchasing a license unlocks the full features of the program.


Lastly, with any company's genealogy software you investigate, do not be afraid to contact the company and ask your questions about their software and its capabilities.
 
See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE