While DNA testing kits are all the rage right now, plain old genealogy is still an extremely popular hobby, and there's a large selection of family tree building and research software from which you can choose. There are so many options, in fact, that it's not so easy to find the right product for your needs. Beginners looking for interesting information about their ancestors have different needs than serious researchers who want to document every moment in their journey. Other factors include compatibility, publishing options, and available research sources.
Research Your Family Tree
Whether you want information on family tree software for a Mac or genealogy programs for PC, we’ll try to cover all of your bases in the following pages; including information on genealogy apps and free genealogy software. Whether you’ve just started researching your family’s past, or are looking for a fresh start, our guide will help you discover the best family tree software program for your needs. You’ll find a quick comparison chart and a detailed breakdown of the top 6 family tree programs available today.
If you're a Mac user, your options are limited. Web-based programs are obviously compatible with all platforms, but most downloadable software requires Windows.
When it comes to software, ease of use is crucial. Those just getting started on their family-tree research will likely fare better with Web-based software, which generally offers a more-attractive, less-overwhelming interface. On the other hand, if you're already neck-deep in data and are looking for a clearinghouse to organize it all and properly cite your sources, you'll quickly outgrow many Web-based services. For serious genealogists, downloadable software is a better option. Most have rather stark, outdated designs, but many excel at capturing and organizing your data. And nearly all of them offer either a free trial or a free version so you can try before you buy.
Obviously, research is a huge part of the process, and some software offers integrated sources that can match members of your family trees and automatically add information you confirm to your tree. Others require you to copy and paste data, and some don't link to sources at all. Many offer direct access to public census records, but as of now, you can only search records up to 1940, so you may need to build several generations before you find anything relevant.
Share Your Genealogy
Once you've made some progress in building your family tree, you may want to print out charts to display at home or create a book to share with your extended family. This is another aspect where downloadable software shines, though some Web-based programs are also quite generous in this regard. In general, most of the software listed here will let you print out charts of ancestors, descendants, family trees, and more. The most-thorough programs also let you run reports to help you figure out what you're missing, and they can flag inconsistencies and duplicate people, as well. Some programs let you create extensive wall charts and even fully illustrated books.
In the chart above, you can see some of the different options each program offers. For a deeper consideration of each application and service, you can click through to the reviews for more details.
Featured Genealogy Software and Service Reviews:
Family Tree Software Reviews
The Internet has made it easier than ever to connect with people all over the world. That link to family and friends in the present has caused many people to start wondering about the links to their past. Fortunately, the process of building a family tree and tracing one’s genealogy has become easier than ever thanks to a number of software programs available for free or for purchase. These programs make the process simple and allow you to enter your family name(s) and any information you have and build a customized family tree viewable in a variety of formats. Choosing the right family tree software depends on your individual needs and your intended purpose, whether you want to make poster-sized trees, create a family history book, or make a family website with images and video.
Jump to
Most Popular Family Tree SoftwareNova Development US
With Family Tree Maker for Mac, you’re not just getting an intuitive family tree-maker, but also 6 months free membership to Ancestry.com, where you can find additional photos, data, and documents to enhance your genealogy tree. The Mac version of Family Tree Maker allows you to use your Mac’s built-in camera to directly import photos of individual family members, plus users of OS X Lion can opt to make the Family Tree Maker interface fill the entire screen. Use the blended family view feature to see combined families, including step and adopted relatives, and see the relationship between individuals with icons next to each name. The software’s TreeSync feature allows you to sync your created family trees from your desktop to your Macbook, iPhone, or iPad and automatically update each so your tree is up to date.
– Anthony Dawson
Best Overall Family Tree SoftwareNova Development USFamily Tree Maker 2018 Software
Family Tree Maker Platinum is the ultimate suite of genealogy-tracing and family tree-making software. An easy to use interface with FTM’s TreeSync mode allows you to create customizable family trees in a variety of formats and share them across your devices, all with foolproof step-by-step instructions. The Platinum series of FTM makes the tree-making process as easy and versatile as possible, allowing you to add charts, tables, photos, and videos to enhance your project. You can also view interactive timelines and maps to trace your family genealogy throughout history. In addition to the traditional FTD programs, the Platinum version includes Family History Toolkit, a series of 6 historical reference books compiled on DVD, along with photo-retouching software, 6-months access to Ancestry.com, and a bonus gift disc to give to a friend or relative.
![]()
– Anthony Dawson
Best Budget Family Tree SoftwareRootsMagic
Try a free version of RootsMagic before purchasing to find out why RootsMagic 7 is considered one of the best genealogy programs on the market. The RootsMagic interface offers six different main views and a sidebar to make navigating the screen easier, done using the mouse or arrow keys. You can click an individual person’s name to bring up their data, or open multiple databases and compare information side-by-side. The program’s innovative editing function allow you to submit a virtually unlimited amount of data for each family member; even if it isn’t in the RootsMagic registry, you can make your own fact types. The RootsMagic Explorer is arguably the software’s most important tool and the feature that makes the program operate more efficiently than the competition. Search the system by family name, genetic lineage, and other distinguishing factors, found and edited with the click of the mouse.
– Anthony Dawson
Family Tree Software Buying Guide
When it comes to buying family tree software, many questions come to the mind. You may wonder which the best software is to buy. There are many genealogy programs out there that can perform the essential functions of organizing and recording family history.
Why You Need Genealogy Software
There are multiple benefits to having genealogy software.
First, it helps you record data of your past and present family members. It enables you to keep track of your growing family and also allows you to know how you are connected. Secondly, genealogy software gives you control of the information, unlike an online family tree where someone can change the information. Lastly, family tree software is faster because it doesn’t rely on the Internet. It also has enhanced research capabilities and various ways to look at a person. How To Choose Family Tree Software
There are different types of family tree software. It is easy to become confused when it comes to selecting the best software. There are factors that you must consider before making the final decision. Here are the things you should consider when buying family tree software.
1. The Type of Computer
Family tree programs are designed for a specific kind of computer. Some are compatible with PCs, while others are only compatible with Macs. The worst thing that can happen to you is buying genealogy software only to find that it’s not compatible with your computer. Therefore, you should get a program that is compatible with your computer.
2. Compatibility
Sometimes, you may want a program that is compatible with your mobile device. Note that some programs are not compatible with mobile devices. Ensure that you get one that can be operated on a mobile phone before you purchase it.
3. Graphical Representation
Ensure that the software displays a complete graphical representation of your family tree. It should show the descendants and ancestors at once. The family tree should display real-life scenarios and all the spouses if they are more than one. It should also distinguish between biological and adoptive parents, half-siblings and step-siblings from true siblings and also show twins and triplets.
The family tree program should also have a graphical pedigree to help you identify common mistakes. A family tree with a graphical representation is better than one that lists the names alphabetically. You can easily copy or print a graphical tree.
4. Custom Data Fields
Your software should be able to store additional information for your needs. For example, you may want to trace a particular genetic disorder in your family. The software should be able to store data about the disease, laboratory results, and diagnosis. You will always want to add more information to the database. Custom data fields boost flexibility. Ensure that the custom data fields are highly customizable and accessible.
Best Free Family Tree Software5. Ease of Use
The software should be easy to navigate and use. You should be able to add data without difficulties. Information should be easily accessible. The program should also display statistics and reports with a few clicks. Complicated software is hard to customize. Ensure that beginners can use the software.
6. Ability to Compile Statistics
Statistics are crucial because they help you identify any mistakes in the family tree. Statistics will help you detect errors in the date of birth and date of death. They also make the family tree interesting since they show the person who has been married most times, the person who had more children, and the number of adopted children.
7. Reviews
You can’t just buy any family tree that you find without doing some research. You should check what other people say about the software. Do online searches on genealogy software reviews. It will help you make an informed decision.
8. FeaturesBest Family Tree Software For Genealogy
Ensure that you know what each program provides before purchasing one. You should know what you want to do with your family tree and then choose software that supports that. For example, if you want a program with an excellent charting capability, then look for one that works well for that. Ensure that you know what you want.
9. PriceBest Family Tree Software For Mac
Family tree programs are not expensive. Some programs give out free trials that let you know how the software works. You can then upgrade if you like how it works. Note that you will pay for the update. It’s up to you to make the decision.
ConclusionBest Family Tree Software For Mac 2018 Football
You won’t have problems choosing family tree software once you know what you want. Ensure that the software is easy to navigate and suits your needs. Also, remember that you must learn how to use the genealogy software if you are new to it.
Comments are closed.
|
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
November 2020
Categories |