Family Tree Software Compared

The differences between free software and premium software tends to be in the list of features they contain. Most modern programs export to a file format known as "GEDCOM", which is shortened from "Genealogy Communication". This means that the programs support this are all compatible, and you can easily transfer your family tree from one to the other. When choosing your software, if all you want it to do is keep track of your tree, show that in a couple of different ways and maybe print a report or two, then definitely try out some of the free programs available. These include programs such as:

• Gramps: Stands for Genealogical Research and Analysis Management Programming System. One of the few programs available for the Linux Operating System, Gramps comes in versions that are also compatible with Windows and Macintosh



• Personal Acenstral File: Provided by The Church of Latter-Day Saints and directly compatible with the results and search capabilities of their familysearch site. Available for both Windows and Macintosh



• Brother's Keeper: Only available for Windows



• Legacy Family Tree: Standard edition is free but there are premium features available to be unlocked with purchase. Available only for Windows

Premium software - programs you pay for - often include advanced features that enhance and enrich your genealogy experience. Popular with most genealogists is the ability to print many different types of report and manipulate entered data in a variety of ways. Family Tree Maker (available to purchase above) also includes research tips via the Ancestry subscription site actually embedded within the software, and currently this is the only program that does this.

Rootsmagic is a popular choice amongst genealogists. It ranks amongst the most content and feature-rich programs available, and is also significantly cheaper than Family Tree Maker. The newest versions can accomodate unlimited people - great for large families, and also helps you build a complete family history by storing photographs, maps and original-document scans.

For me, the third of the top three is Ancestral Quest. Similar to Family Tree Maker it gives research hints by crawling the Family Search databases, which tend to contain more parish data (Baptisms, marriages and burials) than Ancestry, but falls down by not having the pay-per-view or subscription data (Censuses, passenger lists and so on) that Ancestry does.

Well, good question. Genealogy numbers amongst one of the more expensive hobbies, with subscriptions to websites, certificate ordering and even travel costs pushing the eventual outlay into possibly thousands of pounds (not immediately thank god!), so picking software that will support you in your goals without breaking the bank is a priority. As I stated earlier on this page, if you only need very basic features such as event recording, or you are just starting out, then pick a freeware program - at least until the bug has bitten and you know it's not a passing phase. You may find that one of these freeware programs suits you down to the ground and never have the urge to try another. If on the other hand you decide to splash out, let me give you some advice I found out the hard way.

Family Tree Maker Costs $29.99 for their essentials version, which gives a 1 month free subscription to their essentials subscription package. This includes access to Vital Records and census data from the country you register the program from. Their Deluxe version costs $49.99 and whilst it includes the same Software as the Essentials version, gives you a 3 month subscription to their Premium package, which includes all vital and census data included above, plus military and parish records. Finally, Family Tree Maker Platinum, which costs $79.99, includes access to their Worldwide Subscription for 6 months, which means access to ALL their data, plus a second free copy of Family Tree Maker (excluding subscription) to give to a friend.
The included free subscription is a great selling point to the Family Tree Maker software, but if you already have or are considering getting a subscription from elsewhere, consider buying a different program - without the subscription, FTM is on par with any of the others.

Rootsmagic is a great program, and one I personally use. It costs $29.95 for the latest version, and recently won the coveted "Editors Choice" award in Heritage Quest Magazine. Rootsmagic has a lot to recommend itself without the need to include fancy free subscriptions! It is one of the most versatile programs I've ever used and comes complete with the ability to make charts, lists and reports to impress even the most jaded genealogist. When you get bored of those, you can create custom reports and even have the program write a book for you!