Why Your Research Deserves Better Tools
Have you ever found yourself drowning in a sea of ancestral paperwork? Or perhaps you’ve experienced that moment of panic when you can’t remember which folder contains that vital record you found months ago? If so, you’re not alone. On episode #108 of our podcast, “Beyond Paper Pedigrees,” we dove deep into why having your own genealogy software is a game-changer for anyone serious about tracing their family history.
Taking Control of Your Family History
Online family tree services are great, but they’re only part of the story. Having your own genealogy software installed on your computer gives you a level of control, security, and flexibility that cloud-based solutions simply can’t match. You own your data completely, can access it without an internet connection, and won’t lose everything if a subscription lapses or a service shuts down.
Top Genealogy Software Options for Home Genealogists
We explored several powerful options available to modern family historians:
Legacy Family Tree: A robust option with excellent sourcing capabilities and a user-friendly interface that doesn’t sacrifice depth. The standard version is free, with a paid deluxe version offering additional features.
RootsMagic: Known for its powerful reporting features and seamless integration with online services like FamilySearch and Ancestry. Many users love its color-coding system that helps visualize different family lines.
Family Tree Maker: One of the oldest names in genealogy software, now revitalized with modern features. Its syncing capabilities with Ancestry.com make it particularly appealing for Ancestry subscribers.
Family Historian: A powerful Windows program beloved by serious genealogists in the UK for its flexible workspace and customizability. Its “Query Language” allows for incredibly detailed searches and its charting capabilities are among the best in the industry.
Reunion: A Mac-exclusive option with a devoted following. Reunion offers elegant design alongside powerful features, making it especially popular among visual learners and those who prioritize Mac-native experiences.
Gramps: A fantastic free, open-source option for the budget-conscious genealogist that doesn’t skimp on features. It’s available for Windows, Mac, and Linux users.
MacFamily Tree: A visually stunning option designed specifically for Mac users with beautiful charts and an intuitive interface.
Beyond Basic Family Trees
What really sets desktop genealogy software apart is everything it can do beyond just storing names and dates:
Document Management
Having a central hub for all your family history documents is invaluable. You can link birth certificates, census records, photographs, and more directly to the relevant individuals. No more digging through folders or wondering where you saved that death certificate you found last year.
Custom Reports
One of the biggest advantages we discussed was the ability to generate customized reports. Want to create a timeline of your grandmother’s life? Need a list of all ancestors who lived in a particular county? Looking to identify missing information in your research? Custom reports help you see your data in new ways and identify patterns or gaps you might otherwise miss.
Data Backup
We’ve all heard horror stories of genealogists losing years of research to computer crashes or online service shutdowns. Having your own software means you control your backup strategy. Most programs offer automated backup features that can save you from digital disaster.
Making the Genealogy Software Choice
The “right” genealogy software depends entirely on your specific needs. During the podcast, we recommended:
- Downloading free trials (most programs offer them)
- Testing the GEDCOM import/export functionality
- Considering what devices you use most often
- Evaluating which features matter most to your research style
Remember, genealogy software is an investment in preserving your family’s story. Taking the time to find the right fit will pay dividends in research efficiency and peace of mind.
Beyond the Basics
For those looking to take their research to the next level, we also touched on some advanced features worth considering:
- Mapping features that plot your ancestors’ locations over time
- Timeline creators that place your family’s events in historical context
- Research logs that track what sources you’ve already checked
Your family history deserves better than scattered papers and disorganized digital files. As we concluded in podcast episode #108, making the leap to dedicated genealogy software isn’t just about organization—it’s about respecting the stories you’re preserving and ensuring they remain accessible for generations to come.
Whether you choose Legacy, RootsMagic, Family Tree Maker, or another option, having your family history under your own control is a crucial step in becoming a more effective and satisfied family historian.
What genealogy software do you use? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
CHEERS!
I use Family Historian (after, over the course of almost 30 years, also using FTM, Legacy, and RM)…thank you so much for mentioning it. So often US bloggers ignore it. There are American users of FH as well – I’m in Canada myself.
That said, I agree with your advice to try before you buy – software is very personal and there is, IMHO, no “best” software, other than the one that works best for each individual.
Teresa, thank you for that input. It is a good idea to try them all out and see what fits.
When I first started out I was a Family Tree Maker user, but then started to wonder if I was missing out with some of the features of other options, so I tried Legacy, Roots Magic and eventually settled on Family Historian. I loved all the report options and ease of use, but I wanted to share my findings. I decided to building a website using TNG (The Next Generation), but it is very time consuming, time that I think could be put to better use, so I have recently made the move back to Family Tree Maker and syncing my tree back to Ancestry, making it public for all to see. (Although I have kept some personal items private). I have also set up a small website/blog with wordpress which is so easy to use, and I am able to share stories that way and putting the links back to Ancestry so there is a constant connection.
Thank you for that insight, Diane. I love that you have set up a website to share you research using WordPress. I am sure your family loves having all that information at their fingertips.
Perhaps a little late but: If you want to change your software look at the export and import of your gedcom. Not all software use the same standards and not all software is capable of importing your sources. And secondly look at your language. Not all software supports the East European alphabet. Third try to find software than can search in your country. I myself have made the mistake to use software that is mostly USA oriented, and I have no relatives in the US.
Good points, Simon. Thanks for sharing what you have learned.