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Genealogy Programs on the Net

Date:
By Mr Ian Dew
Category: Technology

Please Note: FHWA does not recommend any particular Genealogical program. Whatever you choose, make sure that the program supports the import and export of GEDCOM files.

Many of the programs listed here are used by FHWA members; have a look at the various features and select one that suits you best. Most can be purchased on line and many have trial or demo versions freely downloadable. Most of these programs have User Groups on the Internet to help solve problems and get the best out of the program. Note that FHWA has special interest groups for Legacy Family Tree, Family Tree Maker and TMG.

A survey of the Technology Special Interest Group in 2021 showed that members use the following programs:

1. Desktop or Laptop

  • Legacy Family Tree
  • Roots Magic
  • Family Tree Maker (FTM)
  • Reunion for Macintosh
  • Family Historian
  • Heredis
  • The Master Genealogist (TMG)

2. Tablet or Phone

  • Families app by TelGen (works with Legacy Family Tree)
  • Reunion Touch
  • Family Tree Maker Connect (iOS)
  • Roots Magic app
  • Heredis
  • The Master Genealogist

3. Online Website

  • Family Search
  • Ancestry
  • My Heritage
  • Find My Past
  • Genes Reunited
  • Wiki Tree

4. Availablility

The latest version of these programs is available from:-

  • Family Historian: www.family-historian.co.uk This UK designed program has all the standard diagrams plus you can design your own, based on templates. The Unique ‘All Relatives’ Diagram selects all relatives of the same type (e.g. all first cousins, all second cousins, etc). 
  • Family Tree Maker: www.mackiev.com/ftm/ With many charts as well as providing the tools and step-by-step wizards to create quality family books and personal home pages.
  • Heredis: https://www.heredis.com/en/ Family tree software for desktop, native Mac and Windows
  • Legacy Family Tree: www.legacyfamilytree.com  The Standard Edition can be downloaded free from the Internet or you can purchase Legacy Family Tree Deluxe. The new Deluxe Edition of Legacy has many new and exciting features, including much improved charting.
  • Reunion: (for Macintosh) www.leisterpro.com Download a free demo and/or upgrade to the latest version. Superior software, only available for the Mac.
  • RootsMagic:www.rootsmagic.com This program is the natural successor to Family Origins. It is designed by the original programming team of Family Origins and is as easy to use. A free downloadable demo is available. 
  • The Master Genealogist: http://www.whollygenes.com/forums201/ Discontinued. Lots of user support.

 

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