Why Your Choice of Software Matters
A family tree is only as useful as your ability to organise, source, and share it. The right software makes it easy to attach documents, cite sources, collaborate with relatives, and export your data in standard formats. The wrong choice can mean years of work locked in a proprietary format, or a beautiful tree with no way to document the evidence behind each fact.
Desktop Software vs. Online Platforms
The first choice to make is whether you want a locally installed desktop application or a cloud-based online platform. Each has real advantages:
Desktop Software
- Privacy: Your data stays on your own computer and is not shared with a third-party server.
- No subscription required: Most desktop software is a one-time purchase or free.
- Works offline: You can research without an internet connection.
- More powerful features: Advanced reporting, custom charts, and deeper source citation tools are common in desktop applications.
Online Platforms
- Easy collaboration: Family members anywhere in the world can view and contribute.
- Integrated record hints: Many platforms automatically suggest historical records that may match your ancestors.
- Automatic backup: Your data is stored in the cloud and not at risk from a local hard drive failure.
- DNA integration: Some platforms link directly to DNA testing results for match comparisons.
Leading Software Options at a Glance
| Software | Type | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| RootsMagic | Desktop (+ online sync) | Paid (one-time) / Free version | Serious researchers; strong sourcing tools |
| Family Tree Maker | Desktop (+ Ancestry sync) | Paid (one-time) | Ancestry subscribers; robust media management |
| Legacy Family Tree | Desktop | Free / Paid upgrade | Comprehensive reporting; source citations |
| Gramps | Desktop | Free (open source) | Tech-savvy users who want full control |
| FamilySearch Family Tree | Online | Free | Collaborative research; beginners |
| Ancestry Trees | Online | Subscription | Record integration; DNA linking |
| MyHeritage | Online | Free / Subscription | European research; photo tools |
The Importance of the GEDCOM Standard
GEDCOM (Genealogical Data Communication) is the universal file format for genealogy data. Before committing to any software, confirm that it can export a GEDCOM file. This ensures that your decades of research are not permanently locked into a single platform. If a company shuts down or changes its terms, you can move your data elsewhere. Always keep a current GEDCOM export as a backup.
Source Citations: The Non-Negotiable Feature
Any software you choose should make it easy to attach source citations to every fact in your tree. A family tree without sources is family lore, not genealogical research. Look for software that supports the Evidence Explained citation style or at minimum allows you to record where each piece of information came from. This discipline protects the integrity of your research and helps anyone who inherits your tree continue the work accurately.
Tips for Getting Started
- Try free versions or trials before committing to paid software.
- Enter only information you can document — resist the temptation to add family stories as facts.
- Attach digital copies of original documents to each person's record.
- Back up your data regularly to at least two separate locations.
- Consider printing a report or chart periodically — physical copies outlast digital formats.