There are many different options for software that can help manage your genealogy data and build your family trees. This page summarizes a few of the more popular computer and web-based options.
Cyndi’s List does a great job of compiling a larger list of software options. See https://www.cyndislist.com/software.
Disclosure: My primary tree is kept on my local computer using Legacy Family Tree. I also use trees on Ancestry, My Heritage, Geni, WikiTree, and FamilySearch to connect with cousins.
Questions to consider:
Format: Would you prefer options for a Mac computer, Windows computer, smartphone, or tablet?
End Goal: What are your end goals? For example, do you want frameable family tree, reports to share with family, or a way to manage collected research.
Computer-based
Most computer-based systems and some web-based systems allow you to import and export family information as a gedcom [An acronym standing for Genealogical Data Communication. A plain text file containing genealogical information about individuals, and metadata linking these records together for exchanging genealogical data between different genealogy software. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GEDCOM : accessed 15 May 2021)]
Legacy Family Tree Genealogy Software, $35-80 (https://legacyfamilytree.com/)
• For Windows only
• Hints from key websites – FindMyPast, FamilySearch, GenealogyBank, and My Heritage
• Cite your sources easily and correctly with the new SourceWriter.
• Build multiple charts and reports. Additional charts in Charting Companion add-on
RootsMagic, $30 (http://www.rootsmagic.com/)
• For Mac and Windows
• Shows hints from web sources
• Build multiple charts and reports
Family Tree Maker, $80 (https://www.mackiev.com/ftm/)
• For Mac and Windows
• Synchronizes with Ancestry.com
• Shows hints from Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org
• Build multiple charts and reports
Web-based, Separate Trees
Ancestry, free to build a tree, $25 to $50 fee to access research (https://www.ancestry.com/)
• Also available as mobile app
• Tress can be set as private or public. Able to share with other Ancestry users via link
• Able to purchase DNA testing kits
MyHeritage, free basic tree, $130 to $300 enhanced (https://www.myheritage.com/)
• SmartMatches (aka hints) from records collections and major genealogy websites
• Print charts and books
• Creates website based on gedcom
• Site has tools to colorize, enhance, and animate photos
• Able to purchase DNA testing kits
Web-based, Shared Trees
On a shared tree, other people can add, edit, and delete people and information.
WikiTree, free (https://www.wikitree.com/)
• Volunteer supported
• Tools for profile comparison and merging
• Visibility settings range from unlisted (great for living people) to open.
FamilySearch, free (https://www.familysearch.org/)
• Also available as mobile app
• Easily add sources from internal collections on FamilySearch and external sources.
• Able to search FamilySearch, Ancestry, FindMyPast, MyHeritage, Geneanet, and Google
• Tools for finding similar profiles and merging.
• Print a variety of charts
• Partner apps and tools available in Solutions Gallery
Enjoy building your tree, sharing your ancestors stories, and connecting with cousins.