There are several choices for you when selecting software to create and build your family tree. But what are the best genealogy software programs that you can purchase?
Do you know which one to buy?
Just which family tree program is right for you?
Top 5 Best Genealogy Software Programs To Buy!
Here I will give an overview of the 5 best genealogy programs that you can buy today.
Full genealogy software reviews can be found after each product that I review here.
Comparing The Competition!
These programs in my opinion the best on the market today. Each of them has certain qualities and features that make them stand out on their own.
So, have a look at what they offer and whether they are right for you!
| Legacy 9 | Family Historian 6 | Family Tree Maker 2017 | RootsMagic 7 | Family Tree Heritage 9 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | |||||
| Platform | Disc and Download | Disc | Download | Disc and Download | Disc and Download |
| Compatible | Windows | Windows | Windows and Mac | Windows and Mac | Windows and Mac |
| Connects | FamilySearch, Find A Grave, FindMyPast, GenealogyBank, MyHeritage | FindMyPast, MyHeritage | FamilySearch, Ancestry | FamilySearch, Ancestry, FindMyPast, MyHeritage | FamilySearch, Ancestry |
| Bottom Line |
Best All-Round Software | Easy To Use | Most Popular | Offers A Lot | Best For Printing |
Bonus Program Review:
Ancestral Quest 15
The best for storing large family trees!
Please note!
All of these genealogy programs can be used on a Windows computer, (exception Family Tree Heritage 9 and Ancestral Quest 15 which can both work on both Windows and Mac).
These family tree programs are available to purchase from either the US or UK. Please check from the sellers that I have included if you can purchase your choice of program from outside of these countries.
When you have finished reading these family tree software reviews you may want to head over to Top Ten Reviews where there is a Top 10 Best Genealogy Software of 2018 guide.
Just thought that I would put that out there for you!
Want FREE!
Not quite ready to spend a fortune on tracing your family tree?
No worries, you can check out my 6 Best Free Genealogy Software Downloads guide.
Please be aware though that free does mean that you will get limited features and so you may want to consider buying a proper genealogy program with full capabilities at some point.
Express Your Thoughts Below!
I would love to hear from you.
What To Expect From A Genealogy Software Program?
Before I show you my top pick of the best genealogy programs that you can buy today I first want to discuss what you should be looking for in a program.
Or, rather what should come standard with a genealogy software program.
Genealogy Software Program Requirements:
Build A Family Tree
Pretty obvious that you want a program to do this, but you do want a program where you can easily create a tree and add your relatives and all of their details.
You want to add their name, important dates, locations, any notes, etc.
Add Media
Genealogy software programs these days allow you to add multimedia to members of your family tree.
These can include pictures, videos, and even sound clips or your relatives.
Add Your DNA Results
As DNA genealogy testing has become increasingly popular these days it is only right that you have somewhere to store your results.
This information can also be stored in your program.
Produce Charts
A program should be able to produce relationships charts based on the family tree that you have created.
You can expect hourglass, pedigree, and fan charts to name but a few.
Produce Reports
Reports are a great way to easily see information about your family tree.
You can expect family, descendant, and a genealogy report at least from these programs.
Map Your Ancestors
The best programs should allow you to see the migration of your ancestors.
They should as well show you where they were born, married, and died, and also other important events.
Create Books, CDs, and a Website
Not only can you produce charts and reports but there are other ways that you can showcase your family tree.
Most programs these days will allow you to create a book that you can print out and share with your family.
Creating CDs and a website should also be an option.
Import & Export
If you have already created a tree elsewhere then you should be able to upload it into your new software program.
Alternatively, you will also be able to export your tree so that you can then pass it on to other family members
Doing so means that you can work together on your genealogy.
Getting Tips
The best thing about using a program is that you can get tips or hints for building your tree further.
This is possible as they can be connected to popular genealogy search websites such as Ancestry, FindMyPast, and FamilySearch.
Be advised though that to access this additional information you will need a subscription to these sites.
Getting Support
You should also get basic support such as help files, telephone, and email support.
You can also get access to video tutorials and maybe forums on the respective company’s website.
1. Legacy 9 – Best Genealogy Program Available Today!
Regarded as the best family tree software on the market today. Legacy 9 has got this title because of the many features it contains.
This software offers a lot of different chart types to the user, which is the most compared to any other program that is available.
As well as charts you can also display your results in the form of a webpage. There are other cool tools and features which you can see in the table below.
Legacy 9 Family Tree Rating and Details |
|
|---|---|
| Rating | |
| Normal Price | Bundles vary from $34.95 to $99.95 |
| Discounted Price (upgrade from Legacy 8) | Bundles vary from $26.95 to $89.95 |
| Platform | PC Disc and Download |
| Compatible | Windows |
| Features | Charts, Reports, Maps, Hashtags, Color Coding, and more! |
| Connects | FamilySearch / Find A Grave (FREE) FindMyPast / GenealogyBank / MyHeritage (PAID) |
| Help & Support | FAQs, User Groups, Email |
| Full Review | What’s New With Legacy 9? |
| Previous Version | Legacy 8 Full Review (read more what Legacy can do) |
| Bottom Line | All Round Software! |
| BUY HERE ==> |
Legacy Family Tree Store |
What Does Legacy 9 Offer You?
Legacy 9 can link you to popular genealogy sites such as FamilySearch and Ancestry to further help with your research.
Credit: Legacy Family Tree
It also has an embedded browser so that you can find information and import it into your tree easily.
So, you don’t have to switch between computer programs and lose your concentration.
Color coding system makes your tree simple to follow!
Legacy 9 makes adding multiple marriages easy to follow as you can color code different spouses and descendants.
Errors are flagged with red warning symbols so that you can clearly spot any mistakes that may have been entered.
This program allows you to add comprehensive information when citing any record. Any family historian needs to record where they found information regarding their ancestor.
By adding all relevant information then you will be able to know where to return to your ancestor’s record if you need to.
Drawbacks To This Program?
Unfortunately, even the best program does have its drawbacks. One disadvantage is that does not support same-sex marriages. There is however a planned update to rectify this.
One earlier drawback with the previous version, Legacy 8, was that there were no web hints available to you.
I am pleased to announce now with this latest version of the Legacy Family Tree software that they are now available.
Legacy 9 Is Still The Best Software Program!
Despite this minor flaw Legacy 9 is still a great investment to help you research your family history. If you want to make a start and find out about your ancestry then check out the Legacy Family Tree Store.
Read more what about Legacy 9 by checking out my What’s New With Legacy 9? post.
Here you will see what has been improved on and what has been added to the best genealogy software program that you can buy today.
Many Reasons Why Legacy 9 Is Far Superior!
There are too many reasons for me to list and describe here. But I will point out a few reasons why you should consider Legacy 9 as your genealogy software program.
Top 5 reasons:
- Customize the interface – If you are not completely satisfied with the layout of the program then no worries. You can customize it however you feel.
- Huge capacity – Add as many people to your family tree as you like. And also information about your ancestors. You are not limited to size with this program.
- Powerful and intelligent merging – If you have more than one file of information then you can easily merge all of this into one file. Ancestral Quest makes it very easy to see the differences between the files.
- Powerful searching capabilities – With any program you want to find your ancestor and their information effortlessly. This is easily done with the search function of the program. This is performed by a simple fill-in-the-blanks form or by using a powerful detailed search.
- QuickFill fields – This is one of the best features of the program in my opinion. When you are entering information the program will automatically fill in the remainder of the information. This will allow you to then to go onto the next ancestor to add to the tree.
Check Out My 20 Reasons Why You Should Buy Legacy!
Legacy 9 Family Tree Software Bundles Explained!
When you click through to the Legacy Family Tree Store you will be presented with a choice of 6 different bundles that you can choose from.
The prices listed in brackets are discounted prices if you are upgrading from Legacy 8.
The first three bundles offer you Legacy 9 as a download and CD together with:
- Printed and PDF manual, 272-page guidebook, and webinar membership – $99.95 ($89.95)
- Printed and PDF manual, and a 272-page guidebook – $54.95 ($46.95)
- Printed and PDF manual – $39.95 ($31.95)
The second three bundles offer you Legacy 9 as just a download plus:
- Printed and PDF manual, 272-page guidebook, and webinar membership – $79.95 ($71.95)
- Printed and PDF manual, and a 272-page guidebook – $49.95 ($41.95)
- Printed and PDF manual – $34.95 ($26.95)
Pros
✔ 13 new and enhanced features with Legacy 9!
✔ Red warning symbols to highlight errors
✔ Connects to FamilySearch/Find A Grave (FREE); FindMyPast/GenealogyBank/MyHeritage (PAID)
✔ Sync trees to web
✔ Web hints now available!
✔ 25 different charts and 20 reports
✔ Print books and wall charts
Cons
❌ Same-sex relationship not possible
❌ No email or telephone support, (but does have online resources, printed material, video tutorials and FAQs)
My Verdict
There is a reason why Legacy is the leader when it comes to helping you create and build your family tree. It is because this software gives you exactly what you want and need for your genealogy research.
The user interface is lackluster I must admit but when it comes to a program do you want something that actually works for you or just looks pretty?
Plus it does offer many exciting new features such as connecting to the FindAGrave site, backing up your tree online, creating a cause of death and X-DNA charts, and more.
I am very excited to put Legacy 9 at the very top of my list of best genealogy programs!
2. Family Historian 6 – Easiest Genealogy Program To Use!
Although coming in second this program is by far the easiest to use that is available to you.
Don’t you want software that you can use straight away and not have to worry about how to use it?
Well, adding your ancestry information with this software package will be very quick for you.
Family Historian 6 Rating and Details |
|
|---|---|
| Rating | |
| Normal Price | Please refer to Amazon for price |
| Platform | PC Disc and Download |
| Compatible | Windows |
| Features | Charts, Reports, Maps, Books, Booklets, CDs, DVDs, Websites |
| Connects | FindMyPast / MyHeritage (PAID) |
| Help & Support | FAQs, Guides, User Groups, Video Tutorials, Email |
| Book | Getting the Most from Family Historian 6 |
| Full Review | Full Family Historian 6 Review! |
| Bottom Line | Really Easy To Use! |
| BUY HERE ==> |
www.Amazon.com – Also available for Amazon Prime customers! |
What Can You Get From Family Historian 6?
Family Historian 6 offers nearly twice as many chart options as Family Tree Maker. It does though give you fewer charts than the number one rival Legacy.
Credit: Family Historian
This program is primarily useful if you wish to do online publishing.
So, if you want to share your family’s history with the online world then Family Historian 6 is for you.
Enter and view information very easily with this program!
The main screen of this program shows a pedigree chart showing your ancestors. The details of a selected member of your family will be displayed to the right of this chart.
Entering personal data is very easy for you to perform.
As with other available choices you can view your ancestors’ origins on a world map. Images can also be uploaded to the map.
For me seeing a map of where your ancestors lived, worked, and moved just gives me an appreciation of their lives and the struggles that they face to find work.
Different media types can be uploaded and attached for each person in your family. Any source material added can also be rated on its quality.
All of the sources for an individual can be viewed in one area of the program.
Create Books, Booklets and More!
Creating charts and reports is a common feature with any genealogy software program today. But you may want to do more than that.
Family Historian 6 will allow you to create books, booklets, websites, CDs, and DVDs as well. All of these great gifts that you can then share with your family, or maybe your friends if you wish.
Drawbacks of Family Historian 6?
Despite Family Historian 6 having twice as many charts as the popular Family Tree Maker program there are no background templates installed.
This therefore will make your charts look quite dull.
Another disadvantage with this program is the inability to enter any DNA results that you may have. As DNA research is beginning to become an important avenue of discovering your ancestry I feel that an update will be added for this.
There are unfortunately no video tutorials provided to to help you use this program. But if you do get stuck there are online resources and FAQs that are available to you.
Family Historian 6 will run on any of the recent Windows OS except for Windows Vista. Despite this, I feel that any genealogist would be happy to buy this genealogy software program.
Pros
✔ Connects to FindMyPast/MyHeritage (PAID)
✔ Sync trees to web
✔ Get web hints
✔ Quick and easy input of your ancestor’s details
✔ Same sex relationships
✔ 19 different charts
✔ Great for publishing your family history online
Cons
❌ Visually unappealing charts
❌ Unable to input DNA results
My Verdict
This program does not offer stunning charts to print out your family tree. So, if you want to make some special gifts for your relatives then this software is not for you.
Connecting to genealogy sites such as FamilySearch and FindMyPast is a must these days as they both help you to extend your knowledge of your ancestors and help build your tree.
Getting web hints from these sites is also a bonus.
If you want something easy to use then I highly recommend Family Historian 6.
3. Family Tree Maker 2017 – Most Popular and Well Known Program Today!
By far the most popular and well known genealogy software program available to digitally create your family tree.
Some of the advantages it offers over Legacy is the ability to create same-sex marriages and provide web hints to help with your research.
Even though it is my second preference Family Tree Maker is still regarded as a top genealogy software to use by many genealogists.
Family Tree Maker 2017 Rating and Details |
|
|---|---|
| Rating | |
| Platform | Download |
| Compatible | Windows and Mac |
| Features | Charts, Reports, Maps, FamilySync |
| Connects | FamilySearch (FREE) and Ancestry (PAID) |
| Help & Support | FAQs, Online Chat, Email |
| Full Review | Full Family Tree Maker 2017 Review! |
| Previous Version | Full Family Tree Maker Deluxe Review! |
| Bottom Line | Most Popular Today! |
| BUY HERE ==> |
www.Mackiev.com |
What Can You Expect From Family Tree Maker?
The hints featured in Family Tree Maker show up when you are connected to the Internet. These hints can help you further with discovering your roots.
You will be able to connect with two of the biggest genealogy search websites – Ancestry and FamilySearch.
Credit: FreeTutorials
So, you can build your family tree quickly with the Family Tree Maker program.
Entering Family Information Is Easy!
Most of the information that you will enter will be through the program’s People tab. By using this tab you can easily enter your family’s details such as birth, marriage and death.
From this tab you will also clearly see your ancestors in a pedigree form. The children of a selected ancestor will be listed in a table below the pedigree chart.
The task of entering individual information is very intuitive and easy to do. You will also be able to add media content such as videos, stories, and images for each member of your family.
Color Code Your Family Tree!
The latest version now allows you to color-code each family member. You maybe wondering what is the point of that? Does it serve any purpose?
Well, it does!
By selecting one or more colors for an ancestor you can effectively set an attribute to that person.
For example, if you add a dark blue to several ancestors then that may signify that they served in the military.
It’s just another cool visual representation of your family that makes finding what you’re looking for easier.
View A Map of Your Ancestors Migration!
I really like to see the path that my ancestors took as they went from their homeland to a new world. If you are like me then you are probably keen to see what path that they took.
Their route may have been subjected to a number of conditions, such as the topography of the area or the likelihood of work.
Whatever factors affected their decision you can see their path of migration with an embedded aerial or satellite map in the program.
Synching Your Tree
You can take your family tree and your genealogy research with you on the go thanks to FamilySync. You are not tied to your computer at home.
If say for example you do some research at your parents’ house then you can sync your tree. That means that you will also see any latest additions to your tree on your computer at home.
The Sync Weather Report will allow you to view any errors that may occur when syncing your tree. If there is a major problem then a red box will appear or if there is some caution then there will be an orange box.
But if everything is OK with the process then you will see a green box.
What Are The Negatives?
Despite being a great program to help you with your family history research Family Tree Maker does give you significantly less charts than its’ main rival Legacy.
But the easy and intuitive feel of the program does more than make up for this.
With this family history software program you can connect to FamilySearch. This is the world’s largest genealogy search website where you can access millions of records for free.
This program also connects to Ancestry. However, to access any records on that site you will need to have a paid subscription.
Whether you want to call that a negative for Family Tree Maker or not. I just thought that you may like to know that.
Pros
✔ Stunning user interface that makes it easy to use
✔ Connects to FamilySearch (FREE) and Ancestry (PAID)
✔ Sync trees to web
✔ Get web hints
✔ Same-sex relationships
Cons
❌ No connection to other genealogy search sites
My Verdict
The reason that Family Tree Maker is the most well-known genealogy program today is because of its’ past association with Ancestry. And that is why, in my opinion, it is so popular.
But with saying that I have personally used this program and have found it easy to use.
So, being an intuitive, simple, and easy program definitely contributes to it being one of the more popular choices amongst genealogists.
If you want a program that is easy to use and does offer you appealing reports and charts then this program is for you.
4. RootsMagic 7 – This Genealogy Software Program Offers You A Lot!
By using this software you are able to link with the top genealogy sites FamilySearch and Ancestry. And a helpful lightbulb icon will help you make connections with your family’s past.
With RootsMagic 7 you can also print out various kinds of family reports from what you have discovered.
RootsMagic 7 Rating and Details |
|
|---|---|
| Rating | |
| Normal Price | Please refer to Amazon for price |
| Platform | PC Disc |
| Compatible | Windows |
| Features | Charts, Reports, Maps, CDs, Websites, Export Tree |
| Connects | FamilySearch (FREE) and Ancestry / FindMyPast / MyHeritage (PAID) |
| Help & Support | User Group, Webinars, Video Tutorials, How To Guides, Forums, Phone and Email |
| Full Review | Full RootsMagic7 Review! |
| Bottom Line | Offers A Lot! |
| BUY HERE ==> |
www.Amazon.com – Also available for Amazon Prime customers! |
What Can RootsMagic 7 Give You?
To start RootsMagic 7 does offer you significantly less choice of charts for you to chose from. Despite this, you do get a wide range of reports that you can use to display your family’s ancestry.
With RootsMagic 7 you get the most reports out of all the top five programs.
Finding your ancestors’ records is clear and simple with the aid of the in-app browser. Within the program there is a lightbulb icon that will be next to your ancestor’s.
Credit: RootsMagic
This lightbulb will clearly show you if there are any online matches.
Working with more than one database is also available!
One clear advantage with this program is the ability to open more than one database at a time.
When working on different family groups if there is a relationship between the two then you can drag and drop people between the two.
RootsMagic 7 will also keep track of these changes. So, that’s helpful!
There is nothing worse than dissecting the difference between two trees that you may have. RootsMagic makes this job easy for you.
With this program there is also a diverse number of relationships that are also supported.
So, if there is a same-sex marriage within the family then you can add this as well.
You can add all sorts of information for each member of your family. The media that you can add includes photos, sound clips, videos, and more.
What Are Negatives There With RootsMagic 7?
One of the benefits of RootsMagic 7 is that you can connect with the top genealogy software sites. However, you will not be able to sync your tree to the web.
You will also not be able to import any online information that you may find. So, whatever you do come across you will manually have to add this to your family tree.
Another drawback is that this software is not the easiest program to use due to the outdated interface and the misleading tabs that feature on the toolbar.
Although support is provided by online resources, printed material, and video tutorials there is, unfortunately, no FAQ support available to you.
Despite these drawbacks, RootsMagic 7 is still a popular choice among family historians to buy.
Pros
✔ Connects to FamilySearch (FREE) and Ancestry/FindMyPast/MyHeritage (PAID)
✔ List same sex marriages
✔ Similar web hint feature called lightbulb
✔ Can open more than one family tree so you can easily compare them
✔ Organize large volumes of data
Cons
❌ fewer charts but more reports
❌ Cannot sync trees to the web
❌ Outdated interface
❌ Misleading tabs
❌ No FAQs to help you
My Verdict
I like how RootsMagic can connect to FamilySearch and Ancestry. However, because you cannot sync your tree to the web, this will mean that any new information that you do find you will have to enter manually into this program.
One thing that is going for RootsMagic is the ability for you to open more than one family tree file. Keeping track of the changes between these two files is very easy to use.
Why would you want to have two trees?
Well, you may have received a tree from a family member. So, you may want to compare the two to see any differences before you add the information to your tree.
If you want a program that will help you to organize your large family tree then RootsMagic is for you. For that reason, I highly recommend this software.
5. Family Tree Heritage 9 – Best To Print Out Your Records!
The last of the top five programs for the genealogist is Family Tree Heritage 9. With this package you can connect to the top genealogy sites such as FamilySearch, Ancestry and RootsWeb.
Although coming in last this is still one of the best genealogy software programs on the market today.
Family Tree Heritage 9 Rating and Details |
|
|---|---|
| Rating | |
| Normal Price (Windows) | Please refer to Amazon for price |
| Normal Price (Mac) | Please refer to Amazon for price |
| Platform | PC Disc and Download |
| Compatible | Windows and Mac |
| Features | Charts, Reports, Maps, Color Coding |
| Connects | FamilySearch (FREE) and Ancestry (PAID) |
| Help & Support | Tutorials, Address, Phone, Email |
| Full Review | Full Family Tree Heritage 9 Review! |
| Bottom Line | Best For Printing! |
| BUY HERE (US) ==> |
www.Amazon.com (Windows) – www.Amazon.com (Mac) |
| BUY HERE (UK) ==> |
www.Amazon.co.uk (Windows) – www.Amazon.co.uk (Mac) |
What Can You Expect From Family Tree Heritage 9?
The great thing about Family Tree Heritage 9 is that you can easily add any genealogy site to this program.
Credit: Family Tree Heritage
If you do use a site other than what is listed then you will still be able to use it within the program.
As with the other top five programs a web hints feature though is included with this package to aid you with finding new information.
Correcting Mistakes and Merging trees Is Easy!
Adjusting errors in your tree in bulk is one of the advantages of this package. If you do find any anomalies then you can simply replace the details and any other occurrences will be altered as well.
This will save you time sifting through your entire tree.
Another benefit of this program is the ability to merge two trees. This is easily done with Family Tree Heritage 9.
Citing sources to any new information is also easily achieved with this program.
A ditto tool is provided that will enable you to attach numerous people to the same source. So this can save you a lot of time when you are citing your records.
Disadvantages With Family Tree Heritage 9?
Although Family Tree Heritage 9 is a great program for the researcher there are undoubtedly some drawbacks with this choice.
For one, you will not be able to sync your tree to the web to enter any found information.
If you do find any interesting details concerning your ancestors you will manually have to enter them. This is not a big problem as this will give you a chance to ascertain whether the found information is correct.
It’s still great for printing out records!
There is also no in-app browser is provided so a separate window is needed when searching online. This can lead to confusion when you switch between the two programs.
Although you could split your screen into two to compensate for this. Or if you do have two screens then this will rectify this problem.
The number of available charts and reports is limited with this choice. And the lack of background templates makes charts rather dull.
But if you just want a program that simply prints out your research then Family Tree Heritage 9 is for you.
Relationships such as same-sex marriages are not supported and there is no mapping ability is featured. So, you will not be able to plot your ancestors’ trail.
Amazon US – Windows & Mac:
Amazon UK – Windows & Mac:
Pros
✔ Connects to FamilySearch (FREE) and Ancestry (PAID)
✔ Add other genealogy sites if you wish
✔ Easily replace many occurrences of new information, such as a place name
Cons
❌ No online searching capability within the program<
❌ No same-sex relationships
❌ Doesn’t sync to web
❌ No web hints
My Verdict
Family Tree Heritage will offer you what you want from a basic genealogy software program. But there is room for improvement with this option.
It is a great tool for you though if you want to organize your family tree. And it is excellent for citing your references. Merging trees is also a seem-less process with this program.
If you want a program that will give you stunning reports and charts to share with family and friends then Heritage is the one for you.
Ancestral Quest 15 – Best For Storing Large Family Trees!
When it comes to adding ancestors to your family tree you want the process to be both quick and easy.
Ancestral Quest 15 Rating and Details |
|
|---|---|
| Rating | |
| Normal Price (Windows) | $29.95 (Download) or $34.95 (CD ROM) |
| Normal Price (Windows upgrade) | $19.95 (Download) or $24.95 (CD ROM) |
| Normal Price (Mac) | $38.95 (Download) |
| Normal Price (Mac upgrade) | $24.95 (Download) |
| Platform | CD ROM and Download |
| Compatible | Windows and Mac |
| Features | Charts, Reports, Maps, TreeTips, NetFam Collaboration, Memories Manager |
| Connects | FamilySearch (FREE) and Ancestry (PAID) |
| Help & Support | FAQs, Video Tutorials, Newsgroup, Phone, and Email |
| Full Review | Full Ancestral Quest 15 Review! |
| BUY HERE ==> |
Ancestral Quest Store |
What Do You Get From Ancestral Quest 15?
Ancestral Quest 15 allows you to enter your family tree easily as I have just mentioned. You can view your tree in 4 different ways. You can choose from Family View, Pedigree View, Name List View, or Individual View.
Credit: Ancestral Quest
Whatever your preference there will be a view for you.
Enter your family tree with ease. No matter how large it is!
The interface is a bit basic I must admit. But for me, that is not a problem. At the end of the day, you want a program that is both intuitive to use and is easy for you to add information and to find it.
Do you want to waste your time figuring out how to use the software?
Do you want to be checking the help files every so often?
Of course not! You want to be working on your genealogy research. And this is what Ancestral Quest allows you to do.
Organizing your family tree is also simple!
As you have a large family tree to work with you want to be able to organize your research. This is done possible with the Research Manager and Log feature of the program.
This can show you what information you need to research next.
The manager will also help you to group your tasks by either location or type, or anything else for that matter.
Sharing your research is simple too!
If you have got a large family tree then chances are that you are working on your ancestry with other family members.
If so then Ancestral Quest is the program for you as it allows you to share information effortlessly!
This is accomplished with the NetFam Collaboration feature. You will however need to subscribe to this feature, but it is a worthwhile extra to consider.
Even more new and improved features with the latest version!
With every incarnation of this program, the developers add new and improved features. They listen to their users and give them what they want.
There is not enough room here to describe all of these latest features. Instead why not check out my full Ancestral Quest 15 Review and see for yourself why this is such a powerful program.
Drawbacks to Ancestral Quest 15?
To me the only real drawback of this software program is the lack of a stunning interface. But in hindsight as I have discussed before, what do you really want from a program?
Do you want something that is fancy-looking but can be tricky to understand? Or, do you want something that will allow you to effortlessly add your ancestors and their information?
And that is why Ancestral Quest has been developing this software for more than 20 years!
Pros
✔ Connects to FamilySearch (FREE) and Ancestry (PAID)
✔ Straightforward and easy to use
✔ Excellent supported help in the form of online video tutorials
✔ Also FAQ section, online discussion groups, in-program help section, and telephone support
✔ Can research online within the program
✔ Can easily connect and share research with others
Cons
❌ Basic interface design
My Verdict
If you want a program that will make your genealogy research a whole lot easier to perform then Ancestral Quest 15 is for you.
Ideally, it is suited to the family historian who has amassed a large family tree over the years.
But the beginner can also take something from this program as well. The simple design does make it easier for the newcomer to add their ancestors effortlessly.
So it can be a great program for any level of experience. That is why I highly recommend this software for anyone wanting to researching their family tree.
My Final Thoughts
So, there you have it, my pick of the best genealogy programs that you can choose to buy to create and build your family tree. Whichever program you do decide to buy I’m sure you will be more than happy with it.
Don’t stress too much though which program that you do go for. They all have the same basic features and will ultimately do what you want. And that is to create and build your family tree.
Don’t worry if you do feel though that your chosen program isn’t right for you. You can easily export your family tree and load it into a new genealogy program.
My Recommendation!
My personal recommendation is Legacy 9. It does everything that you would expect from such a program and more!
You can read What’s New With Legacy 9? to find out what cool features you can expect from the best genealogy program.
My main reason for this choice is because that it connects to many genealogy search sites that can help you with your family history research.
Connecting with FamilySearch and FindMyPast has helped me with my research. And it can with yours too!
But at the end of the day, it is your choice. So, all the best on your decision and I wish you all the best with creating your family tree and your genealogy research.
What do you think?
If you decide to buy any of these software programs then please come back and let me know what you think of it. I would love to hear how it is working for you.
Thank You and Please Leave A Comment
I hope you enjoyed reading this review about the best genealogy software programs available to the family historian. If you have any questions or comments then please leave a comment below.
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1 2 3 4 Next »Hi! Regarding Family Tree Maker, I have used this software since 2006, upgraded to 2008, in 2008, and worked without problems until upgrading in 2017, the relationship logic is flawed, and records incorrect relationships, also only selects a child's relationship to the home person from one parent, It does not understand that both parents can be related to the home person, and gives a relationship that is incorrect 50% of the time, and anyone with Medieval Ancestors will soon discover that these Families all intermarried to hold onto money, and land, and are all related. As to the colour coding, I don't recommend using this to highlight relationships, because as you add to the Tree, relationships change, but the colour does not, so you have to spend time manually changing the colours to reflect the new relationship, I just spent 26 solid hours changing 500 years of relatives colours, what needs to happen is a colour should be designated to a relationship, so that as the relationship changes as the Tree grows the colour matches, but this would require more than one colour coding tool. Re the main relationship flaw, recording Great Grand Parents as Uncles/ Aunts, and cousins of various degrees, and anyone reading this don't shout collapsed pedigree, there is no such thing, and there is no one on this planet that has a Binary Tree, it just the can't go far enough back, and the " Collapsed Pedigree" is actually the norm. As to the problems stated Family Tree maker have been aware of these problems since I reported them on the release of the 2017 upgrade, but the problem existed before that, as an, experiment I bought a 2012 copy, loaded my Tree and had all the same flaws, so it allegedly looks like an Ancestry created flaw Family Tree Maker have told me that they are rewriting the software relationship logic, and I have the Email to prove it, three years and still counting
Thanks Jim for the feedback on this flaw. Just wish that they would fix it but if it's taken this long, who knows when.
I have been using geneaalogical database software for 30 years, starting with My Brother's Keeper and working through several more. The one I have been using for many years now is Roots Magic, and frankly I am getting bored with it. I imported gedcoms into Legacy and FTM and was dismayed that not all the info I had in RM was imported so I gave up on those two.
When I write books, I use WordPerfect which is far better than MS Word because it has a Reveal Codes feature which makes editing so much easier. RM allows you to save in WORD and WordPerfect and then you can edit it in that application.
Thank you for sharing Karen. I use MS Word to write up my family story. I've used this writing tool because I can add pictures, tables and chartsto my book. And the other reason is that I've used MS Word for many years.
I haven't heard of WordPerfect so I will have to check it out.
WordPerfect is a Corel application and is used most commonly by law firms.
I just purchased FTM to try it out once again, and it looks better than it did a few years ago. I have not yet tried saving it to either Word or WordPerfect for further editing; this is a very important feature for me.
I save my FTM charts, then use Photoshop to crop them and then insert into my Word document. I just write out my family's story myself, rather than let FTM create a book.
Please let me know how you get on.
Hi, I am seriously considering the Legacy 9 option. I have heard that this software has a connection with the Mormon Church and when you connect online, they download your information and they do some sort of baptism and give you a record number as though all your family is member of Mormon church. Can you tell me if this is all true!?
Hi David,
I have never heard of this. Seems quite strange and I doubt this would be true.
May I ask where you heard this?
I have purchase and used all of the above since my retirement in 2010. To me it all comes down to what you want out of a family tree, if you want a few generations and a nice chart then Legacy 9 is a good choice but if you want get serious with your data and including source citations the latter can be a minefield then I would choose RootsMagic or Legacy they make it easy for you to enter data and the all important source citations are also easy to enter. If you are going to use Ancestry as an online search tool for your Family Tree data and want to make getting data easy, and if except Ancestry's source citations it will take all the work out of you writing them out, then I would choose Family Tree Maker 17 or above, it will download all info to your Family Tree data to your laptop direct and you can keep a copy on Ancestry itself the software is expensive though compared to most other family Tree software
Apologies for the late reply to your useful feedback regarding programs.
Yes it does depend on what you want out of a program. For me when I started my genealogy research I used Family Tree Maker. It was the first program that I was made aware of and I liked it, so I've never needed to use another program.
Oh, another question. My short-term goal is to make a photo family tree, with passport-size photos of the ancestors and relatives that I have, and blank squares where I don't. I have a surprising number, back several generations. I'd like to be able to print it nicely to give to relatives.Which Mac-compatible software do you think would be best for this?
And by the way, thank you so much for such a clear and informative and helpful article. Surprisingly rare on the internet.
I'm not a Mac person, but I would think some photo editing software would do this for you.
I like the idea of passport photos for ancestors. It reminds me of another idea I came across where someone created collectable cards with fun facts of their ancestors.
i wanted to thank you for including information on which programs allowed same sex relationships, but then you didn't for the final one.
I really appreciate your final remarks "Don’t stress too much though which program that you do go for. They all have the same basic features and will ultimately do what you want. And that is to create and build your family tree.
Don’t worry if you do feel though that your chosen program isn’t right for you. You can easily export your family tree and load it into a new genealogy program" i suspect that other genealogists who are used to digging deep and double/triple checking informations may need those remnders, as I do!"
I suspect that other amateur genealogists, used to digging deep and double/triple checking everythng may need that suggestion, as do I!
Sorry Kate,
I've only now seen that you have left a comment.
Yes, all programs will ultimately help you to create a family tree. But extra features may tempt people to one program over another. Other factors do include the interface design and usability.
Hi,
I have a question for you. I have been working on my family tree since 1995 and consequently I have over 53, 000 people in my tree. I started with Broderbund Family Tree Maker, which I upgraded periodically. My favorite version was version 11, but when that was no longer supported, I switched to Version 16. At one point, I updated to a later version and hated it so much that I switched back. Unfortunately, I reached a point where I had so much data that it just stopped working. So last year I bought the newest version, but I really hate it and it has taken a lot of the pleasure of genealogy research away. Can you recommend a 6? program that is as close as possible to FTM Version 16? Thank you.
Gail McTamaney
Hi Gail,
Legacy Family Tree does seem to be similar in appearance. There is the Legacy Family Tree Standard Edition which is free to use.
You could check it out and if you like it then make you could purchase the full version, which is reviewed on this page.
Hope this helps and all the best.
Owain
I have researched my family on Ancestry uk and downloaded the gedcom file. What in your opinion is the best viewer to replicate the appearance of the Ancestry file? I have finished researching so it is only a reader programme I need.
Hi Peter, thank you for your query. I would have to say Family Tree Maker. As it was originally developed by Ancestry this one will closely resemble what you want.
Please check out https://ancestralgenie.com/. It lets you to easily import and then publish your ancestry data.
That’s great. Thanks for sharing Amit.
Owain
Thank you for a very pleasant and well organized article. It encourages me to ask you for your recommendation. I will go against type and try to be brief.
First perspective: I have been researching my family for 40 years. I have used two applications, Family Tree Maker and some other thing that is no longer in business. I have a Windows95 virtual machine that I keep alive SOLELY to run my version of FTM.
Here is what I am looking for something that I can use to produce a book and something I can use to produce nice sharable charts. I am willing to have two applications if the need means I am best served with two. I have all the information (except stories and pictures) loaded into Ancestry. Between my wife's and my pedigree charts it has somewhere north of 3,000 people. I spent a winter month a couple of years ago laying out a combined pedigree chart in Vision and it was 23' x7'. I don't want to do that again. However, I would love to be able to produce it again on demand in a calendar (17x22) format which my office supply store will print.
I wouldn't mind doing a descendant tree for my paternal family. Our last name is unique and I believe I have tracked down 98%+ of the people in the world with the name and can show how we are related. Suggestions? I am open to anything except "give up"
My sincere apologies for only getting back to you now. I was not notified that I had a new comment to reply to you.
You seem to be in a similar situation like I was when I first wrote my family history book. I was not satisfied with the 'books' that these genealogy programs churn out with all my key facts.
I wanted a book where I could write lots of stories and charts, (and so in time included maps, pictures, other stuff too.
For that reason I decided to write my book using Microsoft Word, only because I was familiar with using this program. But I also had to use Photoshop so that I could trim the charts that FTM creates and stick them in my book.
Please check out my post where I go into detail and show snippets of my book.
I hope this helps and please get back to me if you need to.
All the best,
Owain
Owain,
perhaps you could ask them for a sample book to review?
Sure, good idea Bill.
Owain,
You should take a look at some new software released a few days ago - ancestralgenie.com Got it from my facebook page in an ad
It only works with ancestry.com users but includes individual charts and stuff, also includes all photos and historical documents, Doesn't let you write your own stories or anything it seems but when I contacted them to ask if this was possible they said they are looking at that for the next update. All the person said was they are reviewing how to convert ancestry story's in your file so those can be included in the book also.
I tried it yesterday myself using their limited trial version, was pretty good i thought, sure needs some minor fixes but downloaded my trees automatically without a hitch which took a few hours and then it created a 300+page book in about 10 mins from my research. I have the same issue as you said, have been looking for this type of things for years but nothing available till now it seems. Anyhow was reading your post thought you might like to know
That seems very interesting Bill. Will have to take a look, but for me this has come 10 years too late.
Still I would like to see how it all looks in a book.