Best Genealogy Software
Genealogy Software Programs
The best genealogy software allows a family ancestry search without the limits that the free ancestry sites impose. Good genealogy software programs are worth the investment.
The best genealogy software reviews are mainly concerned with the ease of installing and using the product.
This includes how well the genealogy software programs perform the service of assisting a researcher in establishing their family ancestry.
The majority of the free ancestry sites genealogy software programs offer basic services to get you started on constructing your family tree, but the most effective and efficient software has to be purchased.
Prices for genealogy software range anywhere from $20 up to $120; however, the more expensive software is complicated and may not be suitable for someone new to using genealogy software.
Reviews of the Best Genealogy Software
Legacy Family Tree/ Legacy Deluxe 7.5
Features include:
- mapping with 3D and satellite views of countries
- a relationship calculator which automatically indicates how two people are related (by marriage or birth)
- support of all file types
- compatible with online genealogy services like Ancestry and FamilySearch
- has ability to store DNA test data
- importing from any GEDCOM file
- drop down menu for convenient event location
- color-coding to allow easier tracing of family descent lines
- provides a citation tool called SourceWriter
- easy set-up wizard
After inputting all of the information you have regarding your family into Legacy's program, you can start researching immediately by clicking on Legacy's Research Guidance application. The software gives you a timeline review and a to-do list along with tips on finding good and accurate resources.
Legacy also provides a "Potential Problems Report", which indicates if there are any inconsistencies in data, such as an erroneous birth date, which implies that someone lived to be 140 years old. In addition, Legacy integrates Microsoft's Virtual Earth to assist you in locating specific locations and defining the migratory behavior of your ancestors.
Ancestral Quest 12.1
Another one of the best genealogy software programs available is Ancestral Quest 12.1, which has a link to Ancestry.com that conveniently allows you to access research others have provided on that site. Other specifications include:
- keyboard shortcuts to help input information faster
- creates web pages
- exports your information to GEDCOM
- creates source records that are attached to imported data
- unlimited space for notes about people and families
- stores video and audio clips
- able to create slide shows with audio background
- collaborate with others anywhere in the world using the NetFam Collaboration application
- provides fan charts for up to thirteen generations
Technical support is also available for this software, as well as an online video tutorial.
Family Historian 4
Family Historian 4 may be one of the best genealogy software packages on the market, but only for those who have used genealogy software in the past. Reviewers have stressed that there is something of a learning curve with using this program but once mastered, it rewards you with many unique and helpful features. Some of these include:
- instant creation of hourglass, descendant, ancestor and everyone diagrams
- an "all-relatives" diagram which is exclusive to Family Historian
- total control over "smart trees"--you can move, resize, show, hide or reorder boxes
- ability to link individuals' pictures in diagrams without cropping them
- GEDCOM compatible
- creating sleek websites with comprehensive configuration options
- an integrated internet search tool
- 29 fully configurable reports, such as narrative, summary and outline reports
- automatic source citations
- allows you to compare any two GEDCOM files simultaneously--a feature unique to Family Historian
- multifaceted query engine to find data immediately in your family tree file
- users can add an unlimited number of information to existing files--names, pictures, etc.
- comes with a Quick Start Guide booklet in PDF format
When researching family ancestry software for your own use, remember that the best genealogy software is software which will satisfy the degree of research in which you want to involve yourself regarding your ancestry. Starting out using a more enhanced version of genealogy software may frustrate you in your search because of the amount of information and resources it provides. However, these would be good to use once you have gathered quite a bit of information about your family history.
Related Pages:
Genealogy Software Programs
Family Ancestry Search
Origin of Family Names
Tracing Genealogy
Life in Legacy
Leave A Legacy
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