Top 5 Genealogy Software Programs

8/4/2024

Top 5 Genealogy Software Programs

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Best Genealogy Software, Top Family Tree Software Programs, Family Tree Maker, RootsMagic, Legacy Family Tree, MyHeritage Family Tree Vuilder, Reunion for Mac

Choosing the right genealogy software can significantly enhance your research capabilities, organization, and presentation of your family history. Here are the top 5 genealogy software programs that provide robust features for genealogists of all levels.

1. Family Tree Maker

Top 5 Genealogy Software Programs- Family Tree Maker

Family Tree Maker is one of the most popular genealogy software programs, known for its comprehensive features and ease of use.

User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive design makes it easy for beginners and advanced users alike.
Integration with Ancestry: Seamless synchronization with Ancestry.com, allowing for easy access to Ancestry’s vast database.
Charting and Reporting: Create a wide variety of charts and reports to visualize your family tree.
Media Management: Attach photos, documents, and other media to individuals in your tree.
Hints and Tips: Automatic hints from Ancestry and FamilySearch to help you discover more about your ancestors.
And more

Family Tree Maker

2. RootsMagic

Top 5 Genealogy Software Programs- RootsMagic

RootsMagic is a versatile genealogy software program known for its powerful tools and flexibility.

Comprehensive Tools: Offers a full suite of research, data management, and reporting tools.
Integration with Ancestry and FamilySearch: Syncs with Ancestry and FamilySearch for easy data exchange and collaboration.
Easy Data Import/Export: Import and export GEDCOM files with ease, allowing for data sharing between different programs.
Source Management: Robust source management tools to ensure your data is well-documented and reliable.
Hints and Tips: Automatic hints from Ancestry, FamilySearch, MyHeritage, and FindMyPast to help you discover more about your ancestors.
And more

RootsMagic

3. Legacy Family Tree

Top 5 Genealogy Software Programs- Legacy Family Tree

Legacy Family Tree is a feature-rich program that offers extensive options for organizing and sharing your genealogical research.

Detailed Reports: Generate detailed reports and charts to visualize your family history.
Integration with FamilySearch: Syncs with FamilySearch for easy data exchange and collaboration.
Event Management: Track detailed events and facts for each individual in your tree.
Source Documentation: Strong emphasis on source documentation to ensure the accuracy of your data.
Research Guidance: Built-in research guidance tools to help you plan and execute your research effectively.
Online Publishing: Options for publishing your family tree online to share with others.
Hints and Tips: Automatic hints from FamilySearch, MyHeritage, and FindMyPast to help you discover more about your ancestors
And more

Legacy Family Tree

4. MyHeritage Family Tree Builder

Top 5 Genealogy Software Programs- Family Tree Builder

MyHeritage Family Tree Builder is a free genealogy software program that offers robust features and integrates seamlessly with MyHeritage.com.

Free and Comprehensive: Offers a wide range of features at no cost, with options to upgrade for additional benefits.
Advanced Matching Technology: Smart Matching automatically finds matches for your ancestors and Record Matching automatically discovers historical records of your ancestors in MyHeritage’s extensive database.
Photo Management: Advanced photo management tools.
Charts and Reports: Create beautiful charts and reports to showcase your family history.
Sync with MyHeritage: Syncs with your online MyHeritage tree for easy access and updates.
And more

Family Tree BUilder

5. Reunion for Mac

Top 5 Genealogy Software Programs- Reunion

Reunion for Mac is a powerful genealogy software program specifically designed for Mac users.

Mac Integration: Seamlessly integrates with macOS, providing a smooth and native user experience.
Media Management: Attach photos, videos, and audio recordings to individuals in your tree.
Charting Options: Extensive charting options to visualize your family tree in various formats.
Research Logs: Keep detailed research logs to track your progress and findings.
Mobile App: Access your family tree on your iPhone or iPad with the Reunion Touch app.

Reunion

These top 5 genealogy software programs offer a range of features to help you organize, analyze, and present your family history research. Whether you need robust source management, detailed charting, or seamless online integration, these programs provide the tools necessary to enhance your genealogical journey.

More Genealogy Resources

Learn about more family history and genealogy resources under the Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.

More Top Genealogy

Find more of the best of family history and genealogy under the The Best of Genealogy category.

15 Comments

Jenny Hawran link

8/7/2024 05:42:26 am

I've been a Family Tree Maker person since the beginning. It has its pros and cons, but I've tried others and I always come back to Family Tree Maker.

Diane Henriks link

8/11/2024 08:01:20 am

Ditto :)

Teresa link

8/13/2024 08:19:34 am

My list is topped by Family Historian, followed by RootsMagic, then Legacy... FTM mega messed up my file, so no more using it for me. Most Americans aren't aware of FH (it's a UK product), but it's worth a look.

9/2/2024 06:00:07 am

Yes, Family Historian is another, as there are many, but this post was only for 5. ;)

Kim Witzke

11/18/2024 12:43:10 pm

This is the 2nd time I've had FTM mess up my files. I'm about done with it altogehter. I'll look into Family Historian.

11/18/2024 12:53:28 pm

Hi Kim,

So sorry FTM messed up your file. I've had it happen to me as well.

I love Family Historian (with a few grumbles), but just want to make sure you're aware it doesn't sync with Ancestry. There is a way to get your Ancestry tree into FM using the free version of RootsMagic 10.

Nancy H

3/14/2025 02:25:10 pm

I've been using FTM since the first version came out in 2001 and love it. The only time I've had issues with missing or disconnected people was in 2023 when FTM 2019 had issues connecting to Ancestry. I found and fixed the issues and have not had an issue since. I have also disconnected my tree from Ancestry, so this does not happen again.

Johanna Effler

1/18/2025 07:11:51 am

Can you recommend any genealogy program which allows for things like when a brother from one family marries the sister of the other family? I have several where brothers introduced their girlfriend’s sister to their brother and they hit it off and married too. Also there are now same sex marriages, trans people, etc. Most of the programs don’t allow for these marriages or changes. Very frustrating.

Vladislav Zabinskij link

2/14/2025 05:24:04 pm

I made such a tool familybushes.com

no restructions

3/14/2025 02:30:51 pm

You can do this in FTM, as you would just go to the profile of the brother from one family in tree, click on the "add spouse" box, click "add spouse" and then click on the folder next to the name box and that will bring up the list of everyone in your tree, scroll down to the correct person you and select them as the spouse.

Tommie Rodgers

4/11/2025 04:44:52 pm

RootsMagic will allow those options.Brothers marrying sisters should not have been a problem in any software. I'm surprised you had issues.

Jeff link

1/29/2025 06:29:16 am

when you go to my website - the address line willsay " not securer " BUT IT ISSAFE !!!! //// Looking for Family Tree software that is GOOD !! Family Tree Maker NOT helping like they used to. I'm tired of talking with " osma Bin Lades " Brother !!!! / Please Advise on software.

2/5/2025 03:35:01 pm

I've created this tool where you can create your family tree online for free (no registration)

https://familybushes.com/

2/5/2025 03:35:39 pm

Dave W.

3/16/2025 11:37:08 am

My parents used to keep geneology records using Family Origins. But it hasnt been updated for 17 yeras and they have passed. We think we have data files on an old hard drive and are looking for new software that will accept the files from Family Oriins, circa 2007.