Top Three Genealogy Software Programs

Legacy Family Tree 7.0, Family Tree Maker 2009 Essentials, and RootsMagic 3.0 are the three most popular genealogy software programs available today. They are extremely similar programs with a few variations, so it mainly just comes down to each user's particular needs.

Legacy Family Tree 7.0

This software comes in a standard free version that can be downloaded at Legacy Family Tree. There is a deluxe version that contains more features and options. The deluxe version costs between $29.95 and $39.99 depending on the seller.

This genealogy software has an extremely user friendly interface, which is great for the beginner and the advanced user. The tool bar is customizable for users, allowing them to only use the icons that they actually need. A user can also change the colors and fonts of the program if desired. Legacy Family Tree 7.0 has a research wizard, which allows users to locate records that may contain information about their ancestors, and no other popular genealogy software contains this feature.

It has four views: family, pedigree, index and chronology view. The publishing center allows users to create and print many different types of reports and blank forms. This genealogy software has the ability to have two different files open at the same time side-by-side, which is helpful when users want to compare information. The global spell checker is very useful, especially when you are trying to make everything perfect.

There are a few drawbacks to this genealogy software including no county pop-up selections, no on-line integrated database, and no ability to capture data from any website.

FamilyTree Maker 2009 Essentials

This genealogy software does not come with a free version, so you must pay full price to be able to use the program. This particular version costs between $24.99 and $31.99 depending on the seller.

This program is the only one with an ability to capture data from any website. This genealogy software is one of a few with access to on-line integrated databases. The primary workspace of this program, People, combines the family and pedigree view along with the highlighted individual's information, which is extremely unique to this particular genealogy software. FamilyTree Maker 2009 Essentials has the pedigree, family, and individual view. This program also can give problem alerts when someone's information does not make sense. It has a relationship calculator and multimedia support.

There are definitely some drawbacks with this program, including no customizable languages, a lack of a research wizard, and the inability to re-number individuals. A user is not allowed to print reports, forms, or wall charts without using an additional program. There are no custom print options for users either. It also does not open older versions of FamilyTree Maker directly, which means that users have to export their data to a different format that is recognized by FamilyTree Maker 2009 Essentials.

RootsMagic 3.0

RootsMagic 3.0 is a great program for beginners and advanced users. The best feature of this program is its Source Wizard, which automatically writes proper sources for users. You can drag and drop individuals between databases easily. This genealogy software automatically checks for duplicates as users add individuals. It has a great publishing center with a custom report designer, blank pedigree charts, and cemetery records forms. RootsMagic 3.0 has a free trial version with limited options. The full version costs approximately $29.99.

The drawbacks with this genealogy software include no themed background printing and no on-line integrated databases. Place reports, which contain people and events around a certain place, are not available. There is also no option to renumber individuals in the file. No research wizard and the inability to customize languages are more drawbacks for this genealogy software. While DNA is becoming the next big thing in family history, this genealogy software does not include this option or the ability to track medical conditions. Finally, all sources are rated the same and media files are not able to be sourced.

FamilyTree Maker Essentials 2009, RootsMagic 3.0, and Legacy Family Tree 7.0 are the most popular and the most user-friendly genealogy software programs currently available. Users cannot go wrong with either program.