RootsMagic-My Genealogy Software Review
Do you have a computer program that works above and beyond for your genealogy needs? That’s what RootsMagic is for me and my genealogy business. RootsMagic is a genealogy software program for personal computers. There are many programs out there that people swear by, however, I love this one. Why? I’ll tell you my favorite features, then you can go check them out at their website here. So here are my five reasons why I like this program.
RootsMagic Reason 1
This program links up with Ancestry.com and Familysearch.org. This is a nice feature because you can directly see if Ancestry or FamilySearch has record hints for your ancestor. You can also merge your ancestor to your FamilySearch family tree so you don’t have to jump between two screens to merge someone. I know many other genealogy programs are probably doing this, but I still think it’s fun to see it in action.
Reason 2
They make amazing reports, pedigree charts, and family group sheets, etc. This feature is fun to use! You put your ancestor’s information in and RootsMagic fills in the pedigree charts or the family group sheets for you. How awesome is that! No more filling out paper pedigree charts unless you want to! The reports also look professional and you can customize it any way you need to.
Reason 3
You can color code different branches or however you want to customize it. I must admit this is a fun feature for me. I know that using too much color on your family tree can get confusing, but to see your different branches in different colors is so much fun to look at. You can get as complex or as simple as you want with this feature.
Reason 4
I’m able to easily see my family in pedigree format, family format, timeline format, etc. This feature is nice because sometimes you want to see your family in pedigree format and other times you want to see them in family group format. It depends on my mood when I want to use each format, but the option to see them however I want to at the time is a nice bonus.
RootsMagic Reason 5
The versatility of the program is also a plus. I can input my family information a variety of ways using the top menu bar or the coordinating pictures or the drop down menu. Adding sources is easy when you can use just notes or copy and pasting entire source entries into the program. I can insert pictures of my ancestors with their information. Once your family information is in the program, searching for an individual or family is very user friendly.
Of course, just as with any computer software, there are things that aren’t so great about it, but those are personal preferences and not a major problem in the software itself. It all depends on what you want the program to do for you.
This would also make a great Christmas or birthday gift for those who are looking for genealogy software or for those just starting out in genealogy. RootsMagic.com has tons of tutorials for those just starting out and it’s only a one time fee of $30.00.
So what genealogy software do you use and is it still working for you? If not, then give this a try and see how you like it. Who knows, you may be on to something…
Good luck and happy hunting!
Tiffany
P.S. Need more gift ideas? Check out my blog post here about other genealogy gifts. Also, sign up for my weekly email and you can get a free list of the websites that I use in my business. Subscribers get other tips and tricks of the trade as well as an inside peek into the life of a genealogist. As always, I’m here to help if you need me.
