Desperately Seeking Genealogy Software: A Guide to Finding Your Perfect Match

Hard-working family historian ISO compatible genealogy software program. Must be budget-friendly and able to format source citations. Willingness to communicate with online family tree and multiple mobile devices a plus. Please respond ASAP with preferred import formats.

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do: Dump Your Old Software

It started when you took that trip to an out-of-town library, and your genealogy software refused to speak to any of your mobile devices.

You began arguing over the need for a better system of source citations, but your stubborn software would not cooperate.

And when you begged for the ability to sync with your online family tree, your software program just said “no.”

You were really happy together for a while, enjoying late-night sessions of collecting ancestors and printing pedigree charts. It seemed like a match made in heaven. But now… you’ve evolved as a genealogist, and you want more.

It’s time to face the truth: you and your genealogy software program have simply grown apart.

If this sounds like your current relationship, then it is time for you to let go. And while there are no personal ads or matchmaking apps to assist you, the following tips will help guide you on the road to finding your perfect genealogy software match.

Once Burned, Twice Shy: Why You Need Genealogy Software

Finding a new relationship is hard work. And maybe you’re thinking that you really don’t need a genealogy software program. After all, there are plenty of places to build your tree online, and many of them are free. Some even do the heavy lifting for you by taking the “search” out of “research.” So do you really need to get out there and find a new genealogy software program?

The simple answer is YES.

Online family trees are a great place to get started as a new genealogist, or for leaving breadcrumbs for potential cousins to pick up. However, online family trees are not the ideal place for long-term storage of your precious family history research. These relationships are fickle, at best, and heart-breaking, at worst.

What’s mine is yours: Some online family trees are open to editing, which means another user could change, add, or delete your information. These “one world trees” definitely have value, and could potentially provide you with clues or sources that you might be missing. On the other hand, you may not appreciate logging in one day to find your great-grandmother’s profile has been completely rewritten by someone with whom you have never communicated.

Change of heart: The powers-that-be who own a website could alter the terms of service with little or no warning. What you thought was your own private tree may suddenly become public. Sources you thought were safely attached to your ancestors could simply disappear. Or a free website could suddenly implement a membership fee, requiring you to pay for access to your own research – or worse, giving others free rein over your hard work if you choose not to pay (e.g., Geni.com).

These things can – and do – happen. Online family trees are great to have as “friends with benefits,” but it is never a good idea to be exclusive with one. Whether you are a seasoned genealogist or brand-new to family history, you should always safeguard your research by keeping a copy at home.

As my mother used to say, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

Express Yourself: Which Features Are Most Important?

Before beginning the search for a new genealogy software program, take the time to assess your needs and determine which features are most important to you:

• Hardware and O/S: Are you a PC or a Mac person? Is your computer running the most current operating system, or have you stayed true to an older version? If you are a Mac user, do you mind using an emulator, or would you prefer something native? Check to see in what format(s) your potential software match is available so your relationship will run smoothly right from the get-go.
• Cost: Are you a big spender or a cheap date? Most of the popular programs are very affordable, and there are even a few good freeware programs. Determine how much you want to spend before seeking a new software relationship.
• Ease of Use: Do you prefer instant attraction or are you willing to spend time getting to know your new genealogy software? Some programs are easy to use right out of the box, while others require a step-by-step read of the manual… and possibly a few hours of YouTube demonstrations. Don’t overlook the frustration factor: think about how much quality time you want to spend learning to use your software.
• Import/Export: Which types of files can your potential software import? GEDCOM is the industry standard, but some programs can also handle direct imports from Personal Ancestral File (PAF), Family Tree Maker, and other software programs. Avoid irritation by learning how your new software will handle an import from your ex.
• Communication Skills: Do you want to talk to your genealogy software on your mobile device(s)? If so, you will want a program that has an app for that. Look for one that will store your database “in the cloud” (usually via Dropbox or Google Drive) making it possible for you to access your information across multiple devices.
• Get In Sync: If you have already invested heaps of time building your family tree online, you may want to look for a program with “tree sync” ability. Several popular programs are FamilySearch Certified and can communicate directly with your FamilySearch family tree, while others may interface with Ancestry.com and other tree-building websites. Avoid reinventing the wheel by looking for a match with this special talent.
• Share-ability: Most genealogy programs can create wall charts, narrative reports, and websites, and some will even format your information so it is ready to publish as a book. Sharing is caring: consider how you will want to share your research with family members or set out as “cousin bait.”
• Source Citations: How easy is it to add sources to your potential new genealogy software? Many of the popular programs not only offer templates based on the Evidence Explained model but also give you space to freestyle your own if you prefer. You know you need them, so decide which sourcing system will work best for you before you make a commitment.
• Does It Speak Your Language: Depending on where your research may roam, you might need to use special characters in order to correctly document names and locations. Find out if the program has an international version, or at minimum, has easy access to the Unicode table of special characters.
• Support System: What sort of customer support does the company provide? If they have a social media presence – such as a Facebook page or Twitter account – check to see how quickly they respond to customer inquiries. Questions that go unanswered for days – or weeks! – make it unlikely that the company has a dedicated and active support system. You may need a helping hand in the future; a company that wants you to be successful with its product will stay connected to customers with timely responses.

You Better Shop Around: Do Your Research

Now that you have decided which features are important to you, it is time to start the search for your match.

Surf the ‘net: Do an Internet search for “genealogy software comparison” and read the reviews from different websites, magazines, and blogs. GenSoftReviews, for example, is dedicated to collecting the opinions of people who actually use genealogy software programs. Some reviewers may receive compensation for their recommendations (which they are required under law to disclose) so be sure to take that under advisement.

Get references: Start a conversation with your genealogy friends and family members to find out which software programs they use, and you are likely to get an earful of likes, dislikes, and everything in between! But don’t underestimate the value of word-of-mouth. Your friends and family will tell you things that even the most unbiased reviewers will not. Plus, they know you, and will (probably) tell you if they think you will find a particular program inadequate for your needs or too difficult to use.

Window shop: Visit the websites of genealogy software programs that interest you and read the lists of features. You may not find one program that meets all of your needs, but chances are good that you will find one that checks off most of your boxes. Be sure to take note of how often the software is updated, and whether or not these updates are included as part of your purchase. Typically, updates to the same version (such as 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, etc.) will be provided free of charge, but upgrades to a new version will not.

You’re the One That I Want: Try Before You Buy

Once you have selected a candidate, it is time for your first date. Many of the popular genealogy software programs offer a trial version, so download a copy and take it for a test drive. Import a GEDCOM, or see if it handles a direct import from your current software. Try out the source templates. Add media. Print a few reports. Keep in mind that some trial and/or freeware versions may not include all features of the paid version, so be sure to take that into consideration.

It is perfectly acceptable to try out more than one program at a time, but be careful to avoid personality conflicts by keeping the databases for each program in their separate corners.

When the trial period has ended, you will most likely receive an invitation to purchase the full version. But before you do, ask yourself a few final questions. Did the software meet all – or most – of your needs? Can you live without any features it does not have? Is this a good match for you?

If any of your answers are “no,” then you may want to take out a few more trial versions before you jump into anything permanent.

However, if your answers are “yes,” then congratulations: you are ready to make a commitment!

Wrap Up

Like choosing a partner in life, selecting a genealogy software program can be a very personal decision. After all, you will be spending plenty of time together, as well as sharing your most intimate research information. You need to feel comfortable knowing that your software is reliable, trustworthy, and will take care of your needs.

These suggestions may seem like a lot of effort, but in the long run, they should save you from a future of disappointment and frustration. By focusing on the features that matter to you, reading reviews, talking to friends, and testing a trial version, you can feel confident that you have made a commitment to your perfect genealogy software match.

Here’s to many blissful hours of research together!

A version of this article first appeared in the Federation of Genealogical Societies FORUM magazine (Summer 2017); reprinted with permission.

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