If you are researching your family tree online or have a lot of documents you need to keep organized, a good genealogy software is essential. However, not everyone can afford to pay top dollar for software, especially if you are researching your family history as a hobby. There are some great free genealogy software downloads available, but which one do you pick?
Free Genealogy Software for Windows
Gramps is a free genealogy software available for online download. It offers most of the standard features that you need such as individuals lists, shows relationships, family groups, charts, geography, sources and citations, and ability to add media. all versions from Windows Vista/7 and later are supported.
Legacy Family Tree Standard offers a standard edition of their software. In the standard version, you get family view, pedigree view, to do lists and a research log, can bookmark individuals, free tips and support, and source your information. You can also add photos and video, though you cannot add PDF files unless you purchase the deluxe version. If it the publishing center you want to use in this software, the standard version allows you to print some of the blank forms, but for more in depth reports, you will need to purchase the deluxe software.
RootsMagic Essentials software is the core elements of RootsMagic without all of the bells and whistles. It offers the basics such as family view, pedigree view, media, sourcing, and reports. Like with other free versions of genealogy software, there are limited functions that require purchase of the deluxe version if you require these functions. RootsMagic Essentials runs under Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, and 2000.
Free Genealogy Software for Mac
Gramps is a free genealogy software (listed above as available for Windows) that is also available for Mac OSX. Gramps offers all of the standards needed in a good genealogy software such as individuals lists, family groups, sourcing and media uploads.
Legacy Family Tree Standard is a windows program but can be run on Mac though there may be a few issues. Check here to see if your Mac meets the requirements to run the Legacy Family Tree software.
RootsMagic Essentials as mentioned above is the core elements of RootsMagic without all of the bells and whistles. It is also available for Mac OS X.
Free Genealogy Software for iPad
RootsMagic offers a family tree viewer for iPad and is a companion product to RootMagic’s computer software. To use this app, you must link it to your iTunes or Dropbox account to sync your files to your device. The RootMagic app isn’t for altering or inputting your information, but for viewing what you have already input on your computer. The app is free and is compatible with iPhone and iPad.
Want more information about taking your genealogy with you? Check out our post Apps for Genealogy on the Go.
Genealogy Charting Software Free
A lot of genealogy software already has charting software attached, the trick is if it is included in the free version or the paid. RootsMagic Essentials offer a long list of charting options as does Legacy Family Tree Standard and Gramps.
Absolutely Free Genealogy Software
Of all the genealogy software mentioned above, it seems that Gramps is the only software that does not have a paid version, making it absolutely free. You can use Legacy Family Tree Standard and RootsMagic Essentials free, but with limited features, where as Gramps gives you full access to all of the features they offer.
No matter what software you use, it is important to remember to use what works for you. Enjoy the journey and happy searching!
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