Store and Share

One of the primary uses for genealogy software is to store information. Of course each software program stores information differently so you’ll want to decide in advance how you want to organize your data. You can also use genealogy software to share information. Some genealogy software enables you to connect with others to share your data. This is useful if you’ve embraced a team approach to uncovering your family tree. For example, you might use this function to send the information you’ve found to others for verification. Although it’s a step up from offline genealogy software, the OneGreatFamily database is great example of the power of data sharing. OneGreatFamily continually looks for additional information and relatives for every one of your ancestors at the same time and your family tree will actually continue to grow automatically as people from over 170 countries submit new names.

Organize and Analyze
You can also use genealogy software to aid in your research. The best genealogy programs provide you with comprehensive reports and charts so you can organize and see the progress of your ancestry research. Some genealogy software takes it to the next level and will help you analyze the information you have. You can look for patterns in your data and also inconsistencies that require attention.

Family Tree Charts
Using genealogy software you will be able to produce ancestry charts showing a person’s direct-line ancestors, so that you know exactly how far back a line goes. Ancestor narrative reports show a specific person and follows that person’s lineage like a story. This is a great way to share your research with family members and friends. You can also draw a family tree chart to show an entire families including husband, wife and children.

Genealogy software programs include lots of easy-to-use tools that will help you organize your research. Organizational tools link people together based on relationships, merge individuals into family trees, help spot conflicting data and locate duplicate entries. This software will also aid in your search for both individuals and entire families.

Having a system to organize, document and even produce published materials can make your genealogy research and project much easier and more satisfying. The best genealogy software programs can help you with the entire process. Of course, before you purchase genealogy software make sure it meets all your needs.

Finding ancestors so that you can draw a family tree is only part of the process. The further back you go, the more complex your family tree charts become, so staying organised and having simple methods for tracing your family tree lines is essential. Traditionally, genealogists had no choice but to fill in a blank family tree on paper, with pen in hand. This can be a tedious task to all but the most dedicated genealogy researchers. Now, with the onset of the digital revolution, tracing your family tree using genealogy software and genealogy research websites is by far the most popular and enjoyable way make your own family tree.

Making a family tree online
There are a dozens of genealogy websites around (the more well known ones include OneGreatFamily, Ancestry, Archives, World Vital Records). The features and tools vary from one site to the next. Many genealogy websites offer the tools for basic ancestry research for free or a very small fee, but if you want to make your job really easy and take advantage of the more powerful features of these genealogy programs you’ll have to spend a little more.

The best ancestry websites are those that combine the all of features you need and offer access to an enormous database of ancestry research, minimizing the amount of outside research that you need to do. You’ll find that you’re able to track down many more distant relatives if your ancestry research is hosted on an internet-based genealogy database, where a global audience of genealogy researchers can find you. For example, a distant relative may find you and be able to add a huge branch of their own on your family tree website. One of the best genealogy search sites is OneGreatFamily, which has a sharing function that combines your ancestry research with other members from all over the world, so that your family tree charts grow automatically if there is a connection with genealogy research from someone else.

Connect and Share
Some of the other great features you will find in good genealogy websites are forums for discussion and help, areas to post pictures, and chat rooms you can congregate in for an instant online family tree reunion. Online family tree software will also simplify the process of storing and displaying your information and sharing the treasure you’re creating with other family members. Genealogy websites also allow other keen genealogists in your family to work on the family tree on their own schedule. You can plan events, keep in touch, and share memories and stories with all of your family in one central gathering place. Members can log in and participate or keep in touch from wherever they happen to be in the world.

Of course, you can still do a great job using offline genealogy software, but it’s certainly worth considering the various options you have for more advanced ancestry research and family tree charts that will speed up the process and often deliver much better results.

The best genealogy software for you
When considering purchasing software to create your family tree, you want to invest in a product that has all of the features you need, as well as being good value for money. Choose genealogy programs that organize, store and retrieve family history information in formats that suit your research needs. For example, some genealogy programs will let you produce reports and books. If this is something you’d like or need then make sure to narrow your search to only include these items. Since there are so many genealogy software options, it’s important to determine your needs before making a purchase.

Here are some considerations:

• How do you want to store your information?
• Do you want to be able to scan photos and documents or do you want to simply record information in a spreadsheet type program?
• What do you want to do with your genealogy information?
• Are you going to keep it on the computer or are you hoping to create an elaborate family tree to hang on your wall or give as gifts?
• Do you plan or have a need to share your research online?
• Are you looking for an end product – How much do you want to spend on genealogy software?
• How much time do you want to spend learning how to use your genealogy software – How intuitive is the navigation and use interface?
• Can the information can be downloaded to use in other programs?

What to look for in Genealogy Software
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a professional or hobby genealogist, using the right genealogy software program will make a huge difference in the satisfaction and information you will get from your research. Here’s what you should be looking for:

Is it easy to use?
Make sure the program you choose is well organised and easy to navigate. The best genealogy software programs are very user-friendly, so even beginner computer users won’t get overwhelmed. The software should be also be straightforward to install and setup on your computer.

What features are available?
At the very least, choose genealogy software that has searching capabilities and internet access, allow you to research and organize your family tree, can produce reports and charts, and offers multiple formats for storing and analyzing data.

Is there good documentation and support?
The genealogy software developer should provide ample help in the form of FAQs, email and phone support, online course and product tutorials so anyone can learn to use the program and conveniently access customer support.

More information on the best genealogy software:

Legacy

Family Tree Maker