Ancestris
Free desktop genealogy software that keeps family data in GEDCOM.
Ancestris is a free genealogy application for building and maintaining family trees on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It emphasizes user-controlled data by storing research in GEDCOM files rather than tying it to a paid service or proprietary database. The software includes tools for editing, visualizing, analyzing, merging, and publishing genealogy work.
Why it stands out
- Uses GEDCOM as the primary data format, reducing lock-in when changing software later.
- Free software with no stated limits on people, families, documents, or separate trees.
- Cross-platform desktop support across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Developed by genealogists over many years, with a volunteer user community for help.
- Includes analysis and cleanup tools beyond basic tree entry, such as duplicate detection and merge functions.
Good to know
- Requires installing desktop software; it is not presented as a hosted web or mobile app.
- The daily version is intended for newer functionality, while the stable version is the safer choice for regular work.
- The page describes tree-management software, not an online historical-record database or DNA matching service.
Under the radar: If your main tree is important, use the stable release for everyday editing and keep the daily version separate for testing newer features before trusting them with your primary GEDCOM file.
Photos
Genealogists who want a no-cost desktop family-tree manager with portable GEDCOM-based data. Clean up or continue an existing GEDCOM file from another genealogy program. Build multiple family trees without individual or document limits. Analyze a tree with maps, timelines, statistics, source management, and duplicate detection. Use community support to troubleshoot imports, edits, or research workflows.
GEDCOM-centered family-tree management; classic and advanced editors; dynamic tree views; geographic and chronological views; place lists; source and media handling; statistical reports; Sosa-Daboville numbering; merge tools; duplicate detection; stable and daily-update versions for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Technical Notes
- Ancestris stores genealogy data in GEDCOM files, a structured genealogy format designed for exchange with other genealogy software.
Alternative listings
Desktop genealogy software with online hints and local tree control.
Genealogy & family-history researchRootsMagic is genealogy software for Windows and Mac that lets users build, edit, and manage a family tree on their own computer. It connects with services such as FamilySearch, Ancestry, MyHeritage, and Findmypast for hints and imports, while also offering reports, charts, books, websites, and selective publishing options.
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Genealogy & family-history researchWikiTree is a collaborative genealogy site where members build one shared family tree rather than separate private trees. Profiles are intended to be supported by reliable sources, with community discussion, relationship tools, and DNA-linked connections helping users verify and extend family lines.
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Similar sites elsewhere
- Gramps — gramps-project.org
- RootsMagic — rootsmagic.com
- Legacy Family Tree — legacyfamilytree.com
- Family Tree Maker — mackiev.com/ftm
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