RootsMagic
Desktop genealogy software with online hints and local tree control.
RootsMagic 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.
Why it stands out
- Keeps the primary tree file on the user’s computer instead of requiring a fully cloud-hosted tree.
- Combines offline editing with connections to several major genealogy platforms.
- One-time purchase model rather than an ongoing subscription for the software itself.
- Strong output options for sharing research, including reports, charts, books, websites, and USB copies.
- Includes supporting learning resources such as documentation, webinars, videos, and a user community.
Good to know
- The main RootsMagic product is desktop software for Windows and Mac, not a browser-only family tree service.
- Record hints and publishing connections depend on external genealogy services and their account/access rules.
- Personal Historian and Family Atlas are separate RootsMagic products rather than included core features.
Photos
Family historians who want a desktop-controlled family tree while still using major online genealogy services. Import an existing tree and continue organizing people, events, sources, notes, and media offline. Review record hints from partner genealogy sites without moving the master tree fully online. Create printable charts, books, reports, or a portable USB copy for relatives. Track supporting details such as photos, health information, and DNA matches alongside family relationships.
Windows and Mac genealogy database software; imports from existing trees and selected online services; hints and records from FamilySearch, Ancestry, MyHeritage, and Findmypast; duplicate cleanup and problem-checking tools; notes, sources, media, health details, and DNA-match tracking; 100+ reports and charts; book, website, USB, FamilySearch, and Ancestry publishing options.
Alternative listings
Free desktop genealogy software that keeps family data in GEDCOM.
Genealogy & family-history researchAncestris 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.
0 votesVisit siteFree shared family tree with source-backed profiles and DNA links.
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
- Family Tree Maker — mackiev.com/ftm
- Legacy Family Tree — legacyfamilytree.com
- Gramps — gramps-project.org
- MyHeritage — myheritage.com
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