What is RootsMagic Family Tree Software?

RootsMagic Family Tree Software is an award-winning genealogy tool designed to help users discover, organize, and share their family history. It caters to both beginners and experienced genealogists, offering a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of building a family tree. With its robust features, RootsMagic allows users to connect with past generations, document their lineage, and create a lasting legacy for future generations.

Features

RootsMagic boasts a plethora of features that make it a versatile tool for genealogical research. Here are some of its key features:

1. Family Tree Building

• Intuitive Interface: The software provides an easy-to-navigate interface that allows users to construct their family trees effortlessly.
• Multiple Views: Users can view their family tree in various formats, including pedigree charts, family group sheets, and descendant charts.
• Drag and Drop Functionality: Adding and rearranging family members is made simple with drag-and-drop capabilities.

2. Research Tools

• Source Management: RootsMagic allows users to document their sources, ensuring that all information is backed by credible references.
• Research Logs: Users can keep track of their research activities and findings, making it easier to organize their genealogical journey.
• Web Hints: The software provides hints and suggestions from online databases, helping users discover new information about their ancestors.

3. Multimedia Integration

• Photo and Document Uploads: Users can upload photos, documents, and other media files to enrich their family trees.
• Media Organization: The software helps users categorize and manage their multimedia files effectively.

4. Sharing and Collaboration

• Reports and Charts: RootsMagic enables users to generate various reports and charts to share with family members or for personal records.
• Family History Books: Users can compile their family history into a publishable book format, complete with narratives and images.
• Online Sharing: The software allows users to share their family trees online with relatives or the public, promoting collaboration and engagement.

5. Personal Historian Integration

• Life Story Writing: RootsMagic integrates with Personal Historian, a tool designed to help users write personal histories and life stories.
• Guided Writing Prompts: The software provides prompts and guidance to make writing personal histories more manageable.

6. Mapping Capabilities

• Family Atlas Integration: Users can map their family history using Family Atlas, tracing ancestors' migrations and significant family events on personalized maps.
• Data Import: Family data can be imported directly from RootsMagic to create detailed maps.

Use Cases

RootsMagic Family Tree Software is suitable for various users and scenarios, including:

1. Family Historians

Individuals interested in documenting their family history can utilize RootsMagic to create comprehensive family trees, record stories, and preserve memories for future generations.

2. Genealogy Researchers

Both amateur and professional genealogists can benefit from the software’s research tools, source management, and web hints, making it easier to uncover new information about ancestors.

3. Personal Historians

Users who want to write their life stories or the stories of their loved ones can leverage the Personal Historian integration to break down the writing process into manageable tasks.

4. Educators and Students

Teachers and students studying genealogy or family history can use RootsMagic as a teaching tool to explore their ancestry and understand historical contexts.

5. Family Reunions

Families planning reunions can use RootsMagic to prepare family trees, organize family histories, and create engaging presentations or materials for attendees.

Pricing

RootsMagic offers a range of pricing options to cater to different user needs:

1. Free Trial

• Free Version: Users can try RootsMagic for free, allowing them to explore its features before committing to a purchase.

2. One-Time Purchase

• RootsMagic 10: The software is available for a one-time purchase, providing users with a lifetime license. This option is ideal for those who prefer to own the software outright without ongoing subscription fees.

3. Upgrades

• Discounted Upgrades: Existing users can upgrade to the latest version of RootsMagic at a discounted rate, ensuring they have access to the newest features and improvements.

Comparison with Other Tools

When comparing RootsMagic with other genealogy software, several unique selling points stand out:

1. User-Friendly Design

RootsMagic is known for its intuitive interface, making it accessible for beginners. Many competing tools can be overwhelming due to complex navigation and features.

2. Comprehensive Features

RootsMagic combines family tree building, research tools, multimedia integration, and personal history writing in one package, whereas some other tools may focus on only one aspect of genealogy.

3. One-Time Purchase Model

Unlike many genealogy tools that require ongoing subscriptions, RootsMagic offers a one-time purchase option, making it a cost-effective choice for users who prefer to avoid recurring fees.

4. Personal Historian Integration

The integration with Personal Historian sets RootsMagic apart from many competitors, providing users with a unique way to document life stories alongside their family trees.

5. Mapping Capabilities

RootsMagic’s collaboration with Family Atlas allows users to create personalized maps of their family history, which is a feature not commonly found in other genealogy software.

FAQ

1. Is RootsMagic suitable for beginners?

Yes, RootsMagic is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible for beginners while still offering advanced features for experienced genealogists.

2. Can I use RootsMagic on multiple devices?

RootsMagic is primarily a desktop application. However, users can export their family tree data to share with others or access it on different devices.

3. Does RootsMagic support online research?

Yes, RootsMagic includes web hints that provide suggestions from online databases, helping users discover new information about their ancestors.

4. What types of reports can I generate with RootsMagic?

Users can generate a variety of reports, including family group sheets, pedigree charts, and family history narratives, making it easy to share information with family members.

5. Can I import data from other genealogy software?

Yes, RootsMagic allows users to import data from various genealogy software, making it easier to transition from other tools.

6. Is there customer support available?

RootsMagic offers customer support through various channels, including email and an online knowledge base, ensuring users can get assistance when needed.

7. What platforms does RootsMagic support?

RootsMagic is available for Windows and macOS, providing flexibility for users on different operating systems.

8. Can I publish my family history book directly from RootsMagic?

Yes, users can compile their family history into a publishable format directly within RootsMagic, complete with narratives and images.

In conclusion, RootsMagic Family Tree Software is a powerful and versatile tool for anyone interested in genealogy. With its comprehensive features, user-friendly design, and unique integrations, it stands out as an excellent choice for building and sharing family histories. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced genealogist, RootsMagic offers the tools you need to connect with your past and create a legacy for the future.