Family Tree Software

[jeanetta]

I'm sure this topic has been raised before, and I've looked through but can't find anything. My tree is on Ancestry and I've just cancelled my subscription. I know my tree will be ok on there but I'd like some software that's easy and manageable so that I can GEDCOM my tree over (I'm sure that's not grammatical!). What do other people use?

[llanyb]

To generate gedcom files, I use PAF - a free basic family tree maker from the familysearch site. Works ok and comes from a reliable site.

 

I find that none of these s/w packages lay out trees as I want them, so I just do my own layouts in a spreadsheet and use hyperlinks to move around and just use PAF if I need to produce gedcom format data.

[Le200]

The free version of Legacy is good (Thanks to Dave for that one)

http://www.legacyfamilytree.com/

The only issue I have is that it will only print 4 generations of the pedigree.. so if anyone knows of any freebie that will print more I would like to see it

---

I knew I had posted some links somewhere:

http://www.sthelens-connect.net/forums/index.php/topic/53965-free-genealogy-software/

[stephen nulty]

I've used Family Tree Maker for years and always thought it's the best

[Ramses]

I use an old free version of My Heritage's Family Tree Builder. I still use version 2.0.0.676 (about 3 years old) because when I upgraded to a later version I found it was less useful unless you want to pay for an online presence. With the old version the only limitation/drawback is that it very occasionally prompts you to upload your tree when you save. I just click no and have blocked it in my firewall because I don't want an online tree and I don't want to use their online matching facility, which from memory is biased towards USA users (my family is largely UK based).

 

The program is very clear and easy to use, with good image attachment facilities etc. It produces a number of very useful reports in pdf format (written from the perspective of any individual in the tree) and a full range of charts. The only practical limitation to the charts is my printer which only prints to A4. You can print over a number of pages however, or print to PDF, but very large charts aren't particularly easy to configure or really practical.

 

For large charts I use the free One Page Genealogy, probably the old version. This produces a large chart in pdf format from a gedcom file. You can then send off for the chart to be printed onto a large wall chart for a small fee if you want, but it is also useful as a pdf. I configure it to the smallest 4 point size Helvetica for best results on very large descendant charts and then use the pdf zoom to make the text large enough to read! The only critism I have is that it simplifies multiple marriages, so that all of the children from two marriages are shown together, but this is a minor quibble.

 

I also use PAF 5.2.18.0 which is very useful for splitting gedcom files, for example to select only those records in my tree who are directly related to a particular cousin. The resulting file can then be sent to a cousin, free of unrelated records, and used to produce customised pdf wallcharts to compliment the gedcom etc.

 

All of the above work well for me

[Le200]

One Page Genealogy and PAF are just what I was looking for to print the pedigree!

Thanks llanyb and Ramses

[jeanetta]

To generate gedcom files, I use PAF - a free basic family tree maker from the familysearch site. Works ok and comes from a reliable site.

 

Omg you all sound so advanced; I don't understand half of it!!! Thanks llanyb, I will go and look at the family search tree maker.

 

 

I find that none of these s/w packages lay out trees as I want them, so I just do my own layouts in a spreadsheet and use hyperlinks to move around and just use PAF if I need to produce gedcom format data.

 

This sounds too too complicated for a simple soul like me.

 

 

The free version of Legacy is good (Thanks to Dave for that one)

http://www.legacyfamilytree.com/

The only issue I have is that it will only print 4 generations of the pedigree.. so if anyone knows of any freebie that will print more I would like to see it

---

I knew I had posted some links somewhere:

http://www.sthelens-connect.net/forums/index.php/topic/53965-free-genealogy-software/

 

Thanks for this Le200 I will search for Legacy too and look through the old topic.

 

 

I've used Family Tree Maker for years and always thought it's the best

 

I am ashamed to admit that I had an old free version of Family Tree Maker, and put my Ancestry tree on it. My laptop then died, and I bought a new one, and can't find the disc, and can't access my old laptop. Lots of lessons to be learned I am afraid!

 

 

I use an old free version of My Heritage's Family Tree Builder. I still use version 2.0.0.676 (about 3 years old) because when I upgraded to a later version I found it was less useful unless you want to pay for an online presence. With the old version the only limitation/drawback is that it very occasionally prompts you to upload your tree when you save. I just click no and have blocked it in my firewall because I don't want an online tree and I don't want to use their online matching facility, which from memory is biased towards USA users (my family is largely UK based).

 

All of the above work well for me

 

Lots of info and advice - thanks. I need to slowly peruse and see if I get it. Technical life is a lot more complicated now, and it is changing every day - I can't keep up. I really don't want to admit that I'm past it though, so will def battle on.

 

Thanks for all this.

[jeanetta]

I have downloaded the free familysearch tree maker, thanks for the idea Llanyb. The problem I am having now is that it won't open - well it does but it is just pages of text. How do I open a ged file so it makes sense? I googled it but got quite anxious in case they were dodgy sites, and it gets very confusing.

 

I also looked at the one-page genealogy site Ramses. It looks good, and I will certainly order one once I get my tree sorted.

 

I wish all these good sites weren't American. One of my problems with Ancestry (apart from the cost) was being "divided by the same language" - grand uncle etc. And also that it doesn't recognise British place names, but there is always a Liverpool in US, and a Preston in some far flung country, etc.

 

So.. can anyone tell what software they use to open ged files?

 

Thanks for all your help.

 

Jeanetta

[Le200]

I image you need to open the software and then click on File> Open (Import), navigate to the Ged file and open it.

With Legacy you click File> Import From> GEDCOM File, navigate to the Ged and open it.

[jeanetta]

I image you need to open the software and then click on File> Open (Import), navigate to the Ged file and open it.

With Legacy you click File> Import From> GEDCOM File, navigate to the Ged and open it.

 

I uploaded gedcom in Ancestry, which worked. I then saved it, but it is almost gobblygook - just lists of data. When I rightclick on it and Open it, it says that Windows cannot open this , and says Windows wants to know what program to use, and if I want to search the internet. This is where I get confused - there are so many possible programs, and it doesn't mean a thing to me. I've had my fingers burnt in the past, when I got a virus. I have Norton anti-virus but I am still uncertain.

 

When I try to upload the gedcom when I am in familysearch PAF 5.2 it doesn't work. I am clearly doing something wrong somewhere.

[Le200]

You shouldn't right click the Ged to open it.

 

Go here and download Legacy:

http://www.legacyfamilytree.com/

When asked if you want to run or save the software make sure you save it to a place where you know how to find it.

Double Click the Legacy.exe file and run it to install the software.

It may ask part way through if you want to import a GEDCOM, click yes and follow the prompts.

If not, start the Legacy software after it has installed and click on File> Import From> GEDCOM File, navigate to the Ged and open/import it.

 

The Legacy software is very safe so there's no need to worry about viruses!

[jeanetta]

I now have got Legacy and need to get to grips with it, and play with it. Thanks for your help.