The family tree building software you use is a very personal choice. Like all the choices we make as we take this genealogical journey, it is based on a dozen personal factors: what kind of OS do you use, what online research tool you use, what is the end-game for all your research (book, blog, narrative, etc.). It's one of those who, what, where, why, when things. I use Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org and Wikitree for most of my on-line research and use Family Tree Builder for my tree-building sofware. This was the best choice for me. In order for those of you who are interested in this software tool to make an informed decision, I have outlined some of your choices below and supplied links to some very good online resources.
Let's start with some free stuff. Gizmo did a blogpost at the beginning of the month entitled, Best Free Genealogy or Family Tree Software. The four they review are:
Family Tree Maker is one of the most widely used, especially by Ancestry.com subscribers. It is an Ancestry.com product, syncs seamlessly with Ancestry.com and is well-supported. It is not free, but is reasonably priced - based on your needs. The Essential package is about $30; the Deluxe runs from $45 to $55 and the Platinum costs between $80 and $110 (depending on where you purchase and what kind of deal you can get). There is a wide range of packages and prices.
Top10 Reviews has done a very nice comparison of:
- Legacy Family Tree;
- Family Tree Maker;
- Family Tree Heritage;
- Ancestral Quest;
- Family Historian;
- Brother's Keeper;
- Heredis;
- WinFamily; and
- DoroTree.
They have included prices, reviews and links to the sites. Nicely laid out and easy to follow. I have always found it helpful to read what other people have to say about something before I make a decision.
Wikipedia has done a fabulous job of working up a Comparison of Genealogy Software which I found to be very comprehensive and informative. The link will bring you to the site where you will find four, color-coded, easy to follow, spreadsheets - General Information; General Features; Genealogical Features; and Languages. Very well done.
Of course, you can always "Google" or "Bing" family tree building software and you will be amazed at the options.
Hope you find this helpful - get out there and build your tree!
-- submitted by Denise Doyon
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