Family tree software is a program for building, storing, and sharing a genealogical chart of your relatives, and the best choice for you depends on your skill level, budget, and whether you prefer working online or offline. These tools let you record names, dates, and relationships, attach photos and documents, and often sync with major genealogy websites like Ancestry or FamilySearch.
What Family Tree Software Actually Does
At its core, the software replaces a paper pedigree chart or a spreadsheet. You enter a person, add their parents, spouse, and children, and the program draws the connections automatically. Most programs also store sources—census records, birth certificates, marriage licenses—so you can prove each fact you add.
Modern programs go further. They can calculate relationships (like “third cousin twice removed”), detect duplicate entries, and generate reports such as ancestor charts, family group sheets, and timelines. Many also handle DNA data: you can import raw DNA results from testing companies and link matches to people in your tree.
The two main formats are desktop programs (installed on your computer) and web-based programs (accessed through a browser). Some hybrid tools offer both a desktop app and a synchronized online version.
How the Software Works: GEDCOM and File Formats
The key to moving your family tree between programs is GEDCOM (Genealogical Data Communication), a plain-text file format developed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the 1980s. Almost every genealogy program can export and import GEDCOM files, which contain names, dates, places, relationships, and notes in a standardized structure.
However, GEDCOM has known limitations. It handles non-binary genders poorly, struggles with complex family structures like adoption and surrogacy, and does not store images or source documents well (it links to them rather than embedding them). Newer programs are moving toward a proposed replacement called GEDCOM X, but GEDCOM 5.5.5 remains the standard.
When you export a GEDCOM, you get a single file with a .ged extension. You can then import it into any other program. This is how people switch from one software to another without losing decades of work.
Online vs. Desktop: Which Is Right for You?
This is the first major decision. Online programs like Ancestry, MyHeritage, and FamilySearch store your tree on their servers. You can access it from any device, collaborate with relatives, and receive hints from their record collections. The catch is that your data lives on a company’s server, and some services require a subscription to view records or use advanced features.
FamilySearch is free and nonprofit, but its tree is a single shared tree—everyone edits the same records, which can lead to disagreements. Ancestry and MyHeritage give you a private tree but charge for subscriptions to access their historical record databases.
Desktop programs like RootsMagic, Legacy Family Tree, and Family Tree Maker store everything locally. You own your data completely, and there is no subscription fee. The downside is that you must manage backups yourself, and you lose the convenience of automatic record hints from large websites. Many serious genealogists use a desktop program as their master database and upload a copy to a website for collaboration.
Key Features to Look For
Not all programs are equal. Before choosing, consider which features matter most to your research style.
- Source citation support: The program should let you attach a source to each fact and format it in a standard style like Evidence Explained. This is essential for serious research.
- Charting and reports: Look for customizable pedigree charts, descendant charts, and fan charts. Some programs produce book-ready reports.
- Media storage: You want to attach photos, scanned documents, and audio recordings to individuals and events.
- Mapping: Some programs plot birth, marriage, and death locations on a map, which helps spot migration patterns.
- DNA integration: If you have taken a DNA test, check whether the software can import your raw data and link matches to your tree.
- Mobile apps: Many programs offer companion apps for iOS and Android, useful for recording data at a relative’s house or a library.
- Backup and sync: Cloud sync protects against computer failure, but read the privacy terms to understand who can access your data.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
The most frequent mistake beginners make is copying entire trees from other users without verifying the sources. This spreads errors. Always check the original record before adding a fact to your tree.
Another issue is the “one-person-many-spellings” problem. Census records may list a surname as Smith, Smyth, or Smithe. Good software lets you record alternate names and search for them, but you must be diligent about entering them.
Duplicate entries are also common when you merge data from multiple sources. Most programs have a “merge” tool that compares two people and lets you choose which facts to keep. Review each suggestion carefully—automatic merging can combine two different people with the same name.
Finally, beware of the “shaky leaf” hints on sites like Ancestry. These are algorithmic suggestions, not verified facts. They are a starting point, not a conclusion.
Costs: Free, One-Time, and Subscription
Prices vary widely. FamilySearch is completely free. Gramps is a powerful open-source desktop program that is also free, though it has a steeper learning curve. Ancestry offers a free basic tree, but accessing most records requires a paid membership that can cost hundreds of dollars per year. MyHeritage has a freemium model with paid subscription tiers.
Desktop programs typically cost between $30 and $100 for a perpetual license. RootsMagic and Legacy Family Tree are in this range. Family Tree Maker, now published by Software MacKiev, costs around $80 and includes a companion mobile app.
Some programs offer a free trial or a limited free version. Try two or three before committing. The best program is the one you will actually use consistently.
How to Choose the Right Program
Start by asking yourself three questions: Where do you want to access your tree? Do you plan to subscribe to a record website? How much time are you willing to spend learning software?
If you are a beginner and already have an Ancestry subscription, using their tree is the easiest path. If you want full control and no subscription, start with a desktop program like RootsMagic. If you want collaboration with living relatives, choose an online platform with good sharing tools.
Consider your long-term goal. If you hope to publish a family history book, desktop programs with strong report generators are better. If you want to connect with distant cousins, online trees make that easier. Many experienced genealogists run a desktop program as their master file and periodically upload a GEDCOM to a website for collaboration.
Privacy and Data Safety
Your family tree contains sensitive information about living people. Most reputable programs let you mark individuals as “living” and restrict their details from public view. On shared online trees, living people are typically hidden from other users by default.
Before uploading a tree to any website, read the terms of service. Some sites claim a license to use and display your uploaded content. You usually retain ownership, but the site may use your data to improve its services. If you are uncomfortable with that, keep your master tree on your own computer.
Back up your data regularly. Desktop programs can export a GEDCOM file, but they also have native backup formats that preserve media and notes. Store backups on an external drive and in cloud storage. A good rule is to back up after every major research session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move my tree from Ancestry to another program? Yes. Ancestry allows you to export a GEDCOM file of your tree, though you must do this from a web browser, not the mobile app. The export will include names, dates, places, and notes, but not the attached records or photos. You can then import that GEDCOM into RootsMagic, Family Tree Maker, or any other program.
Is FamilySearch really free? Yes, FamilySearch is free to use, including its record collections and tree-building tools. It is run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The catch is that its tree is a single shared tree, meaning you are editing the same records that everyone else sees. Some users prefer this for collaboration; others find it frustrating when someone changes their ancestors’ information.
What is the best free family tree software? For a desktop program, Gramps is the most full-featured free option, though it has a learning curve. For online, FamilySearch is the best free choice if you agree with the shared-tree model. Ancestry and MyHeritage offer free tree-hosting, but you will need a paid subscription to access most records.
Do I need DNA testing to use family tree software? No. DNA testing is optional. Many people build complete trees using only paper records. However, if you have taken a DNA test, some programs let you link your DNA matches to your tree, which can help confirm relationships and break through brick walls.
How do I back up my family tree? Most programs have a built-in backup feature that creates a single file containing your tree, media, and notes. You can also export a GEDCOM file as a universal backup. Store at least one copy offsite, such as in cloud storage or on a drive kept at a relative’s house.
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