Genealogy software
We can create a family tree or pedigree with the appropriate software. Most software are designed for Windows. However, there are also software for Apple Mac, IOs and Android users.
The choice is not easy. However, you should always keep on your mind:
- The software should be easy to set up and use.
- The software should enable your language.
How should the family tree look like?
All roads lead to Rome.
The horizontal arrangement = the oldest ancestors are at the top and the descendants are at the bottom.
The vertical arrangement = the oldest ancestors are on the left and the descendants on the right.
The hourglass = the central point is our grandfather and from him follow the ancestors above and the descendants below.
The circle = At the core is our oldest ancestor and on the outside are the descendants.
We can design the family tree in any way you like. We can limit our family tree to any number of generations, like three generations. The second option is just a line pedigree. In most cases, however, all relatives are shown, like the largest family tree.
I have tested numerous programs for you. The list was created in 2021. However, the developers are constantly bringing updates to the market. Have you discovered new software or have you discovered something new in the existing software, please help me to keep the list up to date. Write me your opinion and suggestions.
In the program Oh these years (original Ah ta leta), Slovenia 1, in the section Oh this Internet (original Ah ta splet), the historian DR. Rajmund Lampreht presented various genealogical programs. He highlighted the Smart Match function as particularly helpful.
There were also three guests on the show: psychologist, theologian, family and marriage therapist Dr. Christian Gostečnik, economist, computer scientist and genealogist Peter Hawlina and noble man Franz Lazarini.
The show was directed by Nina Cijan and Helena Pirc.
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word is great for anyone who likes to write. We can create biographies of individuals, write down stories, etc.
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The software can be found on almost every PC with Windows.
- Could be better
The software is part of the Microsoft Office package and is not free.
We can’t draw a family tree.
Microsoft Power Point
The software is primarily designed for presentations. The graphic My Family Tree is available for download.
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Simple and clear.
- Could be better
We need to buy Microsoft Office.
We can only create a family tree with four generations.
Brother`s Keeper
The software is widespread in the English-speaking world and there is also a German version. The software is simple and clearly structured.
The software is not free, but the trial period is not limited. However, if you enjoy the software, please buy the software, and thus support the developer. The purchase price is only $45.
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Simple and clear.
We can make a big family tree.
- Could be better
The family tree is shown with simple strokes and looks rustic.
MyHeritage Family Tree Builder
The software is user-friendly and allows the input of numerous data. The software is free. The data is synchronized and stored externally on the company servers.
In the premium version there is still Smart Match. Smart Match searches other users’ family trees and shows us people with the same data.
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User friendly.
Easy to handle.
Multi language.
Various display options.
- Could be better
The data is stored externally and displayed to third parties through Smart Match.
Smart Match searches for people with the same first and last names. The proposed person may or may not be the same.
Agelong Tree
The software is user-friendly and offers numerous functions. The large profile pictures of people are very positive.
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Clear view.
Very large profile pictures.
- Could be better
Chargeable.
Trial limited to 40 people.
Ahnenblatt
A German software. Simple and structured. The children are not automatically displayed according to their age, but according to the input. Very helpful function if you want to represent the last child in the middle. The family tree is displayed in a structured way.
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User friendly.
- Could be better
For Windows users only.
Chargeable.
Trial version allows the entry of a maximum of 50 people.
Background images are partially protected with watermarks in the trial version.
Ancestral Quest
The software is constantly being developed and in 2022 the XVI. Generation. A success that the users also appreciate. The software is great and offers numerous functions. I must mention three special features: Home Print, Smart search and Family Book. Home Print allows you to print family trees on your printer at home. Smart search scans the internet for people listed in our family tree. Family Book creates a family book.
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Numerous functions.
Homeprint.
Family Book.
- Could be better
Basic version is free.
Smart search may suggest wrong person.
Ancestris
Among the numerous functions we must highlight the map view. In the map view we get a geographical overview. The web book is also a great function. With the Web Book we can create a digital family book.
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For free.
Map view.
- Could be better
Web Book could be better.
Family Historian
The software is user-friendly and allows the input of numerous information. Very many family tree options. It offers the creation of family reports with the index of all persons. The software also offers a map view.
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Creation of large family trees.
Family report with index of persons.
Map view.
- Could be better
Trial limited to 30 days.
Family Tree Maker
The software offers more than just creating family trees. The first feature that will delight us is the Hints feature. Hints searches for data in the Mormon database and shows us matches. Profile pictures are automatically cropped by the software to be the same size. Did you make a mistake and save shortly after? No problem, with the Turn Back Time function you can call up the saved version before the error. With the TreeVault Cloud Services feature, you can store your data in the clouds. Even if the PC comes in, your data is stored securely. AlbumWALK creates a photo album with all family members.
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Turn back time.
TreeVault Cloud Services.
Album WALK.
- Could be better
Hints is useless for most Europeans.
Hints and TreeVault provide access to the external family tree.
Chargeable.
GEDitCOM II
The software is suitable for all Apple fans. We can create a family tree and family report. In the family record, Genealogy Book, we can also add media files. With the Genealogy Web Side feature, we can create a web page about our family.
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Numerous solutions.
Genealogy Book.
Genealogy Web Side.
- Could be better
Only for PCs with MacOS.
Chargeable.
Genbox Family History
We can add a note to each person. We can print the family tree at home on the printer. The family tree is created flexibly, and we can intervene afterwards. Individual people can be coloured in order to get a better overview. We can create a family report.
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Very flexible.
Numerous functions.
- Could be better
Chargeable.
GenealogyJ
A simple software for personal use. Offers everything a normal consumer needs. Visually, the software is not up to date and therefore looks rustic, but it serves its purpose.
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Very easy to set up.
For free.
- Could be better
Appearance is behind the competition.
GenoPro
The software is great for creating family trees. The developers have also integrated special functions that will particularly delight those who deal with health. Medical Record enables the creation of a health record. Infection tracking allows early detection of a disease, but only works with a DNA test. Criminal History will delight all CSI fans. The function allows the creation of criminal files. With Picture Mode we can create a family tree with only photos.
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Picture Mode.
Genealogy is coupled with health.
- Could be better
Chargeable.
Infection tracking requires a DNA test.
Gramps
Numerous functions, among other things, we can make references. We can integrate media files and the software offers a map view. We can represent the family tree in different ways, like the circular shape.
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Allows attribution.
New ways of displaying the family tree.
- Could be better
Circular shape is unsuitable for large family trees.
Heredis
The software is connected to numerous American databases and, with the help of Person Match, shows us people with the same names. We can create the family tree in different forms. We can create a family book and family site. The software works on all devices, even on mobile phones, whether Android or iOS.
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Works on all devices.
Numerous functions.
- Could be better
Chargeable.
The trial is limited to 50 people.
Kith and Kin Pro
The software is equipped with all the functions you need. Visually, the software is not up to date.
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Simple and user friendly.
The family tree is very clear.
- Could be better
Visually out of date.
Legacy Family Tree
The software is connected to numerous American databases and, with the help of Person Match, shows us people with the same names. We can create a hashtag for each person, allowing our ancestors to find other users. We can make lists, like Marriage List, Chronological List, etc.
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The software is free.
Creation of lists.
We can customize the view.
- Could be better
Person match is not 100%.
MacFamily Tree
The software offers numerous functions. Numerous possibilities to display the family tree. We can create a family report, map view and statistics. Photos can be edited, touched up and even coloured.
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There are numerous wallpapers to choose from.
Family report.
Map view.
Create statistics.
- Could be better
Chargeable.
For Apple devices only.
Reunion
User friendly. Allows the creation of large family trees. Developed for cell phones and mobile devices.
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Creation of 99 generations, so about 2500 years.
Reminder function, like Birthday of relatives.
- Could be better
For iOS devices only.
Trial limited to 50 people.
RootsMagic
Includes all modern features. Allows creation of family trees and integration of multimedia files. Connected to the American databases and allows Person Match.
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Person match.
Export files to Word or Excel.
Very nice designed.
- Could be better
Chargeable.
Person Match can show wrong person.
The Master Genealogist
Development has stopped and the software is no longer updated.
Personal Ancestral File
Development has stopped and the software is no longer updated.
AI Artificial Intelligence
Can artificial intelligence be used for genealogy research?
These and similar questions come up again and again and today I would like to present you with a few examples of how AI can be used for genealogy research.
Chat GPT
ou can ask the artificial intelligence various questions about genealogy, e.g. b.
Where can you get data about ancestors?
Which websites can you use for genealogy research?
What historical events occurred when my ancestors lived?
How to create a pedigree
What software or program to use for genealogy research
AI can give you helpful answers to these questions.
Chat GPT is partly chargeable.
There are plenty of alternatives to Chat GPT: ChatSonic, Google Bard, YouChat, Copilot, Perplexity AI, Jasper Chat, Open AI, Microsoft Bing, Poe, Claude, Neva AI, Neuroflash, Replika, Writesonic, Code Whisper, Chat Genie, Hugging Chat , Elsa Speak, Bloom etc.
Using artificial intelligence to process data.
AI can be used specifically to process larger amounts of data. However, for a layperson and amateur researcher, AI is not worth it. The amount of data is simply too small. Genealogical websites such as However, some companies, such as MyHeritage, Ancestry, Geni Roots, Gramps and FamilySearch, which have millions of people and family trees in their databases, already use AI to process the data and photos.
Create a family tree with AI.
There is now software that creates a family tree using AI. The user must enter the data and define the shape of the family tree.
Taskade
Taskade offers various AI solutions. You can create the background. Creating names, etc. But let’s get back to the topic. You can configure and create a family tree with Promps. The more data we enter, the better the family tree will match our expectations.
Appy pie
Appy Pie offers already created themes. This means that a large part of the work is done for the user. Nevertheless, you can give free rein to your creativity and create a family tree with your own prompts.
Ancestry
Ancestry has taken a different approach. As soon as you enter your ancestry details, the AI immediately creates answers linked to the general story. The AI provides information about who was the ruler, emperor, king, or president at the time. What the state looked like back then and much more.