Family Tree Programs (find, database, charge, free)

[OhBeeHave]

I have an older cousin overseas who has been helpful navigating the nooks and crannies on the Irish/Scotch side of the family history. We're both on ancestry.com, but find it limiting with some of the more detailed info he has to share.

He asked the following of me and I do not have an answer for him. I told him I would ask the good people of the CD Genealogy page. Would anyone happen to be familiar with a such a program? I've copied/pasted what my cousin had written.

Have you found a program for recording your family tree that doesn't set a limit then makes charges. Is there something we can pay a one off over the counter then record limitless detail?

Thank you.

[bcgr]

I've gone through the trials of many, but the one I found to be the best is RootsMagic. I have some minor complaints, like the only way to see a reverse place order is to run a place list report. But overall it allows for a decent amount of customization and the source system is among the better ones of database programs. But always try the trials to see what seems best for you, but I doubt you nor I will ever find a perfect program.

[PA2UK]

I would recommend paying for software instead of using freeware - I've tried out a lot of free programs and most of them are terrible. MyHeritage.com has the best free software in my opinion and last time I checked, there were no limits on how many individuals you could input into the software BUT they did limit how much you could upload to their online tree.

I think if you're already using Ancestry.com for your online trees, the best option is to just buy Ancestry.com's software, Family Tree Maker. It syncs with your ACOM online tree so you don't have to worry about manually updating them. It's very convenient, has many more features than the online tree, and makes the most sense if you're already using ACOM.

[Aggiebuttercup]

I use Family Tree Maker, and I find it very easy. They do offer new versions every few years, but the old versions generally still work. The current version has plenty of room to store images of records, or photos or other images, and a large notes section for each individual where you can type freetext (transcriptions, etc). There's also a task list to remind you of what you wanted to focus on next.

[EnricoV]

My recommendation is always The Master Genealogist (TMG). I think it's the most robust, and the most flexible program out there. With that, comes a little more requirement for computing ability. I wouldn't recommend it for anyone new to computers.

I, personally, don't like Family Tree Maker. While they do have a notes section ... I prefer TMG's, where you can have an unlimited number of different notes sections.

On any kind of a record (called "tags" in TMG), you can add an unlimited amount of text, attach digital images, etc. It comes with certain pre-set "tags", but you can create any other tags you may need. For example, I have a deed tag. In that, I can record the full text of the deed. I have a "will" tag, where I can record the full text of the will, attaching all the beneficiaries, witnesses, etc., to that same record. And on each tag, you can modify the sentence structure so, if you are more diligent than I am about it, you can at any point, run a report and produce a well-written book.

Any of the better programs, you should be able to download a trial version, and check it out for yourself. Just like everything, people have different preferences and needs. You just need to find which one suits you the best.