Reviewing Genealogy Database Software

So, what Genealogy Software should I use?  I currently have Family Tree Maker Mac3.  I have historically used ancestry.com primarily and sync with the Family Tree Maker when I have time.  With the Do-Over, I have the opportunity to change my ways. But do I want to?

Update: As my post ages, the links become outdated. I recommend you do a google search for “reviews of the best Genealogy Software (current year). 

 I already own Family Tree Maker (FTM) Mac and it’s met my needs, but I tended to do my work directly into ancestry.com and then synced to Family Tree Maker as I had time.  I like the reports you can obtain from FTM that you don’t get directly through ancestry.com.

Thomas provided the following two links for comparing software:

• Wikipedia.org (not sure how current this site is, so check the date the page was last updated at the bottom.
• Gensoftreviews.com – Has reviews from actual users

Thomas MacEntee from GenealogyBloggers, chose to use Family Tree Builder from MyHeritage, since he already has a MyHeritage subscription that he uses and likes. He says that MyHeritage is great for connecting with other European researchers and his German lines.  Hmmm, my fathers side of the family is all from Germany and it’s time for me to work on my German side (I think I’ve put this off long enough). I do have a lot of information that was recorded in two family books that were written in the early 1970’s, but they were not sourced.

So, I decided to sign up for a MyHeritage account and download their FREE Family Tree Builder software. MyHeritage is free also, but to take full advantage of what they have, you may want to sign up for their subscription.

My first look at the software is mixed.  It is very different than FTM, so there is going to be a bit of a learning curve. It does sync with MyHeritage online tree and as with ancestry.com it provides hints.

Although I’ll use MyHeritage account this year to get as much out of it as possible, I will most likely stick with FTM and ancestry.com for my preferred software, however, it may be too early to tell.

Like Thomas says, select one that is right for you.

I think that whatever you choose, it’s just a matter of getting familiar with the program.  Be sure to look at their data entry tips (see my article on data entry) to see the best way to format your data. However you choose to use your software, be consistent on how you enter data.