Choosing Genealogy Software to Follow Your Ancestors
When you’re starting out in family history research, one of the first big decisions you’ll face is where and how to record your genealogy. Should you go digital? Stick with paper? Or maybe do a little of both?
This guide will walk you through some popular online platforms, desktop software, and paper options—along with tips for beginners on keeping your family tree accurate and organized.
This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Paper vs. Digital: Which is Right for You?
Paper records are timeless, tangible, and don’t require an internet connection. Many genealogists love the feel of working with pedigree charts, family group sheets, or binders filled with printed documents. If you enjoy the process of writing things out and keeping physical copies, this can be a comforting choice.
Digital records, on the other hand, offer searchability, backup options, and easier sharing with family members. With the right software or online account, you can link records, attach images, and run reports with just a few clicks.
Tip: Many genealogists use both—keeping a master copy digitally while printing certain reports or charts for reference and sharing.
Popular Online Family Tree Platforms
| Platform | Type of Tree | Cost | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ancestry | Private | $ | Largest online record collection, strong hints system |
| FamilySearch | Public | Free | Free records, collaborative world tree |
| MyHeritage | Private | $ | Global records, DNA tools |
| Storied | Private | $ | Story-focused tree building |
| WikiTree | Public | Free | Fully collaborative, strict sourcing guidelines |
Public trees—like those on FamilySearch or WikiTree—are shared, collaborative projects. Anyone can suggest or make changes, which can be helpful for filling in gaps but can also introduce errors if information is merged incorrectly.
Private trees—like those on Ancestry or MyHeritage—give you more control over edits and visibility, but they may require a paid subscription to unlock all features.
Desktop Genealogy Software
If you’d rather keep your master records offline, genealogy software can be a great choice. Most programs let you build detailed trees, create custom reports, and manage citations. Some even sync with online accounts so you can combine the best of both worlds.
Here are a few popular options:
- RootsMagic – Known for flexibility, robust source management, and integration with Ancestry and FamilySearch.
- Family Tree Maker – Longtime favorite with smooth integration to Ancestry.com.
- Family Historian – Strong charting and reporting tools.
- Reunion – Mac-only program with a loyal following.
- Family Tree Heritage Gold 16 – Integrates with FamilySearch and shows non-traditional couple relationships.
My personal favorites have been RootsMagic and Family Tree Maker. When I was focused on creating citations according to Evidence Explained standards, I found that I couldn’t make the software’s citation templates perfectly match the book’s recommended structure. That mismatch caused me frustration and is part of why I’ve taken a break from using them for now.
Why Use Genealogy Software?
- Structure: Consistent fields for names, dates, places, and searchability.
- Charts & Reports: Create pedigree charts, timelines, and more.
- Source Management: Keep citations neat and searchable.
- Offline Access: Work without an internet connection.
- Integration: Sync with online databases for easy record importing.
Final Thoughts for Beginners
If you’re just starting out:
- Pick a simple method you’ll actually use.
- Back up your work—whether on an external drive, cloud storage, or printed copies.
- Keep your own “master” tree (digital or paper) separate from collaborative online trees, so you always have your own verified version.
- Stay flexible—your needs may change as your research grows.
You don’t have to choose the “perfect” software on day one. Start with what feels manageable and enjoyable, and you can always expand or switch tools later.
