Genealogy is the study of families, family history, and the tracing of their lineages. Earlier, people who were interested in finding their roots invested huge amount of time going through endless registers.
The internet boom had opened up numerous possibilities in all fields and genealogy is no behind. Today, one is capable of studying their ancestry in a more convenient way, using their personal computers or even their smartphones.
Genealogy software aids us with all the facilities needed for finding our roots. It helps you in building your family tree. It also records relevant information about your ancestors including date, relationships, locations, etc.
One can store their photos as well as audio and video records along with the scanned documents related to their ancestors. It also provides the feature for printing ancestral charts and family trees to share among other people.
Today, there are innumerable applications online for tracking your family’s roots. This article brings you with the best five of them to make your work of finding your roots easier.
In an increasingly connected yet fragmented world, the quest to understand our roots is more relevant than ever. Genealogy, the study of families and their history, has become a fascinating field for many. With the advent of advanced genealogy tools and software, this age-old practice has not only become more accessible but also more accurate.
In this comprehensive, SEO-optimized article, we’ll dive into what genealogy tools are, what genealogy software is used for, the benefits of these tools, the root of the word ‘genealogy,’ and why it has gained immense popularity.
What is Genealogy Tools?
Genealogy tools refer to the various resources, software, and methodologies used in researching family history. These tools can range from online databases and records to DNA testing kits and family tree software. They aid in tracing lineages, understanding family structures, and even discovering long-lost relatives.
What is Genealogy Software Used For?
Genealogy software serves multiple purposes, making it an indispensable tool for both amateur and professional genealogists. Here’s what genealogy software is primarily used for:
- Organizing Information: It helps you collate and organize vast amounts of data related to family history.
- Mapping Family Trees: Many genealogy software allows you to create family trees, helping visualize relationships and ancestral lines.
- Data Analysis: Advanced software comes with analytical features that can help you decipher patterns, trends, or anomalies in your family history.
- Collaboration: Some platforms offer collaborative features, enabling family members to contribute information, thus making the exercise a collective endeavor.
4 Best Genealogy Tools
1.Family Tree Maker
Family tree maker [FTM] is currently the best tool to discover your family history. Its latest version comes with a special feature of FamilySync, that allows automatic synchronization of atmost three family trees. This is making it easier for different people to work together.
FTM lets you add a color as a code for particular ancestors, making it easier to track your research and updates. The program is able to connect with the two of the largest genealogy sites thus facilitating users to directly download records to their family tree.
It also provides helpful clues when you are stuck with your research. Its own website provides a digital guide for free to help in dealing with the features of program. FTM works on windows 7.0 and higher and macOS 10.9 and higher.
To count on it cons, it has limited number of charts and reports available. Moreover, now this application is under different company which has made new developments while downsizing the old considerations.
Nevertheless, FTM remains to be the most popular genealogy tools available. It is slightly costlier than other counterparts and doesn’t offer a free trial.
2. Legacy Family Tree
Legacy Family Tree is the award-winning genealogy software, offers some of amazing features like comparison between two people; displaying two records side by side making it easier to evaluate.
Best charts and reports; conversion of your family tree to a webpage with its built in support; adding color codes for better organization; online backup etc. It provides support to its users through forums and its own help center.
Legacy 9 works with many helpful sites like FamilySearch and GenealogyBank for aiding the users with additional information.it comes in two versions; the cost-free standard version and the paid deluxe version.
3. Family Historian 7
Though lesser known than others, it is an amazing genealogy tool. The ease of its usage makes it favorable for the newbies. Some of its remarkable features include. Smart tree option that helps you control the size of the tree; displaying family trees side by side for comparison; mapping tool; sharing your family tree with family etc.
Its charts do not have a background so they look quite dull. Also, the software does not process DNA results as of now. Its website is full of guides and tutorials for helping the novices. It is linked with the databases of FindMyPast and MyHeritage, thus helping its users to download records from these sites. It comes with a 30 -day free trial version.
4. RootsMagic 7
It is the best all- round genealogy tools available in the market. It has all the basics with some powerful add- ons. The software allows users to access multiple databases simultaneously.
Its rare RootsMagic Go- to feature helps the users to keep a portable version of the program on usb or hard drive. This flexible application makes the sharing of research results very easy.
The program runs on all versions of windows as well as on macOS 10.8 or higher. It also supports video guides and tutorials. It is connected with some great databases aiding its users to download records from there.
One can use the RootsMagic essentials 7 for free as long as they want which has all the basic features except the RootsMagic Go-to feature.
Benefits of Genealogy Tools
Credible Information
The primary benefit is the acquisition of accurate, credible information about one’s family history.
Psychological Well-being
Understanding your roots can give you a sense of identity and belonging, enhancing psychological well-being.
Medical History
Genealogical research can also unveil important details about hereditary medical conditions, allowing for proactive health management.
Cultural Heritage
These tools help you trace not just your ancestors but also their customs, traditions, and heritage.
What is the Root of Genealogy?
The word “genealogy” is derived from two Greek words: “genea,” meaning “generation” or “race,” and “logos,” meaning “study” or “knowledge.” Hence, genealogy essentially means the study of generations or the science of family.
Why is Genealogy Popular?
Technological Advances
With the advent of sophisticated tools and software, genealogy has become accessible to everyone, thereby increasing its popularity.
Globalization
As the world becomes more globalized, the desire to understand one’s roots is stronger than ever, driving interest in genealogy.
Cultural Resurgence
There’s a renewed interest in cultural preservation, making genealogy an attractive way to connect with one’s heritage.
Media Influence
Popular TV shows, documentaries, and films about genealogy have sparked public interest in tracing one’s lineage.
Conclusion
This article provides a brief about the best genealogy tools available in the market. Users can look into their specifications and then make an intelligent choice about the software which will suit them best.
Genealogy tools have transformed the field of family history research, making it more accurate and engaging than ever. These tools serve a variety of purposes, from data organization to family collaboration.
The benefits are multifold, affecting psychological well-being, medical preparedness, and cultural understanding.
Originating from the Greek words for ‘generation’ and ‘study,’ genealogy has surged in popularity due to technological advancements, globalization, and media influence. It’s not just a pastime but a way to connect, understand, and belong in a complex world.
