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RootsMagic 3

Discontinued
Reviewed
February 2009
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RootsMagic 3

Pros
  • Easy to learn
  • Excellent printed reports
  • Excellent documentation
  • Can create shareable CDs, web pages
Cons
  • Search functions could stand improvement
  • Some users think interface is antiquated

Reviews say RootsMagic 3 is one of the best genealogical software programs for most PC users. RootsMagic is simple enough for a novice and has enough features that you probably won't outgrow it. As with most top programs, you can seamlessly import Genealogical Data Communications (Gedcom) files, and you can create web pages and shareable CDs. You can also designate some information as private, if want to keep some data confidential on sharable discs. Professional reviews say the search function could be better. Most user reviews are positive, but some complain about an outdated interface. A new version, RootsMagic 4 (*Est. $30), is now available.

We found the reviews at Family Tree Magazine the most helpful. Although the programs are not rated, the reviews are thorough. The ratings chart at TopTenReviews.com also offers a good basis for product comparison, even though the reviews don't appear to have changed from last year. A software test performed by Choice proves to be useful as well, though very dated. The individual reviews at About.com and Smart Computing are written by genealogical professionals. We found helpful user reviews at Amazon.com and GenSoftReviews.

     
 
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RootsMagic Family Tree Genealogy Software
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
  
 
 
 

Our Sources

1. Family Tree Magazine

This genealogy magazine doesn't rank software, but it provides thorough reviews of several popular programs. Both pros and cons are listed for each. RootsMagic is "easy to use," but online searches are "less sophisticated" than other programs'.

Review: RootsMagic3 for Windows Software Review, Rick Crume, April 2006

2. TopTenReviews.com

This review says Roots Magic is good for beginners, with an "intuitive interface and a simple navigation."

Review: RootsMagic 3, Editors of TopTenReviews.com

3. About.com

Kimberly Powell is a professional genealogist and About.com's genealogy guide. She ranks genealogy software based on "personal choice," giving RootsMagic the top spot and 4.5 out of five stars based on ease of use. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Review: Genealogy Software Reviews & Roundup 2007, Kimberly Powell, October 2007

4. Choice magazine

Choice editors test 11 genealogy software programs for ease of use, performance and their range of features. RootsMagic3 rates the highest for its easy-to-use features and its printed user manual.

Review: Test: Family Tree Software, Editors of Choice magazine, November 2006

5. Smart Computing

Kylee Dickey has reviewed two previous versions of RootsMagic, and they remain online. This review compares RootsMagic 3 with Personal Historian, and says "RootsMagic is one of the most advanced programs that is still easy to use."

Review: Back to the Future, Kylee Dickey, January 2006

6. Amazon.com

About 25 user reviews give RootsMagic 3 a very high average score. One reviewer claiming to have experience as a software designer says it's a bad interface, but the observation that there's no drag-and-drop is incorrect.

Review: RootsMagic Family Tree Genealogy Software, Contributors to Amazon.com

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