Best full-featured genealogy software
- Easier to use than previous version
- Excellent sourcing and printed reports
- Solid documentation
- Can create web pages and sharable CDs
- Search functions could stand improvement
- No Mac version
Reviewers call RootsMagic 4 one of the best genealogical programs for the PC. The latest version carries on the product's tradition of being simple enough for a novice to pick up, while having enough advanced features that it's tough to outgrow. The program, which underwent a serious overhaul, includes five main views plus a sidebar for navigation. Users can add unlimited numbers of facts for each person, source all pieces of information and import data from Genealogical Data Communication (GEDCOM) files. It also creates data CDs and publishes web pages. You can even run the program from a USB key, great for sharing the family tree when visiting relatives. It also supports DNA test results. Download.com editors are impressed with its sheer ease of use, noting their pleasure in never having to consult the help section of the software. Some users may be eligible for a free upgrade from version 3. First timers may want to try out RootsMagic Essentials (Free download) first, which lacks some of the more advanced features like web site creation.
In its thorough evaluation, Family Tree Magazine praises the app's ease of use and generous features. TopTenReviews.com gives RootsMagic 4 a 4-star overall rating plus a Bronze award. Download.com editors rate RootsMagic 4 highly in a rather brief review, praising the app's simple directions and excellent layout.
| RootsMagic Family Tree Genealogy Software | |
(43 reviews) In Stock. |
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Our Sources
1. Family Tree Magazine
Family Tree Magazine writer Rick Crume praises RootsMagic 4's source documentation, charts and reports, and ease of use. His detailed review calls RootsMagic 4 "probably the best all-around genealogy program," and says it offers a winning combination of features for both casual and serious genealogists.
Review: RootsMagic 4, Rick Crume, Jan. 19, 2010
2. TopTenReviews.com
TopTenReviews.com gives RootsMagic 4 an overall rating of 4 stars and the site's Bronze award. Reviewer Lecia Monsen says that while "product development is less aggressive" than Legacy and Family Tree Maker 2010, RootsMagic is a "solid program with a crisp interface" and is "good for beginners" thanks to its Home Page Wizard for web publishing.
Review: RootsMagic 4, Lecia Monsen
3. Download.com
Download.com editors only review RootsMagic 4 briefly but give it 4 stars and say the program has simple directions and an excellent layout. Editors are especially impressed with its intuitive interface.
Review: RootsMagic 4.0, Editors of Download.com, Oct. 2, 2009
4. About.com
Kimberly Powell doesn't do a full review of RootsMagic 4 but says she has been "putting various beta versions of RootsMagic 4 through their paces for some time and it's an impressive program." (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: RootsMagic 4, Kimberly Powell, March 27, 2009
5. Amazon.com
Amazon.com user reviews of RootsMagic 4 are very favorable and average 4.5 out of 5 stars. Users praise the program's citation and source capabilities as well as its intuitive interface. One user is dissatisfied with the program's family-tree display functions and overall usability.
Review: RootsMagic Family Tree Genealogy Software, Contributors to Amazon.com
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3 picks including: About.com, Family Tree Magazine…
2 picks by top review sites.
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