Family tree/genealogy software - do you use it?

[Jill on the A272]

Darksecretz I have stuff on my offline tree that I don't want online so prefer to keep them separate.

[Darksecretz]

I had FTM 2005 which I found easy to use but it stopped working properly so I got FTM 2017 but don't really understand it so haven't looked at it for months. Thought I'd get Family Historian instead but don't really understand how it works either so have pretty much given up on both, I suppose I ought to persevere though I maintain my Ancestry tree and have a sub there & to Find My Past though began a FMP tree but find it too clunky to bother with.

Most of my research these days is on my local history project or will transcription and not on my own family tree except for the DNA stuff.

If you use FTM 2017 you can sync your Ancestry tree with each other, I have found that by far the easiest way of learning with FTM. It was a bit of a steep learning curve coming from 2005 to 2017 I will admit that I don't fully use it to its upmost but I use it to get me by. We did have some visual 'how tos' I think with 2017 in the reference library.

[CanyDome]

I've only used the Family Tree Builder so far. One of the most popular programs for compiling a family tree. It allows you to find new relatives using Smart Matches technology: their creators receive a notification when branches are crossed. Family Tree Builder also provides access to a map where you can mark the places where your ancestors come from. The project turns out to be colorful: studying the tree of life will be an exciting activity, even for small family members. Also, exposit.com promised to expand my knowledge in genealogy and share their experience and the software they used. So expect an updated comment from me soon.

[DenVinces]

I also used Gramps because it has a feature for creating interactive maps highlighting memorable places (for example, former places of residence or educational institutions).

[pinefamily]

Interesting to read what others use, and their thoughts and insights.
I used Reunion when it was available for PC's, then used the free version of Legacy for a while. Then I discovered Rootsmagic. Similar to Legacy, I found it great for generating reports and trees.
I used Tribalpages as an online place for my tree, but deleted it after a few years to concentrate on Rootsmagic. Have to admit to being a better researcher than recorder of information.

[Gardengirl]

I liked FTM when I first got it but the deeper I went with trying to uses sources, maps, publish and the websearch tab, the more problems, glitches and difficulties I encountered. I ended up spending more time on the help pages and the Live Chat support than actually doing any research so I have given up with it.

I hope the same thing doesn’t happen with Family Historian which so far I am finding much better and easier to use.

[TrevorFranklin]

Ive used FTM since 2007 (currently on FTM17) and really love it.
I cannot understand the complains about it, as there are many easy to follow videos showing how to use it.

[Gardengirl]

Just wanted to report that 10 days later and I am very happy with Family Historian. I have spent a LONG time on it because it's been too hot to play outside and have got quite a few of the basics under my belt. Still lots to learn but as said above, the user group have been helpful when I get out of my depth.

[GallowayLass]

Was just going to post about not needing to purchase before you join FHUG but Anne has beaten me to it

[Gardengirl]

Oh thanks, Anne, I must have misread something. Easily done when there is so much new information to take on board.

[Anne in Carlisle]

You don't need to have bought FH to join the FHUG forum. It is what it says ... a users' group, and not affiliated with FH commercially at all. I've seen lots of questions from people just like you who are working through some data with the trial version. I 'think' the only thing you can't do is us plug-ins on the trial version.
Anne

[Gardengirl]

I haven’t paid for it yet so I can read the forums but not post anything yet. There is certainly lots of good information on there.

[Rusty]

Well, no time like the present and they have a 30 day free trial so I have downloaded it and made a start. It all seemed a bit mind boggling at first but I read some help pages and watched some video tutorials and so far I'm very happy. I haven't tried any complicated stuff yet but decided to start rebuilding my husband's tree from scratch so I can learn the correct way to add sources, citations etc. I really like the automatic citation option and the 'witnesses' feature - although it is beyond me why they couldn't think of a better name for that than 'witnesses'! 'Others involved' or 'Others present' would have done just as well.

Anyway, very happy so far so thanks to the previous commenters on this thread for planting the seed of an idea. I think FTM might be redundant soon on my computer

You can add a new 'Role' to the standard list. Have you joined the FHUG? The links are from the 'Help' drop down menu, they're very knowledgeable and helpful.

[Gardengirl]

Brilliant! Thank you very much

[GallowayLass]

Here you go gardengirl and take a look at the plugins section as well. Some very interesting things in there - many additions written by users themselves to make tasks etc. better.
fhug = Family Historian Users Group. Free to join.

https://www.fhug.org.uk/wiki/doku.ph...ily_tree_maker

[GallowayLass]

Thanks for that, GL, I wouldn't have known about that. Where are the help files? Is it on their website or in the software?

I think it’s the website. Hang on till I go look.

[Gardengirl]

Good question! Not a clue what the answer is though

[cbcarolyn]

is the GEDCOM better from Ancestry if that is the 'same'? or is it in fact the same!

[Gardengirl]

Don’t forget to read the help files if you intend to import your old FTM tree as a gedcom into FH. Due to the way FTM handles certain things, you need to perform various actions on the FTM tree first before importing. As my current FTM is so full of errors that need fixing, it will be a long time yet before I will be at the import stage but I have downloaded the necessary help files ready for the big day.
I know I could just start all over again but there’s too many people with very full details to contemplate that. I’d lose the will to live if I started from scratch.

Thanks for that, GL, I wouldn't have known about that. Where are the help files? Is it on their website or in the software?

I started with my husband's tree because it is relatively small and manageable but I don't fancy starting my own tree from scratch ! By the time I have got his sorted I might feel comfortable enough to transfer mine via Gedcom. I've got a long way to go yet though before I'm ready for that.

[Anne in Carlisle]

I found it well worth working through the sample family so you cover different sorts of features.
Anne