Rootsmagic Genealogy Software

Rootsmagic genealogy software is the evolution of Family Origins (Formalsoft) and the brainchild of programmer Bruce Buzbee. I personally moved to Family Origins back in 1999 after trying various genealogy software options and have stuck with the product to the current Rootsmagic version 4.

Rootsmagic V4 is the latest release of the software and a complete rewrite from the ground up of a clean, easy to use, well established and popular platform. Although Rootsmagic is arguably one of the leading genealogy packages available the complete rewrite has introduced some small problems which are still to be worked out and corrected. By posting a clear description of some of these problems here I would hope to help bring these to a close so that Bruce & team can move onto further development of my favourite genealogy program. Some of the issues highlighted below are intermingled with my personal opinions on where various features could be further enhanced.

• Various problems surrounding the new Place Details field.
• The Rootsmagic People View.
• Problem using the "+ Click to add father feature" 
• Duplicate Search Merge problem when starting with surname
• A small problem with the Problem List

Unlike many genealogy software packages Rootsmagic has a very active forum for discussion, issues and wish list items for future upgrades. The main driving force behind Rootsmagic, Bruce Buzbee, is active on this forum and frequently interacts with users regarding wishes and problems.

If you are new to genealogy and trying to make a software choice I would advise making your choice carefully as all programs are not completely compatible with each other in the way they store additional information. I have tried most of the offerings out there and still do from time to time and Rootsmagic still remains my software of choice for ease of use and feature set. See the Rootsmagic Blog regarding the new features in RM4 and see Bruce on the short video from YouTube below.  

On November 18 2009 Rootsmagic launched Rootsmagic Essentials which is a detuned version of the award winning Rootsmagic software for those new to genealogy allowing them to dip their toes in the water of computer genealogy and start compiling their family histories without any expense.

“RootsMagic Essentials” Brings Free Tools for Family History
"SPRINGVILLE, Utah. — November 18, 2009 — RootsMagic, Inc. announced the immediate availability of RootsMagic Essentials, free desktop genealogy software based on their award-winning RootsMagic 4 system.  RootsMagic Essentials contains many core features found in its namesake that allow the public to easily start tracing their family trees."

Free and Available Now
RootsMagic Essentials is available now for free at http://www.rootsmagic.com.  Users of other genealogy software products will find it easy to experiment with RootsMagic Essentials using their own data.  RootsMagic Essentials can directly import data from PAF, Family Tree Maker (through 2006), Family Origins, and Legacy Family Tree.  It can also read and write data using the popular GEDCOM format. 

And below a further video released by Rootsmagic from Mike Booth.

To View an Introductory video on Rootsmagic Version 4 click here

I hope you have found these pages helpful and that they may have helped you make an informed decision regarding what software you choose to compile your valuable genealogy research. Also remember to search YouTube and Google for other reviews and opinions on the subject.

Happy hunting