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zqbobs

macrumors member
Original poster
Mar 10, 2009
75
21
Just looking for recommendations for the latest/best ancestry database apps that can produce genealogical trees. I know Ancestry.com is out there, but I want something that runs locally on a Mac, independent of online services.
 
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I have been a long time user of the MacFamilyTree series (Current version 11) and have found it to have many robust features. Published by Synium Software. It also integrates with FamilySearch which I have found to be helpful tracing ancestors. MacFamilyTree resides on your Mac and you can collaborate with others. Collaboration works best if they have the product also, but if they have an iCloud account, you can provide them a way to input data. Available on the App Store and you can find out more on the Synium site. Highly recommend it.
 
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MacFamilyTree is the best Mac software for genealogists. Over the years, Synium have kept adding features - this is great but seriously confusing when you start out. If you just want to produce a tree, it may be overkill.

Have a look at some of these apps https://machow2.com/best-family-tree-software-mac/. Most have been around for many years and have strong followings.

I find the religious background of some of the apps off putting. Best of luck if you have any non-traditional family relationships - as an extreme example, I have completely failed to produce a tree for Greek gods and goddesses.
 
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I used RootsMagic 9 on Windows, but haven't tried the Mac version yet. One thing I liked about it is that you can download entire trees from Ancestry, not just the gedcom file. This includes photos, etc., which saved me many hours of work building my own tree based off of a relative's Ancestry account. To me this was a major plus of RM.

Edit: I should add, though, that RM doesn’t have any current apps for iOS or iPadOS.
 
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I used RootsMagic 9 on Windows, but haven't tried the Mac version yet. One thing I liked about it is that you can download entire trees from Ancestry, not just the gedcom file. This includes photos, etc., which saved me many hours of work building my own tree based off of a relative's Ancestry account. To me this was a major plus of RM.
I use Family Tree Maker 2019 for Mac. Still works fine for me.
 
We've been using Reunion for our family tree for ages, and have no plan to switch any time soon, we're too deeply invested at this point, and too set in our ways to learn anything new... ;)

Now, if I'd have to choose (another) app today, I'd probably gone for MacFamilyTree, because it looks more modern, but I'm not sure it's better. :)
 
I recommend Reunion for Mac. It has been around for about since 1988 as is only for Macs
their support is tremendous. Currently on version 14.
Its intuitive and a powerful app


They also have a companiun App (Reunion Touch) for iPads & iPhones

They have a web store here; LeisterPro Web Store

Give it a try.

Alan
 
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I have the MacFamilyTree as well (older versions). Both on mac and the iPad. It is easier to edit and add individuals on the mac, but the iPad version is very convenient to bring with you, and show family and relatives.

And I like the option to add a photo and see the person in the family tree. There is also data points like source, if you have that and want it included. I added links to public national archives, to easily find and check the data, whenever it is needed. Otherwise I might forget where I got the data, and have to search all over again.

I disabled the online check, some time after I started using the app. But it was interesting at first
 
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