#Microsoft family tree builder for free#
#Microsoft family tree builder software#

Verdict: Family Tree Maker remains one of the best family history software programs thanks to its clever balance of combining powerful features with a user-friendly interface.

TreeVault online services would appear to be unnecessary for most users.

Despite improvements, the image-editing tools still lag behind the rest of the program.

Wide range of charting and reporting tools, all easy to use and customise.

Best in class for integrating with online trees.

Simple to use, but offers a comprehensive suite of features.

#Microsoft family tree builder for free#

This costs an extra £20 per year, but you can road-test it for free for 12 months to see if you find it useful. MacKiev has also launched TreeVault, a collection of cloud services for backup and integration with other apps. You can keep your tree in sync with both sites, which gives you access to your tree on the go using either FamilySearch or Ancestry’s mobile apps (both free). Its integrated tools make it easy to find and merge records from both databases, while its Web Clipper tool means you can add records from just about any other site as well. Online and mobile integration FTM led the way with linking to records held on family history websites, and since it was acquired by MacKiev it has added support for FamilySearch too. Once you’ve managed this, you can then set up individual street addresses, and use the map to place markers and generate exact geocoordinates for your relatives’ specific locations. The tools encourage you to standardise your places using search tools to help track down the correct naming convention.

Mapping tools Although they’re no longer setting the benchmark for other family history software developers to follow, FTM’s mapping tools remain effective in addition to easy to use. One highlight is Smart Stories, which encourages you to write your own reports while making it easy to insert elements of a person’s life from your research into the text, which you’re then free to edit or rewrite. They’re easy to use, but also extremely customisable, and you’re able to make changes and see their effects in real time instead of having to regenerate the chart or report. You can now also select a primary photo for a person, then choose a headshot from it to use as a thumbnail, improving the overall look of your tree.Ĭharts and reports FTM’s Publish tool contains a wide range of charting and reporting options, along with tools for writing and publishing your own books. Media management This is traditionally a weak point in Family Tree Maker, but recent improvements have included a Photo Darkroom tool that’s designed to improve pictures that have faded with age. As a result, it’s easy to see where you are and navigate around the family history software. Each manages to lay out its key elements over just one or two tabs without overcomplicating the screen. User interface Family Tree Maker’s (FTM’s) user interface splits itself into seven clearly labelled sections, including Plan, People, Places and Publish. See our separate review of Family Tree Maker 2019