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General => Technical Help => Family History Programs, Tree Organisation, Presentation => Topic started by: iian on Thursday 14 January 10 21:35 GMT (UK)

Title: Family tree charts
Post by: iian on Thursday 14 January 10 21:35 GMT (UK)
Hi
i have had some success researching my ancestors over the last few years and other than building my tree on the ancestry site haven't yet found a good method of storing the information.

I know there are lots of good computer programs that are recommended, but i don't enjoy computers much and would like to draw up my own charts.

Just wondered if anyone can offer any advice about how i should go about doing this.

Thanks

Ian
Title: Re: Family tree charts
Post by: Plummiegirl on Thursday 14 January 10 22:22 GMT (UK)
I too would like this information.  Have Rootsmagic & cannot produce just a plain tree in part or wholly.

I often produce my own mini-trees for my own files using microsoft excel, but have to put the lines in myself!

Would love just a plain old simple, just enter names & dates style tree programme, no added extras or frills.

What programme do they use on Heir Hunters for the basic trees they produce.
Title: Re: Family tree charts
Post by: aghadowey on Thursday 14 January 10 23:20 GMT (UK)
I use Word for typing out family information but when I want a 'tree' printed out (rather than drawing by hand) I use programme called GenoPro which I got free on disk with a family tree magazine (this is basic version which I'm perfectly happy with but there's pay version which doesn't give advertising pop-ups at start).
Title: Re: Family tree charts
Post by: danuslave on Thursday 14 January 10 23:26 GMT (UK)
There are several FH programs that you can download free from the internet.  I use Legacy 7.0 deluxe and I am very happy with it. 

www.legacyfamilytree.com

Their standard version is free and there is lots of informtion about the various features

Linda
Title: Re: Family tree charts
Post by: Barbsie on Friday 15 January 10 12:10 GMT (UK)
On microsoft office webpages there are templates of family tree charts to download.
Title: Re: Family tree charts
Post by: aghadowey on Friday 15 January 10 12:52 GMT (UK)
Should have added that I like GenoPro because I can move boxes around, show unconnected people on the same page and also put in whatever details I wish (by ignoring set labels and just typing details I want to appear on tree).
Title: Re: Family tree charts
Post by: Plummiegirl on Friday 15 January 10 13:29 GMT (UK)
TA - will give them all a look :D
Title: Re: Family tree charts
Post by: FraserandFraser on Tuesday 16 February 10 18:14 GMT (UK)
Fraser's use family tree maker and have done for a few different versions we currently use 2005,I have looked at more recent versions and think that there are a step backward, we have about 50 copies of the program all brought in 3 batches ( I had some strange questions when I first ordered 30 odd copies and warnings about reselling them) you cant buy multiple licences of the program so have to buy a full program each time.

we first used version 2 then 5 and then 2005, the "base tree" we use has had the format changed over time to add the boxes we want and display how we want it to.

To me it is the most basic and simple program to use. It can also cope with the continuous paper we use to print trees on. I now find it harder to find printers though.
Title: Re: Family tree charts
Post by: Plummiegirl on Tuesday 16 February 10 21:14 GMT (UK)
Thanks to both Peter & Neil for your advice.

I am currently using Rootsmagic (I even bought the book to find out how it really works) Oh boy is this a complex programme, nothing in it is simple and you cannot print just a basic tree, lots of money spent & not really what I need.

Will there be another new series later this year or are you only doing 1 per year.  Suffering withdrawal symptoms already!!
Title: Re: Family tree charts
Post by: kooky on Wednesday 17 February 10 09:06 GMT (UK)
Barbsie, how do I get to the templates you mention in microsoft web pages?
Simple one step instructions please! Assume no previous knowledge ::)
Kooky
Title: Re: Family tree charts
Post by: FraserandFraser on Wednesday 17 February 10 09:18 GMT (UK)
HH5 is due to be filmed after Easter for TX around August, 25 programs at the moment but plans change a lot in TV world.
Title: Re: Family tree charts
Post by: jc26red on Wednesday 17 February 10 15:33 GMT (UK)
Plummiegirl,
I've been using rootsmagic for years and you can adapt and fiddle with the tree print format very easily.  I took copies over to Ireland last may and had several people in the archives and GRO ask me how I printed them.

I agree with F&F though, the older programs are better than the newer versions. Don't know what the developers do with them but their fiddling is annoying and no real improvement.

A "cheap" printer to print continuous sheets would be wonderful, I had a very old printer that would do it once - before I started FH and had no need for that facility  :(  even if I still had it, I doubt if there are current drivers for it.
Title: Re: Family tree charts
Post by: FraserandFraser on Wednesday 17 February 10 15:51 GMT (UK)
most new printers will work with old drivers you just have to fiddle around for a while to find the correct one.

however it is very hard to find printers that use continues paper
Title: Re: Family tree charts
Post by: leighton on Thursday 18 February 10 16:59 GMT (UK)
Kooky

I think Barbsie means this site

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/CT101443491033.aspx?stt=1

leighton
Title: Re: Family tree charts
Post by: kooky on Thursday 18 February 10 18:03 GMT (UK)
Thank you Leighton!
Kooky

I think I will revert to pencil and ruler. My great gr parents had 10 children!
Title: Re: Family tree charts
Post by: PaulStaffs on Friday 19 February 10 20:58 GMT (UK)
Can I suggest this program:

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,438885.0.html

It's strong point is an interactive zoomable, configureable, printable tree!

Paul