Family Tree Software & Gedcoms

[PhoebesMum]

I am thinking of investing in tree making software but before I do there are a few questions I need answering (hopefully?)

I have 4 seperate family trees at the moment stored online and wish to "join" them up - does anyone know if any software out there is capable of doing this?  My trees involve 4 seperate families and do not have the same family members included if you understand me.

I am particularly interested in either FTM Platinum 2011 or Rootsmagic v4.

Also, I would like transport my "tree" via USB stick to show other family members, is this possible with either of these programs?

Here's hoping someone can provide an answer, thank you.

Michelle

[Springbok]

Hi Pheobesmum,

Welcome to Rootchat.

I can't answer your query ,but this link (on this board) will maybe give you some ideas.

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,158637.0.html

Bob has put the links to other peoples queries.

I see you have 4 separate trees , now you can put all the names into one file in any programme ,but of course without a Root name (such as yourself or other blood relation) they won't actually "link"

I have a number of separate families who are not related to each other but have a vague connection via myself /Husband /grandchildrens other ancestors, all on one file and separate files also for each tree

Equally you can also open many differant family files.

You can use any storage medium to show your family but they must have a Family Tree programme to open your GEDcom files

I'm sure you'll be able to find answers on this board

Spring

[PhoebesMum]

Thank you Spring for your quick response.  I will certainly check out the link you have provided.

[meles]

Usually you have to join them yourself, so that you can be sure you have linked the right people.

I suggest you download one tree at a time, then slowly go through them, merging people that are one and the same. And - most important! - save, save and save the existing tree, just in case you make a mistake. Learn from one who did not 

Not a task to be done when you are tired. 

Good luck.

meles

[KGarrad]

RootsMagiv4 allows you to generate a "software free" portable version of your tree, that you can copy to USB stick, DVD or any other suitable medium.

RootsMagic-to-go is what it's called

[PhoebesMum]

Thank you all so much for your valued input.  I was dreading having to spend many more months inputting data so that all I end up with is one big tree.

To Meles:  I only have one duplicated person to deal with on each tree, so I think I will have it easy 

And yes I will remember to save, before during and after.  I am so paranoid about losing info that I usually make a back up of a back up and store on hard drive, DVD, USB and another back up hard drive 

To KGarrad: Thanks for that.  I don't have the luxury of a laptop so I use "stix" a lot to transport data.

[meles]

I only have one duplicated person to deal with on each tree, so I think I will have it easy.

Good news! If you merge the fathers/husbands, the rest should follow.

meles

[KGarrad]

Even better news! RootsMagic 4 prompts you to save all open databases every time tou close the program!

Can you tell I'm a fan of RM4?! 

[esdel]

Legacy 5.0 is very good.
It allows you to "auto-merge" but advises you to SAVE your tree before you start and to do the merge (with its help) item by item - giving you the option to merge that one or not.
It also has a very useful split-screen mode - allowing you to COMPARE trees to see if they are partially-duplicate.

The tree prog "Generations" is free and simplest-of-all to use (helps fallible humans!)
I started with that, learned what things meant; then transferred to Legacy

best of luck
esdel