Choosing the Right Family Tree Software
Your family tree software is your research headquarters — the place where you store names and dates, attach source documents, track relationships, and build the narrative of your family's history. Choosing the right tool matters. The wrong one can make your data hard to access, difficult to share, or even at risk of being lost.
This guide compares the main options across three categories: online platforms, desktop software, and mobile apps.
Online Family Tree Platforms
Ancestry.com
Ancestry is the largest genealogy platform in the world by user count, and its family tree tool reflects that scale. Trees are stored in the cloud, making them accessible from anywhere. The platform's standout feature is the ability to attach records directly from Ancestry's vast database to individuals in your tree.
- Strengths: Massive record database integration, DNA match linking, hints system, photo storage, wide family connections
- Weaknesses: Subscription required for records access; tree is hosted on Ancestry's servers (export regularly as a backup); can encourage copying unverified trees
- Best for: Researchers who plan to use Ancestry's record collections heavily
FamilySearch
Run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, FamilySearch is entirely free — including its family tree platform. It operates as a shared, collaborative tree where all users contribute to one unified tree for humanity.
- Strengths: Free, massive record collections (also free), excellent for international research, strong community collaboration
- Weaknesses: Shared tree model means others can edit your entries; requires active monitoring; not ideal for researchers who want a private tree
- Best for: Budget-conscious researchers and those with international ancestry
MyHeritage
MyHeritage has strong European record collections and a solid family tree builder, making it particularly useful for researchers with ancestry in Europe, Israel, and Latin America.
- Strengths: Strong European records, DNA testing integration, Smart Matches across other users' trees
- Weaknesses: Free tier has limitations on tree size; interface can feel cluttered
- Best for: Those with European ancestry or researchers wanting DNA + records in one place
Desktop Family Tree Software
Legacy Family Tree
Legacy Family Tree is a well-established Windows desktop application with a free standard edition and a paid deluxe version. It stores data locally on your computer, giving you full control over your information.
- Strengths: Powerful reporting tools, detailed sourcing system, large user community, GEDCOM export/import support
- Weaknesses: Windows only; interface feels dated; requires manual cloud backup
- Best for: Windows users who prefer local data control and detailed source citation
Gramps (Free & Open Source)
Gramps is a free, open-source genealogy application available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It's highly customizable and respected by serious researchers for its flexibility and data integrity.
- Strengths: Completely free, cross-platform, extensive reporting, no vendor lock-in, active development community
- Weaknesses: Steeper learning curve; less intuitive for beginners; no built-in record database
- Best for: Tech-comfortable users who want full control and a free tool with no strings attached
Comparison at a Glance
| Tool | Cost | Platform | Records Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ancestry | Subscription | Web | Yes (subscription) | Record-heavy research |
| FamilySearch | Free | Web | Yes (free) | International, budget research |
| MyHeritage | Free / Paid | Web | Partial free | European ancestry |
| Legacy Family Tree | Free / Paid | Windows | No | Detailed local research |
| Gramps | Free | Win/Mac/Linux | No | Tech users, full control |
Key Principles for Any Platform You Choose
- Always export a GEDCOM backup regularly — don't rely solely on a company's servers
- Cite every source as you enter data, not later
- Don't copy unverified trees — treat them as leads, not facts
- Use multiple platforms if needed — many researchers maintain a local desktop file and an online tree simultaneously
The "best" software is ultimately the one you'll actually use consistently. Start with FamilySearch if cost is a concern, or Ancestry if you want record integration from day one. You can always migrate your data later using GEDCOM export.