Genealogy Programs for the Macintosh

Macintosh users can feel smug about using the best operating system available today. The OS X operating system is easy to use, very reliable, and doesn't "get in the way" with all sorts of pop-up messages. In short, "it just works."

However, one major disadvantage of the Mac is that it doesn't have as many genealogy programs to choose from as does the Windows operating system. Or does it? I would contend that Macintosh has MORE genealogy programs available than does Windows.

There are four well-known genealogy programs well-known genealogy programs written for the Macintosh:

Reunion by Leister Productions appears to be the most popular Macintosh genealogy program in North America. It works on both Intel and PowerPC Macs. It will also export data to an iPod so that you can carry your database with you in a shirt pocket. Reunion focuses on couples, or "family units,” always showing a man and a woman in the center of the screen, with various screens showing information about children, parents and siblings.

Reunion is rather expensive at $90 although some retailers may offer a small discount. I last wrote about Reunion at http://blog.eogn.com/eastmans_online_genealogy/2007/03/reunion_version.html.

Personal Ancestry Writer II is a very popular, free genealogy program that does the basics. However, it lacks many of the more sophisticated features found in today's commercial programs. However, you certainly cannot argue with the price. Free is good! Personal Ancestry Writer II is an excellent selection if you only want the basic record keeping functions and can skip all the multimedia scrapbooks, mapping programs and other whiz-bang features of commercial programs. MacWorld reviewed this program last year at http://www.macworld.com/article/57840/2007/05/paw69.html. You can learn more about Personal Ancestry Writer II (PAWriter II) or download this free program at http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/27497/pawriter-ii.

iFamily for Leopard is an excellent genealogy program developed by Keith Wilson in Australia. As Keith wrote on the program's web site, the program "is a family tree program with a difference because Apple users think differently." Unlike most other Macintosh genealogy programs, iFamily for Leopard focuses on individuals, not couples. It also displays the entire extended family of that individual, including all spouses as well as all children, step-children, and adopted children, all displayed on the same screen.

iFamily for Leopard is a graphics-oriented program, unlike the data-entry mode of operation of many other programs. It sells for a very modest $29.95 US. You can read my review of the program at http://blog.eogn.com/eastmans_online_genealogy/2006/12/ifamily_for_tig_1.html (it was called "iFamily for Tiger" at that time). Next, look at the program's web site at http://www.ifamilyfortiger.com/.

MacFamilyTree is perhaps the most popular Macintosh genealogy program in Europe and has a growing customer base in North America as well. Developed in Germany, this program is available in German, English, French, Spanish, Norwegian, Dutch Swedish, Dansk, and Italian. MacFamilyTree includes a 3D Virtual Tree that has to be seen to be appreciated. (Screenshots are available on the company's web site.) Navigating the Virtual Tree is simple: just point, click and drag with your mouse, or use a dedicated "Navigator" to literally fly through your own ancestry. It is unlike any other genealogy program I have seen, for either Windows or Macintosh. MacFamilyTree also has an excellent database for storing information; you can enter information easily and then retrieve it in any number of ways. The program also includes very good reports. By purchasing a $5 optional program, MacFamilyTree will also export data to an iPhone or iPod Touch, allowing you to carry your database with you at all times.

MacFamilyTree sells for $49 US. Users of other genealogy programs can qualify for a 25% discount. See the program's web site for details. You can read my latest article about MacFamilyTree at http://blog.eogn.com/eastmans_online_genealogy/2008/06/synium-macfamil.html. Further details about MacFamilyTree 5.2 can be found at http://www.synium.de/products/macfamilytree.

NOTE: All of the above programs support GEDCOM imports and exports. You can import data from any other modern genealogy program without re-typing all the data again.

All of the above programs are native Macintosh programs. However, are you aware that you can also run most any Windows program on your Macintosh? That includes The Master Genealogist, RootsMagic, Legacy Family Tree, Family Tree Maker, and other Windows programs. To be sure, this works only on Intel Macs running OS X Tiger or Leopard. You actually install a copy of Windows and run it as a slave operating system under OS X. This capability allows you to run Macintosh and Windows programs simultaneously!

To install Windows on your Macintosh, you will need ANY ONE of the following:

1. Parallels - a $90 program. For details, see http://www.parallels.com (I have this installed on my MacBook laptop and find that it works well.)
2. VMware Fusion - an $80 program. For details, see www.vmware.com/mac
3. virtualBox - a free program from Sun Microsytems. For details, see: http://www.virtualbox.org (I have this installed on my Mac Mini desktop system and love it.)

NOTE: A fourth option is to use the free BootCamp program that is included with Macintosh OS X. However, it does not run as a slave operating system under OS X. At boot time, you can select to run Macintosh OS X or to run Windows; you cannot run both simultaneously. I tried BootCamp for a while but was not very happy with it.

All of the above four "Windows solutions" do require a licensed copy of Microsoft Windows. They should be able to run most any version of Windows or even Linux or BSD Unix or other operating systems designed for PC hardware. I'd suggest Windows XP although that is no longer sold or supported by Microsoft for normal PCs. You may have a copy available from an older computer or perhaps you can find it on eBay or from other retailers who are selling off old inventory. Generally speaking, Windows XP works much better than Windows Vista in all systems but that is especially true when using it as a "virtual computer."

NOTE: Running Windows on a Macintosh does not mean that you can avoid the "problems" of Windows: you must also install and use a Windows anti-virus program and any other "patches" that Windows users find so necessary to maintain normal operation. The slave Windows operating system will also have the same reliability issues as any normal Windows system. However, the native Macintosh operating system will continue to operate normally even if the slave Windows operating system crashes.

Let's go back to the paragraph I wrote near the beginning of this article:

However, one major disadvantage of the Mac is that it doesn't have as many genealogy programs to choose from as does the Windows operating system. Or does it? I would contend that Macintosh has MORE genealogy programs available than does Windows.

Actually, modern Macintosh systems do have more genealogy programs to choose from: four modern and powerful genealogy programs available for their exclusive use as well as all the Windows genealogy programs of today. Indeed, there are more genealogy programs available for Macs than for Windows. The Mac user can select from ALL the Windows genealogy programs plus four more!

Now you know why Macintosh users are such diehard enthusiasts: they have simplicity, reliability, and a wider variety of programs to choose from!

Comments

[Dave]

It is nice that Dick lists 4 genealogy programs for the Mac, but these are far from all, and not even the most downloaded from VersionTracker. Ahead of iLeopard and MacFamilyTree are GEDitCOM, OSK, GenerationX and Heredis. And TNG is really a web-based program, rather than Windows, for which there is Mac based setup and support.
However, just as with Windows, some are more advanced than others, or better at some aspects than the rest. It is nice to have choices, regardless of the operating system. And I did appreciate his stating some of the specifics of running Windows programs on the Mac. Just recently I did just that in order to convert some old PAF files by exporting GEDCOM files in Windows and then importing them into Reunion.

[texas44]

Since I use iPOD but not a MAC what is available to run on PC that can be downloaded to iPOD? thanks, Dick

[Dick Eastman]

---> what is available to run on PC that can be downloaded to iPOD?

Nothing that I know of.

- Dick Eastman

[Rob]

How come Ancestry.com never develop its FamilyTreeMaker for Mac users?

[Bob Emnett]

---> what is available to run on PC that can be downloaded to iPOD?

------->Nothing that I know of. - Dick Eastman

FYI. Leister Productions, software developer for Reunion, in a break from their normal policy has indicated they have such an item in work. They do not provide timing or pricing. You can read their FAQ here:

http://www.leisterpro.com/doc/version9/questions/questions.php

There is a thread on ReunionTalk that explores this subject with comments and "wishes" from Reunion users. As I post this, it has 35 replies to the original post. You can read it here (you need not register or log in to read the messages):

http://www.reuniontalk.com/showthread.php?t=4200&highlight=iphone

I will admit to a favorable bias based on my experience with both the program and the support. However, I have been using Reunion since at least V.4 (now on v.9). I first programmed a computer over 45 years ago and am no novice to software. In my opinion, Reunion is an outstanding program and the support from the Leister organization is better than I have seen for hardware or software in any genre.

[George G. Morgan]

Thank you, Dick, for this comprehensive article. Many people, myself included, were reluctant to move from a PC to a Mac because of the perception that the learning curve was tough and that they would have to abandon their Windows programs.

I made the move a few months ago because I was tired of Microsoft's mediocrity and I felt that I would rather learn how to use the Mac rather than learn Vista, about which there were many complaints -- and many Windows-based programs didn't work under Vista.

My experience has been wonderfully positive. The transition to and learning curve for the Mac has been easy. So many operations are much easier and the system runs much faster. I installed VMWare's Fusion software and a copy of Window XP. I now run my favorite genealogy program, RootsMagic, and GenSmarts in the Windows partition and they run beautifully. Best of all, I can click-and-drag files between Windows and Mac OS-X and it works beautifully.

There are no longer any barriers for Mac users to use Windows programs. AND, Reunion and Mac Family Tree are excellent programs for the native Mac platform.

Great article as usual!

[George G. Morgan]

In regards to programs for the iPod and iPhone, Synium (maker of MacFamilyTree) recently announced an app for the iPod and iPhone for genealogy. It specifically works with MacFamilyTree files and is already available in the iTunes App Store. It's called MobileFamilyTree and sells for $4.49.

[Dick Eastman]

---> Leister Productions, software developer for Reunion, in a break from their normal policy has indicated they have such an item in work.

Leister's announcement does not mention any such plans for a Windows PC environment (which was the original question).

- Dick Eastman

[Dick Eastman]

---> How come Ancestry.com never develop its FamilyTreeMaker for Mac users?

Reportedly because of low sales and little revenue. The company has no Macintosh developers on staff today. In order to develop a new Macintosh product, the company would have to hire more people. In addition, there are already several very good Macintosh programs available today so Ancestry.com would also face stiff competition.

Just my guess...

- Dick Eastman

[Dave Galloway]

FYI - I have been using iFamily for a couple of years and I have been very happy with it. I like how it handle's images since I try to keep source images for every reference - tombstones, BMD records, newspaper articles, etc. Keith Wilson is constantly making updates available which install effortlessly ( hey it's a Mac! ). Highly recommended.

Dave

[Bill Buchanan]

I also appreciated the article. I am not currently a Mac user, although I used Macs at work for years. I have no complaints about Macs other than cost. My son just bought a new iMac for $1600. Last month I bought an equivalent new Dell Vostro 200 (2.2 GHz dual-core, with 2 GB RAM) for $350. Vista has reached the point where it is stable and runs the software I need. Since I currently don't need any Mac-specific software I am very satisfied. The $1200 I saved by buying the Dell can be put to good use.

[Graeme]

Having used iFamily I can thoroughly recommend it. The image handling is excellent and now you can associate pretty much any media type with a user or a source including video and audio.

I'm a big fan of the source management as well, especially Active Sources.

Best of all you can make suggestions and if it's worthwhile there's a pretty good chance it'll make it in to a future version.

[Chris Knight]

Being never satisfied and previously having owned all the major PC programs, although in the end settling on Legacy, switching to the Mac a couple of years ago seemed like a disaster from a genealogy point of view until I discovered iFamily.

I really think this has everything I have used in the past beaten on several counts. First and foremost is the outstanding response from the developer, Keith Wilson. An email to him has usually produced a helpful reply within hours and a fix or a new feature in a few days.

Chris

[Dean Clarke]

I was an early user of I Family and would echo other comments. It is an exceptionally easy program to use with a great level of support. It also seems to have some very clean programing as it seems to open instantly... great for me, a occasional family historian, when I need to respond to email or phone messages. Keith also facilitated a move to a new computer when my son decided to pass on his old one to me.The oOther programs may be OK... this one and Keith's service is very good

[Ricky]

I can highly recommend iFamily too.. it integrates really well onto your Mac, working seamlessly with iPhoto, Safari and so on. Also would echo others' comments about the excellent level of support from Keith Wilson.. not only do you get the software doing everything you want, you also get an on-line community of fellow genealogists and iFamily users with hints,tips and ideas to share. This makes it invaluable for beginners too.

[Cheryl]

I agree with all previous comments on IFamily for Leopard. I use it every day with multiple massive families. The standout is Keith's remarkable service to his customers.

[Debra Hay]

I would also highly recommend iFamily. Not only is it feature packed and easy to use but like others have noted above the level of support offered by Keith is really like nothing else in this day and age. Keith always listens to feedback and incorporates constructive changes in later releases and is happy to answer any questions.

[Glenn Thomas]

Wow this is a great write up! As a former windows user (yes I will admit to it) I moved to Mac's about 5 years ago and have never looked back, I have tried all of the mac genealogy programs list, but the one I recommend is iFamily. It is really a great app Keith provides wonderful support and really listens to his customer base about what they need.

[Angela]

I switched to Mac from PC about 2 years ago. I had been a dedicated user of FamilyTreeMaker so was disappointed when I found no Mac version was available. After some research, I found that iFamily consistently got high marks so tried it out. I was totally blown away. FamilyTreeMaker can't hold a candle to what Keith has created. It's a very powerful genealogy database that is remarkably easy to use. I love not just the look and feel but also the quality - I haven't had a single problem. I can't recommend iFamily enough.

[Rich Kirkham]

I use both Reunion and iFamily for Leopard. I wish that I could wake up one day and have the two programs merged into one because they both do things that I like. I finally made the commitment to use Reunion as my data entry program but I regularly export to iFamily to take advantage of Keith's graphic displays, finding features, and other 'at your fingertips' kind of information that his program just does much better than reunion. Those are my comments.

[Eileen]

Any time I have called Ancestry or Family Tree Maker tech support to ask about Mac problems... (ie no advanced view for Mac in Newspaper collection).... I ALWAYS get a tech who uses a Mac for their personal use. I have written Ancestry and FTM countless time about MAC software and support... But I guess these people have been GATED and are afraid to get their heads out of sand to see MAC users will buy MAC genealogy programs.

[Harry]

Having adopted an iMac a few months ago I looked at a number of mac genealogy programs the last one of which was iFamily for Leopard.
I quite liked one or two of the other programs but found iFamily to be the most intuitive and user friendly. The support given by the developer is second to none and I have no hesitation in recommending it.
It is a "must try" if you are in the market for a well written and supported genealogy program.

[Bobedwards]

I would like to join the chorus singing the praises of Ifamily. It is not just the easy to use natural graphical approach, it is the thorough continuous support. This can be contrasted with Parallels a brilliant program but rendered utterly useless when updates cannot be implemented because of the lack of support.

[Jackie]

I have used a Mac for years but have used Family Tree Maker on my husband's PC. My family tree is now quite extensive and the thought of re-entering all that data is enough to keep me going back to Family Tree maker. Are there any programs that will import data from Family Tree Maker to a Mac based family tree? Will I lose some information? I don't have any graphics so that might make it easier.

Any suggestions on how to get the data imported to the mac would be appreciated.

[Dick Eastman]

---> Are there any programs that will import data from Family Tree Maker to a Mac based family tree?

Yes. All of them.

All modern Macintosh and Windows genealogy programs will import and export data via GEDCOM files. You should be able to transfer data of tens of thousands of individuals easily.

---> Will I lose some information?

Possibly, but such losses are usually easily identified and corrected. Most modern genealogy programs create log files of GEDCOM imports, showing the data that it had difficulty decoding. At worst case, that is still much, much easier than re-typing all that data by hand!

- Dick Eastman

[Alice Carson]

I am just switching from Windows to Mac. Occasionally, I like to print my genealogy information out for family members. Does Ifamily have a feature to help me print my information in a nice, readable, book-like format?

[Denny Slaten]

"Last month I bought an equivalent new Dell Vostro 200 (2.2 GHz dual-core, with 2 GB RAM) for $350." So the Dell came with a 20" LCD Monitor and a DVD Burner? All for $350? You got a great deal! I think you are dilusional....

[Denny Slaten]

I too wish that some of the software manufacturers would make versions that worked both on the Mac and PC. The prices for the Macs are comparable to PC's when you look at features and build quality. To compare a Dell Vostro 200 without a monitor to a Apple iMac is obsurd. It only spreads the misinformation.

[M Hougland]

I've used PAF, FamilyTree Maker and RootsMagic, but when I switched to the Mac ages ago I began with PAF and Reunion. You will not find a company more responsive to its customers than Leicesterpro's Reunion staff. They listen to the users and build in their suggestions for the next version, Mess up an important genealogy file and they help fix it. The company support is well worth the price of the application.

[Dan]

Which of the Mac Genealogy programs does the best job with LDS ordinances and Temple Ready files? iFamily, Reunion, or MacFamilyTree?

Any thoughts.

[EricS]

1. I use Geditcom as my data entry and archive program because it stores the data in a GEDCOM file. I'd rather not keep my data in some company's proprietary data format. Does any other program use the GEDCOM format internally? I like my data base to be able to be read by any program that understands GEDCOM without being recoded.
2. Most programs show a tree below (or above) a specific individual (or couple). Most people are interested in the relatives. That is, the siblings and cousins. What programs should I look at to see wider display tree options?
Thanks for the help.
EricS

[Dick Eastman]

---> Does any other program use the GEDCOM format internally?

Family Historian does the same but it is a Windows program, not Macintosh.

All modern genealogy programs can create GEDCOM files, however, so moving data to another program is not nearly as difficult as it used to be many years ago.

[John Rodda]

I still do my genealogy on my old Family Tree Maker for Mac (v. 3 which is now 12 years old) and like it very well. But I have to switch back to system 9.0 on my Mac to use it. Now I want to upgrade to a new mac and it won't run system 9 anymore, so I won't be able to run Family Tree Maker. I don't like the idea of adding Windows to my Mac, so I suppose I should switch genealogy software.

I liked this article on software and the comments.

My concern is that I love to print family trees, both ancestors and descendants, from my huge family file for various family members, and I don't know if they will come out as well in different software. Any comments for me?