Genealogy software

Genealogy software is computer software used to collect, store, sort, and visualize genealogical data. Genealogy software will often generate kinship charts based on the data entered.

At a minimum, genealogy software tends to collect the following information:

Most programs allow the user to record the source(s) of the information which has been entered. Many allow for additional biographical information, either specific such as occupation or cause of death, or in as a free format note.

There are a wide range of programs offering a host of features.

Features
Certain programs are geared towards specific religions, and will include additional fields relevant to that religion. Other programs focus on certain geographical regions. For example, having a field for the family's coat of arms is only relevant if the family comes from a part of the world that uses them.

Some programs allow for the import of digital photographs. Others focus on the ability to generate kinship charts. Some programs are more flexible than others in allowing for the input of same sex marriages and children born out of wedlock.

There is currently a move to incorporate fields for the input of genealogical DNA test results, though this information can be added into the "Notes" field of almost all genealogy software.

While most programs and applications are "desktop-based", there are a number of new entries into the genealogy software market that are web-based. This allows for easier collaboration between multiple users as well as more flexible access.

Most genealogy applications focus on "fact management", meaning they allow you to enter and manage individuals, families, and events. But there are other tools available to the genealogist, including web-publishing programs, blogs, and research management tools like Clooz and FAMWISE.

Sharing
Most genealogy software will allow for the export of data in the GEDCOM format, which can then be shared with people using different genealogy software. Some genealogy applications (for example GEDitCOM for Macintosh and Family Historian for Windows) use GEDCOM internally and therefore work directly on GEDCOM data. Certain programs allow the user to restrict what information is shared, usually by removing information about living people for privacy purposes.

Types
''Main article Comparison of genealogy software

Below is a short alphabetical list of programs, selected from the huge range of genealogy software.

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Windows

 * Agelong Tree
 * Ancestral Quest
 * Brother's Keeper
 * Family Historian
 * Family Tree Maker
 * Genbox Family History
 * GeneWeb - Browser-based, open source
 * GenoPro (also Genogram Software)
 * GRAMPS
 * Individual Software (Family Tree Legends, Heritage Family Tree and Family Trees Quick & Easy)
 * Legacy Family Tree
 * LifeLines
 * Microsoft Family.Show
 * Personal Ancestral File
 * RootsMagic
 * SmartGenealogy - (Can convert a spreadsheet to a GEDCOM file)
 * The Master Genealogist
 * WinGeno

Macintosh

 * GEDitCOM
 * GeneWeb - Browser-based, open source
 * LifeLines
 * Reunion
 * iFamilyforTiger
 * GRAMPS (via Fink)

Linux

 * GeneWeb - Browser-based, open source
 * GRAMPS
 * LifeLines

Java (cross-platform)

 * GenealogyJ

Web-based Research Applications and Tools

 * FAMWISE

Web-based utilities allowing GEDCOM input

 * Family Echo
 * FamilySearch
 * Ancestry.com - requires subscription
 * RootsWeb Worldconnect
 * GeneaNet
 * PedigreeSoft

Webserving (available for multiple operating systems)

 * GeneWeb - Browser-based, open source
 * PhpGedView