To create a new database

1.Select the File page, then click Create a New RootsMagic file.

2.If you do not already have a file open, you can also select the Home page, then click New File.

 

Create an empty file

This will create an empty RootsMagic file.

 

1.Select the folder where you want to create the file

2.Enter a file name and click Save

3.Choose the options for the new file and click OK

 

Import from another program

This will create a RootsMagic file and import data from another program into it.

 

1.Select what program to import data from:

oOn both Windows and Mac: RootsMagic 1-7, Family Origins, Family Tree Maker (through FTM 2024), Legacy Family Tree, Personal Ancestral File (PAF), The Master Genealogist, or GEDCOM.

2.Select the file to import

3.Select the folder where you want to create the RootsMagic file

4.Enter a name for the RootsMagic file

5.Choose the options for the new RootsMagic file and click OK

 

Download from an online tree

This will create a RootsMagic file and import data from either FamilySearch or Ancestry.

 

1.Choose whether to import from Ancestry or FamilySearch

2.Select the folder where you want to create the RootsMagic file

3.Enter a name for the RootsMagic file

4.Choose the options for the new RootsMagic file and click OK

5.Sign in to either Ancestry or FamilySearch to begin the import.

Check the new tree

After creation, check the filename and folder on the File page. For an empty tree, add your first person. For an imported or downloaded tree, inspect several people, their family links, sources, notes, and media before beginning extensive edits.

Create an initial backup after checking the tree. This provides a starting point you can restore separately if an import or a change to many people does not turn out as expected.