Select File in the navigation bar to create, open, back up, import, export, or manage a tree. With a tree open, the page separates Current File commands from Other Files commands. Before making a change, check the filename and folder shown beside Current File to make sure you have the right tree open.

 

 

Working with the current file

Backup makes a backup copy of the open tree. Export Data copies information out for use elsewhere. These commands serve different purposes: use a backup when you need a recoverable copy of your RootsMagic file.

Import into This File adds information to the tree that is already open. Back up that tree first, especially if imported people may overlap with people already in it. To start a separate tree from another program's data, use Import from Another Program under Other Files instead.

Tools provides file-management operations, including moving or renaming, copying, deleting, comparing, and database maintenance. Choose the operation deliberately; deleting a file is not the same as closing it. Close File closes the working tree in the window.

Starting or opening another file

Create a New RootsMagic file starts a new tree. Open a RootsMagic file opens a saved working file. Restore from Backup turns a backup into a working file.

Import from Another Program creates a new tree from another program's file. RootsMagic To-Go helps you take the program and your tree on a USB drive. Commands that work on a tree are unavailable until you open one.

Choosing the right recent tree

Recent Files provides more than a filename. An available tree can show its RootsMagic version, root person's name and lifespan, people and family counts, when it was edited, and its folder. Compare these details before opening a tree, especially when several entries have similar names.

The folder identifies which physical copy you will open. A recent-file entry is a shortcut to that location, not a separate backup. If it says File not found, the file is unavailable at the recorded location; use Open a RootsMagic file to locate it where it is now, or Restore from Backup if you need to recover it.

Using the File menu

Click File immediately below the page heading to open its menu. It contains New File, Open File, Open Recent, Backup, Restore from Backup, Import into This File, Import from Another Program, Export Data, RootsMagic To-Go, File Tools, and Close File. Open Recent and File Tools have submenus. The menu provides another route to the file commands without having to find their large buttons on the page.