Start here to create a family tree, open a tree you already have, or learn how to add people and facts. RootsMagic saves your family information in a database file. A backup is a separate copy you can use to recover your work if something goes wrong.
If you already have a tree
oFor an earlier RootsMagic file, follow Opening an older RootsMagic file. Make a backup in the older version before converting the working file. Keep that backup if you need to return to the earlier version.
oFor a file from another genealogy program, use Importing data. Import into a new tree first when you want to inspect the results before combining them with existing research.
oFor an existing RootsMagic 12 tree, use Open a RootsMagic file. Check the folder as well as the filename to avoid working in an old copy.
Build your first family
1.Create a new database and choose a recognizable name and folder.
2.Add the first person, then add parents, a spouse or partner, and children. Select an existing person when the relative is already in the database.
3.Open Edit Person and add facts such as birth, residence, marriage, and death. Leave unknown information blank rather than entering a guess as a definite fact.
4.Attach a citation to the fact it supports. Record where you found the information while the record is available.
5.Add notes to explain uncertainty and media to keep relevant images linked to the record.
6.Back up the tree. Include media when you need a backup that contains the linked files too.
Find your way around
oThe People page offers several views of the same database.
oUse Family view for a couple and children, Pedigree view for ancestors, and the new Tree View to explore ancestors and descendants together. Changing views does not create another copy of a person.
oUse Search to locate a person and Life Summary to inspect events and close relatives. Use Reports and Charts when you want a printable result.
Moving from RootsMagic 11
Read What's New for the release overview. In particular, review SourceWizard, the citation editor, AI Prompt Builder, and KeyTip navigation. Existing sources that use older templates remain supported; converting them is a separate choice.
If a task is unfamiliar, press F1 for help or open Command Palette to search for a command. See Product Support for further assistance.
See Moving to RootsMagic 12 for a complete upgrade checklist and Checking information before sharing before distributing your first report or tree.
Video Webinars and Help
RootsMagic offers a number of videos and recorded webinars covering features in RootsMagic.
