This month’s twitterchat was looking at what programs and apps we use to help with our genealogy and family history. Instead of my normal summary, I am just going to mention all the programs and apps and if possible include a video or link to how to use that program or app.
Questions asked were:
- Which apps and software do you use most for #familyhistory? What’s the latest tool/app you’ve discovered? Strengths/weaknesses.
- How do you find out the next big things in software/apps? Where do you go for tech support or learning about new software?
- How do software & apps change the way you research and organise your #familyhistory?
- Any suggestions for software & apps for writing your stories, creating books or sharing #FamilyHistory?
Comment by Carmel:
Apps can be convenient when sitting waiting for an appointment, some work well for editing photos etc and when visiting family without computer they provide access to the online tree. Downside of some apps they may only have a short lifespan
Comment by Pauleen:
Software for genealogy has certainly changed how we research now compared to even in 2000-2010. I’ve said before that I find the constant tsunami of data makes it challenging to stay on top of everything, record and analyse it and generally be organised.
Comment by Hilary:
I use the WikiTree Sourcer browser extension to help me find the information I need on both free and paid websites
Comment by Lis:
I don’t use many family history apps. In my experience of apps, they often have a more mobile-friendly display, but sometimes lack the functionality of a web version. Sometimes they’re better though!
Searching, saving and managing your research
- Google Drive – create a free Google account then you have use of many apps including this one
- Microsoft Office – includes Powerpoint, Word, Excel, One Drive
- Dropbox
- Evernote
- LibreOffice – open source
- Obsidian – use on any device, backup how you wish – help documentation at bottom of home page
- Name and place – data management – good for one place studies
- FamilySearch
- FindMyPast – lots of British and Irish records
- Family Tree Builder app
- My Heritage app
- Family Tree Maker – syncs with Ancestry
- Reunion – used with Mac and ipad/iphone
- Roots Magic
- Family Historian
- Legacy – great family tree website with videos – Webinars some free
- ZtreeWin – file manager on Windows
Graphics, maps and photos
- Canva – social media graphic, small picture/text combo, timelines
- MyMaps
- PicCollage
- Shutterstock
- Google Keep
- Flickr – my own images but also The Commons from institutions around the world – many libraries and archives – most copyright free
- Faststone Image Viewer
- Vivid pix – photo editing
Connecting with others and sharing stories:
- Wikitree – add to world tree with sources needed, includes sourcer app and collaboration, also Fanduko game
- Twitter / Tweetdeck
- Facebook groups – Australian family history and genealogy groups, other groups
- Mastodon – here is list of genealogists on mastodon
- Conference Keeper – links to genealogical conferences world wide
- Eventbrite – family history worldwide
- Zoom
- Discord servers relating to genealogy
- WordPress App
- Blogger – if you have a google account you have a blogger blog available to use
- Snapfish
- Blog to Print
- Scrivener
- We are – create tree and share with relatives, get their contributions – video demo on home page
- Feedly
- Zotero
- LibraryThing – for organizing your own books
Youtube – lots of research sites also have their own youtube channel
- WikiTree symposium
- DanielsGenealogy on how to use mastodon
Readers: What software, program and apps do you use relating to family history and genealogy?