FREE Cloud-Based Genealogy Software Alternatives

When you think about genealogy programs, you may think of software that loads onto your computer and stores your family files on your computer's hard drive. Another option is "cloud-based" software in which both the software and your family files reside online. You need a Wi-Fi enable computer or smartphone to access your cloud-based family files. Both are solid companies that offer full-featured online "cloud-based" genealogy software alternatives:
  • Ancestry.com's Family Trees (Free Tree; Many $$earchable Records, Full DNA integration)
  • MyHeritage.com's Family Tree Builder (Free Tree; Many $$earchable Records, Full DNA integration)
  • FamilySearch.org's Family Search (Completely Free; Many Searchable Records, No DNA integration)

FREE, FREE TRIAL OR FREE DEMO Commercial Genealogy Software

This information is provided, courtesy of Family Tree Magazine (Nov. 2016). Each of the Mac and Windows genealogy software packages listed below is available for free, or as a trial version that is limited in some way (family size restrictions, expiration after 30 days, or other "crippled" features). Links to download each software program are provided , as well as links to software reviews. Play with several programs for free to find a favorite.
NOTE: Pricing, features and links current in March 2017 but may change.at any time.

COMPLETELY FREE Desktop Genealogy Software Option: "GRAMPS" Software

GRAMPS (Genealogical Research and Analysis Management Programming System)​ is free genealogy software for your desktop PC or Apple computer, offering a professional genealogy program & an online wiki page open to everyone. It is a community project, created, developed and governed by genealogists. It helps you track your family tree by allowing you to store, edit, and research genealogical data. Gramps provides all of the common capabilities of other commercial ($$$) genealogical programs like Family Tree Maker, Legacy or RootsMagic, but also provides the additional ability to integrate and input any bits and pieces of information directly into Gramps and rearrange and manipulate data events in any order or sequence to assist with analysis and correlation and  help researchers identify and overcome relationship gaps. 

Is GRAMPS Really Free?

Absolutely Free - this software is called "donarware" and the ongoing costs of development and enhancements are provided by volunteer efforts and contributions of dedicated users.

​How do I get GRAMPS?

  • Click Get My GRAMPS to download GRAMPS for Windows, Mac or Unix operating systems
  • Click GRAMPS Features to view a complete list of GRAMPS program capabilities
  • Click GRAMPS FAQs to read Frequently Asked Questions about GRAMPS software  
  • Click GRAMPS User Manual to see the program documentation

How does GRAMPS Compare to Commercial Programs?

GRAMPS genealogy software has nearly all of the features and capabilities of commercial genealogy programs, including entry and tracking of people, families and relationships. It can hold media (pictures), attach sources and citations, create and print charts & reports, import and export GED file types and Web Family Tree (WFT) export to allow you to share your family tree online. GRAMPS falls a little short if you want an "App" for your iOS or Android smartphone or if you want slick web integration (such as to Ancestry or Family Search sites).
​For a review of commercial genealogy software, see this article: 10 Best Commercial ($$$) Genealogy Programs.

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