RootsMagic 8 Review 

Marc McDermott
First Published: | Updated: December 4, 2023

RootsMagic 8, released on 21 October 2021, is an exciting overhaul of the popular RootsMagic family tree software package. With easy-to-use and convenient features, it is sure to become a favorite among genealogical researchers.

In this post, I’ll give you an overview of what’s new in RootsMagic 8. So if you’re curious about what this new version has to offer, read on!

What’s New in Version 8?

RootsMagic 8 boasts a robust rethinking of previous versions of the software. It includes support for new operating systems, simpler navigation, and more powerful editing tools. You can see all the details entered for an ancestor at one time and search functions are now faster and more intuitive. You can also reuse citations for a variety of people or events.

New features also include an area for to-do lists, research logs, and correspondence lists, as well as the ability to create fan charts and maps. You can save your work in a variety of formats, including .PDF, .DOCX, .XLSX, and .SVG.

Is RootsMagic Free?

While RootsMagic 8 is not a free program, it is very affordable compared to other family tree software. You can purchase and download the program from the RootsMagic website. A second option exists to download the program and include a USB of the software to be sent to you. Two licenses are available: one for new users and one for those upgrading their program. You can also choose to add Personal Historian and Family Atlas to your purchase.

Is There a Free Version of RootsMagic?

If you would like to try the software before buying, there is a free version of RootsMagic, called RootsMagic Essentials. It features many of the benefits of RootsMagic 8.

Like the paid version, RootsMagic Essentials has important features. These include the ability to recognize international texts, backup and restore data, and update automatically. Additionally, RootsMagic Essentials maintains RootsMagic 8’s innovative ability to view all details on a person, as well as its features allowing users to switch between data views like People, Places, Sources, and To-Do Lists. Most importantly, RootsMagic Essentials templates support the proper citing of sources. Users can also store media in a variety of types, from photos to videos.

Keep in mind, though, that RootsMagic Essentials does not include free technical support, as does RootsMagic 8.

How Much Does RootsMagic Cost?

A download of RootsMagic 8 costs $39.95 unless you also order a USB of the software. In this case, the price will be $49.95, plus the cost of shipping. Those users upgrading previous RootsMagic purchases are eligible to save $10.00.

Additionally, when you purchase Family Atlas or Personal Historian with RootsMagic 8, you will save $10.00 on the cost of each additional product. This brings the cost of Family Atlas and Personal Historian to $19.95 each.

How Do I Upgrade to RootsMagic 8?

Upgrading to RootsMagic 8 is easy if you have already been working with RootsMagic 7. Simply navigate to the purchase page on the RootsMagic website and click “Upgrade,” under the “Choose a License” section. From here, you can download and install the upgrade.

A discount will be applied to your purchase and using the company’s Recover Key system, you will receive your registration key to access RootsMagic 8.

It’s important to note that RootsMagic 7 files do not function on RootsMagic 8. Instead, you will need to create a new RootsMagic 8 file and import the desired RootsMagic 1-7 file into that file.

Syncing

Does RootsMagic Sync with Ancestry?

RootsMagic 8 contains helpful features that allows it to both link to records and hints on Ancestry, and to publish trees to the site. This feature is called TreeShare.

Downloading from Ancestry is as easy as signing into RootsMagic. When prompted, you can either upload or download a tree to the program. When uploading a tree to Ancestry, you have a variety of privacy controls, such as sharing notes, facts, and sources. When downloading a tree, you can easily compare people and correct or change facts. If you change a fact later, updating an Ancestry tree is simple, requiring only a click on the Ancestry TreeShare button found on the Publish page.

Does RootsMagic Sync with FamilySearch?

FamilySearch is accessible using RootsMagic 8, but you must enable the setting . To do this, go to Settings, General Settings, and click “Enable Family Search Support.” Once done, RootsMagic 8 will have the ability to search the FamilySearch Family Tree, find new data, download trees, and locate new records.

Additionally, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints have the ability to retrieve Temple Ordinances through the program.

Does RootsMagic Sync with MyHeritage?

RootsMagic 8 displays WebHints from Ancestry, FamilySearch, and yes, MyHeritage. When a WebHint is available, a lightbulb will display over the person to which the hint relates. Simply click on the lightbulb to see where the hint originates.

You must enable WebHints from MyHeritage in Settings. You have the ability to choose the types of hints you would like to see. These include records, trees, and a confidence level rating for how close a match the record is for the hint.

FAQ

What is the Latest Version of RootsMagic? 

RootsMagic 8 is the most current version of RootsMagic. While RootsMagic 3 through 7 are still available, previous versions of the program can be upgraded to the latest version of the software. 

Does RootsMagic Work on a Mac? 

Absolutely! Developers rethought RootsMagic 8 to work on a Mac – specifically Mac OS 10.12 and above. It also works on Windows 7 SP1 and above. 

Can You Use RootsMagic on iPad? 

Yes, RootsMagic 8 can function as a mobile app on iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch as a free download available at the Apple Store. 
The app allows files to be used along with those being used on a desktop or laptop computer. Files can also be uploaded to file sharing programs like Dropbox. The app contains many of the same helpful tools as the desktop version of RootsMagic 8, including Pedigree, Family, Descendant, and Individual views, notes and facts, source citations, and organizational features like to-do lists and calendars. Additionally, the app includes a Soundex calculator. 

Is RootsMagic Easy to Use? 

RootsMagic 8 is easier to use than its predecessors. Instead of using lists for organization, RootsMagic 8’s navigation system is dependent on icons and a five to six generation descendant tree. Simply by clicking on an icon for a person or place allows for easy editing. The ability to see more than one ancestor’s profile at a time makes coordinating data a breeze. 

How Do I Download RootsMagic? 

RootsMagic can be downloaded from the Rootsmagic website, where it can be purchased and installed or bought as an upgrade to RootsMagic 7. 

Is RootsMagic a Subscription? 

RootsMagic 8 is not a subscription service. Instead, purchasing the program requires a one-time fee of $39.95. 

Who Owns RootsMagic? 

RootsMagic, Inc. owns RootsMagic 8. The company, which released its first program, Family Historian, 30 years ago, is based in Salem, Utah. 

How Do I Contact RootsMagic? 

You can contact RootsMagic by phone, mail, or email, or through a Facebook users’ group. The phone number is (800) 766-8762. The mailing address is:  The email for sales is orders@rootsmagic.com, while the email for technical support is support@rootsmagic.com. 

Final Thoughts

RootsMagic 8 boasts a robust and well-thought out design, as well as features that make the entire process of working with your genealogy, more organized. It is indeed a helpful program for anyone just getting started in or who is well versed in genealogical programs.

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