GenealogyJ and GRAMPS
A while ago, I received a family tree from a relative who asked us to help update it. Only problem was it was in an XLS spreadsheet – rather difficult to navigate, to put it finely. So I went looking for good, free family tree software. I learned about GEDCOM, tried out about half a dozen freeware solutions, and found out that 90% of genealogy software costs money and looks like it was written in 1998.
Nevertheless, I ended up with two excellent pieces of free software: GenealogyJ and GRAMPS.If you like keeping Sims family records, both are good free choices.I know that there are popular services like TribalPages but I specifically wanted software that could keep a local database, and perhaps export to a website or better yet, a graphical family tree.
Here’s a little comparison of GenealogyJ and GRAMPS.
GRAMPS:
- Requires Python
- Tricky to install if you have Windows – I had to follow these directions.
- Really easy to use
- No fancy graphical reports (which I could produce. I think you need GraphViz but didn’t work for me)
- Good textual features – most common surnames, ancestry
- Graphical pedigree view is nice
- Has its own database so you don’t need to save (can export to GEDCOM though)
- Outputs a comprehensive HTML site with info, pictures, ancestors, etc. of every family member. My favourite feature.
GenealogyJ:
- Requires Java
- Steeper learning curve than GRAMPS
- Makes terrific graphical family trees, can even include portraits
- Complicated interface
- Easy to mess up and delete your work if you don’t know what you’re doing
- Uses the industry-standard .GED database – have to remember to save!
My recommendation? I would go with GenealogyJ, even though it’s marginally more difficult to use. GRAMPS definitely produces a prettier website though.