Review: Family Historian 3 genealogy software

Creating and updating a family tree is probably the most complicated database work anyone will do outside of work.

This new version of Family Historian makes this as simple as possible without compromising on capability.

The Gedcom format is an open standard for genealogy data and most programs claim compatibility.

However, since Family Historian actually uses it as the default file format rather than an import/export function (a process that's rarely 100 per cent accurate) it makes it far easier to share information and doesn't tie you to a proprietary format.

The appearance of Family Historian is fairly utilitarian but this does help keep it focused on the task of entering family data. It is very well designed and easy to find the correct menu item or shortcut without having to constantly refer to help files.

Entering family information is straightforward. The Individual entry window can be used to add information about new family members without having to return to the main interface. Assuming all of the information is to hand, it's a fast and efficient method of adding data.

Views can be created of a specific individual, a limited number of their ancestors or descendants, or the entire family. For ease of use some individuals can appear twice in the views, rather than trying to arrange the tree with a single box for each person - this helps keep the tree legible.

Photos, audio and video files can be added to family records. Each can be linked to one or more individual related to the material. Impressively, not only can a whole photograph be linked to an individual but also a just a section of it.

This works best when picking faces out of large family photographs to link to individual records.

Multimedia can be embedded in the database, but by default it is linked to an external source. Should any of the linked files be moved, a tool is on hand to point the database in the right direction.

Furthermore, if pictures are stored in the same folder or subfolders of the database, links are automatically updated if the whole folder is moved.

A powerful wizard is available for importing other Gedcom files into Family Historian. Records are compared and possible duplications displayed for review and possible deletion.

If necessary, it's also possible to export a specific section of your family tree as opposed to the whole database. This section, or indeed the entire tree, can be sent direct to CD or, if you have some web space, an html document can be generated.

Certain records can be marked private and left out of these options; with identity theft so common it's not such a good idea to make your mothers maiden name public on the Internet.

Another impressive feature of Family Historian is the high degree of customisation that can be applied to the family tree. Entire sets of events can be created and then shared with other users and almost every aspect of the reports and queries can also be tailored to your requirements.

Query requests can be saved in the CSV format for use in other applications, such as Microsoft Excel.

It's also worth mentioning that there's a very strong and active community behind the software.

The interface might not win any style awards, but the range of features and sheer ease of use makes Family Historian an excellent tool for any genealogist.

System requirements:
Windows 98 or higher