For anyone who wants to dabble in their family history or gets very serious about genealogy research, RootsMagic software is great. I particularly recommend it for anyone who cares about keeping their information on living individuals private, but still wants to collect that data while they can interview them personally. This app is really only for reading your data, making a portable so we can travel with you. You really need to be on your laptop, or at least a web browser, to enter your data.
I am a long-time user of the RootsMagic software. While I generally enjoy desktop software applications that syncs both ways to mobile apps, I find this read-only app should be an exception to the rule. Due to the complexity of linking family relationships, I envision a far greater possibility of unforeseen software problems in trying to two-way sync desktop to a genealogy app—potentially corrupt data files and/or lose invaluable information that taken years to create or capture. I recognize a back-up file may save and allow recovery of a significant amount of genealogy data. As one ages, who would want to recall or recreate any data that were possibly lost. Therefore, it is appropriate Developers keep edit capability within the desktop software or web-based level only and keep this app as a read only capability. I am one user with one viewpoint. If the Developers desire to opt to execute or implement a two-way edit feature, then I will embrace their efforts and hopefully continue to use the product.
While the computer software, Roots Magic, is outstanding, this app is merely serviceable. It's faults have persisted since I began using the app years ago and have never been corrected, which I find odd. The app's structure is not intuitive. Some windows have no back button, so navigation quickly becomes cumbersome. And perhaps most confusing, shared facts are listed not chronologically but at the end of the individual view, yet their dates are deferred to in the summary views. Difficult to explain in this review, because it is so illogical, but it means that one must truly open each individual view and search it even for births, marriage and death dates, instead of trusting the more accessible summary views. Why even have dates in the summaries if they are not correct? It would be nice to have a "favorites" tab, so we wouldn't have to search the entire database by surname, then again by first name, for ancestors we refer to often.
I spent hours trying to get this app on my iPhone to sync with the app on my iMac, including three contacts with the support people. First I tried syncing using iTunes, only to find that the RootsMagic instructions are out of date and it CAN’T be synced this way. Then I tried using Dropbox, following RootsMagic instructions. Here I ran into problems....it just wouldn’t work. The basic problem was that the instructions did not tell me where to find the data file, and I was mistakenly loading the entire app onto Dropbox. Finally I discovered that I had to go into Finder to locate the data file, and then load that file into Dropbox. This worked. If only the instructions had told me that, it would have saved me hours of frustration.
To make this app work with RootsMagic 8, I changed the file extension on the file in Dropbox from “.rmtree” to “.rmgc”. The app then recognized it. I couldn’t get the RootMagic export to Dropbox function to work on my Mac. So I just copied the database file to the correct Dropbox folder and changed the file extension to “rmgc”. Seems to be working fine.
The app works fine for viewing data from Roots Magic 7.x when away from home. I have used it a few times to pull up information at family get togethers or phone calls. I probably wouldn’t use it to do much editing even on a larger phone like the iPhone 13 max. However quick updates of the data would probably be fine. As far as I can tell this doesn’t work with RM8 data since the database format changed. I couldn’t get the file to show up from my Dropbox account.
The instructions within the RootsMagic app refer to features that no longer exist in iTunes. There isn’t an “apps” tab in iTunes and I cannot see RootsMagic in iTunes at all on my computer when my iPhone is connected to my computer. It’s also not clear whether I need a Dropbox account to use RootsMagic. If so, I will be deleting the iPhone RootsMagic app. I don’t need any additional accounts to track. There’s no reason I shouldn’t be able to just drag the RootsMagic file to my device. I’ve been using RootsMagic software on my Windows computers sine 2010. It’s been a good product. But this app so far isn’t working for me.
The iOS app has not been updated to the new RootsMagic version 8 & 9 file format (.rmtree) so you must import your GEDCOM file into the free RootsMagic Essentials desktop program, then select File/Export Data/Dropbox and wait for Upload of the .rmgc file to complete. Then in the iPhone RootsMagic app select Files/Dropbox and the app will upload the file and open it. Works fine. Interface and Navigation are kind of Klunky but I can view all my genealogy data on the iPhone now.
Perfect, easy-to-use tool for genealogists of all levels
I love Roots Magic and have been using it from the beginning. It has everything I need to keep my findings and research on track. I have over 46,000 people on my tree and it manages that amount of information easily. And great value for your money! A great product that I recommend to my classes.
This app allows you to view your information from your device, but not change it. It would be helpful if it were more than a reader, but would allow corrections when visiting family across the country. Probably too much to ask.
This app is designed to allow you to view your roots magic files off-line using your smart phone. It does a wonderful job. I love having all that information available in my pocket. I wish it could also edit those files, as I rarely sit at my computer.
I can’t give it five stars only because it does not yet have the ability to edit or add new persons on IOS. But it’s fabulous to be able to navigate my tree on my iPhone and iPad!
I love the desktop RootsMagic program, but the app is a waste of time. All you can do is review the information from the desktop database! What good is that? You can’t add information or edit anything. I guess is you wanted to show someone your tree it’d be good, they couldn’t mess anything up, but without editing... I have helped them when they had new items to test and have mentioned the app, but still nothing. It’s a shame.
My tree files that I want to use are all on iCloud, but RootsMagic only offers the option of linking to DropBox (not possible, my DropBox space is used for other things and not enough room for these files) or connection to a pc with iTunes. If they'd allow iCloud instead of Dropbox that would be make it possible for me to look at this application.
Hello I have a question I would like to know I entered my email in the app and I exited out on the subscription part and I didn’t add a card or anything would I be ok or how do I unsubscribe?
The is app is several years old and does not support the file type from the latest RootsMagic software. The only way to get data from the RootsMagic software to the app is through a DropBox account. Also, they do not provide any support for the app. Very poor management!!! Do not waste your money on RootsMagic!
I just tried to use this app with my RM9 files, and it didn’t recognize the new RM9 file extension, so the claim that it doesn’t require a change isn’t valid. The app told me it had to be in .rmgc format.
incompetent handling of software development. Can you hire some Fiverr programmers to update the app as well as release a new desktop software; maybe the one destined to crawl out some time ago. Do not have anything to do with this software or company if you use a Mac, or care about software quality really.
No instructions. No help file. Completely unresponsive. I just says “Choose a Database”, followed by “No Database on file”. How does one load a database before one has created it? I got the app in order to start building one. Like buying a a refrigerator that cannot be opened until it is full of food!
I have RootsMagic 9 on my computer and I would like to have the information available to me on my IPad but this app won’t work at all. If I click on any of the options it immediately shuts down. Disappointing.
I have RootsMagic on my desktop pc and really like it. I wanted a more portable version to work with on my brand new iPad. I am very disappointed that I cannot edit or add information. Plus the app freezes often. I took it off my iPad as it is useless to me.
I have found that almost every free app related to genealogy searches is never works or at best crashes frequently. This all has not crashed but it also hasn’t worked. One more for the trash bin.
Since the last update in March, the program has not functioned properly. The app crashes frequently. For certain families, the data doesn't display (data is there but screen is blank). The developer has acknowledged that there are problems, but nothing is being done to correct those problems. This app should be removed from the App Store until the known problems have been corrected. An update has finally been released. This update fixes/corrects the problems that were introduced with the update in March. Hopefully, the developers can now move forward and introduce new features in the next update.
Non-intuitive. Most of the “tools” don’t work. There is no obvious way to make search work. The relationship calculator is inscrutable. This app falls far short of the desktop version. Very disappointing.
Please update app. I am new to RootsMagic, but so far I like the desktop version. I would pay $10+ dollars for iOS app if it has same capabilities as desktop version.
For what this app is it works completely fine. Remember it is viewer, so you can take your tree with you. You cannot add to it or do research. I have found it handy to have when visiting relatives and needing to look up dates. You have to connect your tree and load the app to Dropbox through roots magic on the computer. There is an option for this in the drop down menu on roots magic. It is very easy to do and I have no idea what all these bad reviews are for. They must not be able to follow directions. I have not tried it through iTunes. I do wish that I could connect through OneDrive or Google Drive because I had to add another syncing service to my computer which I didn't want to do. But I understand about needing to load the database. Hopefully someday they will figure out how to get the app to just need the backup file or something.
On my iPhone 4, when I opened the app it had a On Device screen with microprint. I can't zoom in nor rotate the screen to make it more readable. I finally figured out that it wanted me to use iTunes and link my desktop's RootMagic data file to the app then sync my iPhone which copied the data file to the iPhone. Next was to touch Files, select On Device and then the data file. Touching View displayed my Pedigree view similar to what I see in RootsMagic. But it's only 6 people high by 2 wide with navigation arrows on each side making it rather difficult to navigate. It'd be nice if I could zoom and rotate the display. There are other views; Family, Descendents, and Individual. Details such as Facts and family are available too. There's no password to view your data and everything in your RM data file is viewable. If you don't want certain data such as on living people, private facts, etc. you'd have to create a new data file in RM without these items. (Export a GEDCOM without the items then import it back to create a new RM file.) It's probably much more useful on an iPad assuming your see more information on its larger screen.
I'm highly experienced at genealogy researcher with decades of experience and am quite computer literate. Although RootsMagic for Windows is an excellent program, trying to share that information with other devices is essentially impossible. I am able to see some data on my iPhone but it is IMPOSSIBLE to connect to the data on my iPad. The fact that the people at RootsMagic refuse to all devices to share on ANY cloud storage system is beyond comprehension. RM REQUIRES that data be share ONLY with Dropbox is outlandish; however, even then I can't connect with anything other than my phone. They claim that iTunes may also be used but that can oly occur if All devices are Apple products. Really. REALLY! Don't bother with this app and don't believe RM when they claim you can use other devices to see your data.
Your family tree at your fingertips! Now you can easily take and show off your family history with you wherever you go. RootsMagic lets you carry your genealogy on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch! This viewer is designed as a companion product to RootsMagic, the award-winning desktop genealogy software which makes researching, organizing, and sharing your family history easy. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced professional, RootsMagic is the perfect tool for you! Features include: Files: * Uses your actual RootsMagic files- no conversion needed * Easily put your family history files on your device through iTunes or DropBox * Keep as many files as you want right on your device * Use the free desktop software to convert other genealogy files including PAF, Family Tree Maker, Legacy Family Tree, and GEDCOM into viewable RootsMagic files. Views: * Pedigree, Family, Descendant, and Individual Views to quickly explore your family tree * Browse people by surname and given names * Search ancestors by name or record number * View media, notes, and sources for people, families, events, and facts Lists: * Source list * To-do lists * Research Logs * Media Lists * Address Book * Repository List * Correspondence List * Place List Tools: * Perpetual calendar * Date calculator * Relationship calculator * Soundex calculator Note: Requires RootsMagic desktop family tree software or the free RootsMagic Essentials software to create, edit, or add to your genealogy files.
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