Genealogy: Finding Your Ancestors Online: Transcribe, Organize, & Share

Genealogy Software

Because of the abundance of online sources, genealogists now accumulate more information more quickly than before. Using computer software to organize, manage, and backup makes more sense than ever.

Gedcom is the universal file format for genealogy and all software understands it and can import and export genealogies using it.

• Gramps  Free desktop genealogical software which is more customizable that other genealogy software, and also associated with a community. Recording enslaved people and their enslavers, or other relationships, can be accomplished by using SyncAssociation
• Legacy (PC only) Full-featured desktop freemium commercial software program. If you try it and like it, the "Pro" version is worth investing in. Mac users should consider purchasing Reunion.
• RootsMagic is recommended and used by many professional genealogists.
• More software This section of Cyndi's List is full of other options.

Digital Preservation

• Personal archiving The Library of Congress' guide to preservation of personal digital information such as photos and documents.

If you prefer to organize using paper, files and filing cabinets, binders, notebooks, here are some tips:

• Organizing your Files (From Family Search)
• Organize Your Genealogy with Four Binders (pdf)
• Keeping a Genealogy Research Notebook

Collaborate, share online, or publish genealogy research

1. Share your family tree online

• Geni.com is freemium a collaborative, moderated community built with open source software. It is more truly global than other services. A free account allows you to upload, but searching is restricted. But you can search using an advanced google search restricting to the domain geni.com and share links to search results with family and friends.
• WikiTree is free, has similar features to Ancestry's Trees, allowing you to share/publish family trees online.
• Ancestry's Trees allows users to share or "publish" their family trees online. It's convenient, easy, and attractive. It's possible to sign up for an account and do this for free, but a paid individual subscription to Ancestry provides more options and features (such as the ability to download others' documents, photos and other attachments and upload your own). Many people subscribe for a few months, then unsubscribe.

2. Blog about your Family's History

• Family Tree Magazine's 40 Best Genealogy Blogs
• How to Blog About Your Family History Search
• Genealogy Blog or Book? Some Considerations (from The Armchair Genealogist)

3. Write a Book about your Family's History

• Genealogy Blog or Book? Some Considerations (from The Armchair Genealogist)
• Writing a Family History Book (from The Armchair Genealogist)
• Structuring a Family History (4 part class) from Legacy Family Tree webinars