11 Chrome apps for genealogists

Why 11 apps? Why not? There are plenty more that's for sure. And while I use FireFox more often, I still use Chrome for some things. And when I'm using OneNote, I use IE. [Shock & horror. I know. But to get full functionality of OneNote's awesomeness, you must use IE. And I get that. It's Microsoft's sandbox, Microsoft toys.]

But getting back to the 11 Chrome apps for genealogists, they aren't actually labeled for genealogists. In fact, most of the tech I spotlight on this blog isn't labeled for genealogy. I try to steer away from those because there are plenty of genealogists who blog about genealogy software. You don't need another one of those. [Although, I might do that every once and a while. =)]

In this list, I tried to stay away from Google products because they've bought up and developed so much, they get a list all their own. Also, I thought I'd clarify what an app is. An app, or application, is what we used to call software. It's not just for a smartphone, but can be found on tablets, the cloud, your browsers, etc. And if they hadn't started calling icons on desktops, well, icons, they'd probably call them apps as well. Technically, the icon on your desktop is a shortcut to the application, or app, itself.

Some in this list are really just shortcuts to online software that already exists on the web. Chrome calls them apps. Most of time, they're just shortcuts [like icons on a desktop] to the actual application.

Confused? It's okay. Call them those thingies on your browser toolbar or Chrome start-up page that when you click on them, they get you where you want to go so you can do what you want to do. It doesn't matter. But? Here's 9 of them that I have on my Google Chrome Browser that I like to use plus 2 I'm playing with. [I have a lot more but I managed to pick 11 of them to share with you.] They are all available in your Chrome Web App Store. The links below are for each company's website. However, to put the shortcut on your toolbar, you'll need to visit the Chrome Web App Store.

1. Evernote Web - Just a shortcut to an existing Evernote online account. I also have the Evernote Web clipper Chrome Browser app, which means I lied right off the bat. I'm sharing 12 apps. [So sue me.]
   
2. Task Timer - Ever wondered how much time you spent tracking down just where your Great Aunt Bernice went when she ran off with that carny? Start tracking your time for specific tasks with this app. Obviously, if you're a professional genealogist or a freelancer, this app is a must. This is only available for the Chrome Web Browser and thus can only be found in the Chrome Web App Store.
   
3. Notable - With this app, collaborate with other family members, co-workers, etc. on a screenshot with this app. You can all make notes on it together. Find the ever-elusive Great-Aunt Bernice and that carny together.
   
4. LucidChart - Does your brain think better when your info is in a flowchart or mind map? I didn't think mine did until I wrote a post about online genealogy worlkflows, and suddenly, BAM! The flowchart was the best way for me to explain my workflow process. This app is really just a shortcut to their actual website, but it's integrated with Google Drive.
   
5. Free Online PDF Tools - Have you ever needed to rotate a PDF document, merge any files to PDF, split a PDF file, convert PDF to JPEG , or convert any file to PDF? Then this app is SO for you. You can all but juggle your PDFs with this app.
   
6. Visual Root - I'd thought y'all would appreciate this one. It's like mind mapping. Yes, you can use words, but you can also use images and videos. However, they are meant to be collaborative and public. I've just discovered it and will be playing with it soon.
7. Aviary Photo Editor - I've used this for a while now for screenshots and to annotate images.
   
8. Slide Rocket - Don't use or have Power Point? Then this app definitely deserves a look-see. Has a free version for casual users and works with Google Drive.
   
9. Stupeflix - It's summer time and you know what that means, right? Family reunions. Need an awesome video made from video clips and photos? Try Stupeflix. Pick a theme, music, and add maps. Your family will think you are a genius. [And they'll be right.]
   
10. SocialBro - Available only on the Chrome Browser, SocialBro allows you to monitor your twitter analytics. So if you're using Twitter for business reasons, you'll want to check this one out. This one is not available through a website - only as a Google Chrome Browser App. Go to the Chrome Web App store for more details and to add it to your browser.]
    
11. Paymo.biz - Another time tracking site, but it has invoicing and a stand alone website with mobile apps. I thought I'd add this one in there for the professionals.

So there you go. 11 + 1 Chrome Browser Apps for genealogists. Which ones do you use? Do you use anything different? Care to share in comments below? Please. Don't hold out on us.

~Caroline

---