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Find your family story.

15 iPad Apps I use for Genealogy and Family History

7/26/2013

40 Comments

 
15 iPad Apps I Use for #Genealogy via 4YourFamilyStory.com.15 iPad apps for genealogy. © Copyright 2013 4YourFamilyStory.com
I get asked a lot what apps people should get for their iPad. You know, for genealogy and "stuff." It's a tough one to answer because it just depends. It depends on your interests, preferences, and, you know, stuff.

But that usually doesn't help folks out. So I thought I'd list what apps I have on my iPad. Some I have used and some I'm either been playing with or have just started playing with. {And some of the apps I used on my iPhone back before I bought my Android Smartphone and before I had an iPad.} However, the list is long. So I broke it down into several blog posts. And I've started out with some pretty obvious ones, I think. Then, I'll branch out into some other obvious apps and not-so-obvious apps that I use for some aspect of genealogy research -- both personally and professionally.

And if you like this series of blog posts for genealogy and family history apps that I use on my iPad, just wait until you see the series of blog posts listing the Android apps I use on my Samsung Note 2. 'Cuz that's next after this series. Bam.

  1. Ancestry ~ This is how I access my private work-in-progress family tree when I'm on the go. While I prefer to access Ancestry via my browser on my iPad for researching, I do like the convenience of accessing my tree while I'm at the library or courthouse for quick reference.
  2. Rootsmagic ~ While I use FamilyTreeMaker 2012 software because it syncs to my Ancestry tree {which is my private research work-in-progress tree} very nicely, I also use Rootsmagic 6. And I'm finding I use it more because of it's research features, new alerts {which are really awesome and a huge time saver}, developer responsiveness, etc., but most of all I like how I can publish a family tree website that includes only things I've proven {to my satisfaction} and that can be found by anyone including family members via Google. Now, getting it on my iPad via Dropbox and the Rootsmagic app is not my favorite because it ties me to having Dropbox storage for this, but their desktop software rocks.
  3. MyHeritage ~ Admittedly, I don't keep my tree updated there, I do like having a version of my tree there for cousin bait, networking, the alerts, etc., and it's nice to have it on the go on my iPad for quick researching. {And, no, I don't recommend people have 3 different databases going if you don't want to. It's not necessary at all.}
  4. LiveHistory ~ I've been playing with this app, and I have a full review coming up on it. Suffice it to say that I think this app has lots of research and analysis potential. {Disclosure: I've received an app from the developer for me to review.}
  5. Billiongraves Camera App ~ While I research on FindAGrave.com as well as Billiongraves.com and elsewhere, this app makes capturing my own ancestors' tombstones and information very handy.
  6. StoryPress ~ I'll be using this app for an upcoming interview with a 2nd cousin of mine. {Disclosure: I not only promoted their Kickstarter Project, I helped to fund it as well and received some cloud storage for donating to their project. I like this app that much.}
  7. WhoDoYouThinkYouAre? Magazine {UK} {Disclosure:I wrote an article for them.}
  8. Wolfram Genealogy & Family History Research Assistant App {More specialized for genealogy than the Wolfram Alpha App}
  9. Wolfram Travel Assistant App ~ Again, more specialized and handy for planning any type of trips, including research trips.}
  10. Paper of Record ~ Not an abundance of collections, but? How will it get bigger if we don't support it? And maybe other developers will take a hint a develop more of these apps. Cuz, duh. This is brilliant.
  11. Metes and Bounds Basic ~ While I've used the web-based version, I just found this iPad app. It doesn't look as powerful as their desktop application, but I think this could be pretty handy when dealing with metes and bounds when I'm on the go. Or relaxing on the couch.
  12. Houston Public Library ~ This app is super duper handy for checking what Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research has in their online catalog when I'm on the go. {At home, I use Clayton's website for full researching.}
  13. Mid-Continent Public Library ~ While I also use Worldcat.org {which their app is no longer available but you can use the site in your favorite iPad browser}, I like having access to a library's website via my iPad app for special collections, events, etc.
  14. Timeline Builder ~ I've just started playing with this one. I'll let you know what I think of it in the near future. So stay tuned.
  15. ThingLink ~ This one is SO cool and I did a review of it already.

Also remember to stay tuned for more iPad apps. I've got lot of them that I use for not only genealogy but other, um, "stuff." And then a series of blog posts of Android apps that I use will be after that.

~Caroline
If you found this article helpful, please share:

40 Comments
Lisa link
7/29/2013 03:48:26 am

Thanks Caroline for this great list of apps! I hadn't heard of a few of them, and now I want to try them out. Ancestry, MyHeritage and BillionGraves.com apps are all a must!

Reply
Caroline Pointer
9/18/2013 02:02:14 am

You're welcome, Lisa! And I'm glad you found it helpful.

And thank YOU for stopping by and reading! =)

~C

Reply
Dennis Stack link
8/4/2013 11:09:20 am

We have an iPad app that allows users to create 'talking photo' albums and then a simple link to add those to the FamilySearch Family Tree
http://www.legacystories.org/about-us/ipad-app

Reply
Caroline Pointer
9/18/2013 02:03:13 am

Thanks, Dennis, for adding to the conversation.

And thank you for reading. =)

~C

Reply
Brent Tucker link
9/15/2015 08:37:55 pm

Dennis, great to hear from you. Great tip. Tell Tom I said hello

Reply
Lynda link
8/4/2013 12:22:22 pm

I too am grateful for the list of apps. But am wondering how you handle what you find via your Work-in-Progress FTM & Ancestry and then get information into RootsMagic? Do you re-enter it manually? Do you clean up the FTM first & create a GEDCOM file?

Reply
Charlene
9/9/2013 06:01:48 am

Lynda, I might not be an expert, but I find when I use more than one genealogy program, I create a GEDCOM file from my "MAIN" program and use FTM too because of the tree sync to Ancestry and then import it into RootsMagic and even Legacy. Sometimes these programs allow users to import more into their "trial versions" then enter manually into their programs. I like to see my data in a different format and other programs give me this option.

Reply
Caroline Pointer
9/18/2013 02:06:57 am

Lynda, I enter it manually so that I can have more control over the citation since the Rootsmagic one is the one I will be using to publish a a public website with. This is my preference, though, and you could certainly clean up the FTM database and create a GEDCOM file. However, GEDCOM doesn't handle notes and citations very well.

Thank you so much for stopping by and reading. I appreciate it. =)

~C

Reply
Jennifer Dunn link
9/18/2013 08:57:14 am

Let me know what you think of Timeline. I'm so cheap that I like to read reviews from folks I trust before paying for an app! On the other hand, it sounds nifty!

Reply
Caroline Pointer
9/22/2013 02:43:43 am

You bet, Jennifer! Thanks for stopping by and reading! =)

~C

Reply
Scott Muhn
9/21/2013 04:15:35 pm

I have a simple question to which I'm unable to find an answer: Which genealogy programs for the iPad let me work on my family tree OFFLINE? I want the data in my computer - not in some cloud.

Reply
Caroline Pointer
9/22/2013 02:27:59 am

Scott, have you tried FamViewer? It's transfers your GEDCOM to your iOS device via a USB cable and iTunes.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/famviewer/id294379138?mt=8

Thanks for stopping by!

~C

Reply
Caroline Pointer
9/22/2013 02:39:38 am

Scott,

I should add that FamViewer only allows you to view your GEDCOM file. Another option is to use Heredis Software for your genealogy database needs. If you use it on your PC or Mac, then you can synchronize your genealogy data via WIFI to your iPad once you install their iPad app. Then you can do all sorts of editing or entering of data while avoiding cloud storage and it will sync to your PC/Mac. Here is a link to their website for all the details:

http://www.heredis.com/en/heredis-iphone-ipad/

Hope this helps.

~C

Caroline Pointer
9/22/2013 03:04:53 am

Scott, one more way is if you use Rootsmagic software on your PC, you can transfer the data in it to your iPad {after installing their iPad app} via iTunes. However, like FamViewer, you can only read your genealogy data and not update or edit the information on your iPad. Here's more info about it:

http://www.rootsmagic.com/ios/FAQ/

~C

Tracey Hughes
9/29/2013 10:09:54 am

I'd be very interested in what you think about Timeline, too!

Reply
Robin link
11/9/2013 12:47:48 pm

New follower, looking forward to reading your blog posts

Reply
Elizabeth Kaspar link
11/14/2013 07:24:47 am

Thank you for your choices. Do you ever use the powerful database, PROQUEST? You can access it at most universities, or if associated with one, can access it at home. Particularly, it has an excellent file of old newspapers. There is an app, but you need the university's password.

Reply
Caroline
2/9/2014 11:01:57 am

Elizabeth,

I've used Heritage Quest via ProQuest. Thus I'm familiar with it. Since it's availability is limited, I didn't include outlying apps that have limited function.

Thank you very much for stopping by and reading. I appreciate it.

~C

Reply
Andrew Martin link
11/18/2013 06:03:20 pm

Thanks Caroline, Having just become a proud first-time parent of an iPad Air, I'm looking forward to adding some great genealogy apps to it.

I already have Reunion, and will certainly be adding BillionGraves.

I did have the Ancestry app on my Android phone, but didn't get on with it - so hopefully it's progressed, and it will be easier to use on the bigger iPad screen.

Thanks a lot!

Andrew

Reply
Caroline
2/9/2014 10:59:07 am

Andrew,

Congrats on your new iPad Air! The Ancestry app has definitely been updated so take another look at it.

And thank you for stopping by and reading! :)

~C

Reply
b kemp
12/9/2013 11:49:23 am

I just received I pad air as a gift. I do NOT have a tree on ancestry and do not want one there.
However, I belong to several family trees. When I open ancestry the trees are there, but no way to search as on the website from what I could see.
Amazingly, little info on ancestry website , so your help is appreciated

Reply
Caroline
2/9/2014 10:54:42 am

You can search Ancestry.com via your browser app rather than the Ancestry app.

And without a full analysis of your particular family information, I cannot suggest a specific place to look. It varies from person to person.

Thank you for reading!

~C

Reply
Alexander St-John
6/8/2014 11:55:55 pm

I have a tree already at my disposal (not my own) which I want to just enter to improve it (provide corrections and improve layout).
What's the best of the above for that?

Reply
Caroline
5/8/2015 02:35:05 am

Hi Alexander,

If your tree is offline on paper, you can try any of the ones listed above amd it will depend on which one you prefer.

If it's already in a database software, check to see if that company's software has an app. If it doesn't, then you'll need to download that database via GEDCOM file and then upload to a service/app/software of your preference.

Hope this helps and thanks for stopping by!

~C

Reply
Declan Metcalfe link
7/8/2014 10:22:10 pm

Hi Caroline,

Great blog and post. We've recently launched Memory Box Stories on the app store. The app enables users to create memories from up to 10 images and 5 minutes of audio with written content. We've been surprised by how many users are using it to take photographs of old family photos and either recording their parents talking about them, collecting their reminiscences of older family members who are no longer with us. Or recording their own stories about their family history. I'd love to get your any of your readers feedback on it's potential use for genealogy?

Best regards
Declan

Reply
Lizzy
8/3/2014 02:26:50 pm

Can I use these apps on an iPod?

Reply
Declan metcalfe
8/3/2014 08:03:50 pm

Hi Lizzy, you can use Memory Bix Stories on the iPod Touch. :)

Declan

Reply
Declan metcalfe
8/3/2014 08:03:57 pm

Hi Lizzy, you can use Memory Bix Stories on the iPod Touch. :)

Declan

Reply
Caroline
5/8/2015 02:30:59 am

Hi Lizzy,

You'll need to check each one on iTunes to see if they do as each app is updated frequently and the status might change.

Thanks for reading!

~C

Reply
Hailey link
10/21/2014 07:58:31 pm

This is a really good read for me, Must admit that you are one of the best bloggers I ever saw.Thanks for posting this informative article.

Reply
Ralph Ferguson link
5/8/2015 02:10:09 am

Hi CarolIne,
I've enjoyed reading the blog and all the posts here. I have a question: The public is always being warned against posting personal information (including birthdates, addresses, etc.) on the Internet. If I use Ancestry and other apps you've mentioned to build and keep my family tree, does the information entered remain private to me or does it become publicly available?

Reply
Caroline
5/8/2015 02:29:20 am

Hi Ralph,

Thank you for your kind words. While every site, service, or app is different, most keep information for living individuals private when sharing it publicly, I would highly suggest you check the Terms of Service (TOS) or even contact them to make sure they do before using.

Thanks for stopping by and reading!

~C

Reply
Ralph Ferguson
5/8/2015 03:04:19 am

Thanks.

Ralph Ferguson
5/9/2015 05:26:46 am

A number of years ago, sitting here at the kitchen table and just for something to do, my cousin & I tore open a large used envelope and began to write down on the inside of it the names of family and relatives that we knew and could recall. That was the beginning of it. We were fourth generation Canadians, descents of an immigrant from Scotland who arrived in Nova Scotia to become a farmer. In the time since, I, devised an Excel file to hold the information and find I have not too distant relatives scattered throughout Canada, the United States and as far away as New Zealand. It's an interesting story and each of those relatives has a chapter. Now that I have an iPad and have been considering the Ancestry app, I've been thinking it would be nice to have an app to which all such members of a family could add their pieces (information, photos, news clippings, etc.) and which would then be shared by all now and into the future. Is there a suitable such app and have you experienced any families doing something like that?

Reply
CAROLINE M POINTER
9/14/2015 06:54:35 am

Hi Ralph,

Yes, Ancestry.com has an app (and website) where you may start a family tree and share it easily with family members.

Thanks for stopping by!
~C

Reply
Ralph Ferguson
5/9/2015 06:29:17 am

Unsubscribed in error.

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