9 Family Tree Apps for Your iPad

10/14/2013

Screenshot of the pedigree view in the Heredis iPad App

The iPad is so fun and easy to use, I'm not surprised that I'm asked all the time, "What family tree app do you recommend for my new iPad?" With its drag, drop, and tap interface, the iPad is such a great device for creating your family tree on-the-go or in your favorite easy chair as you're watching your favorite sport on T.V. on the weekends. So I compiled a list below of some genealogy and family tree apps you can use on your iPad with a quick overview of some of their distinguishing features.

GedViewer ~ More than just a viewer, you can import your GEDCOM file, make updates to your database as you research, and if you want you can export your updated GEDCOM or just the updates via iTunes, email, or Wifi network. Because the family tree is stored on the iPad, you can input information while offline, and the app does not require companion desktop software. {Note: When using an iPad-only family tree app, you'll want to periodically export your GEDCOM to save it or back it up just in case the unthinkable happens to your iPad.} Take a look at the GedViewer website for all the features and specifications. GedViewer is available in the Apple iTunes store for $3.99.
Mobile Family Tree 7 ~ Boasting a "fully-fledged mobile genealogy app" for iOS, Mobile Family Tree 7 has an attractive interface, GEDCOM import/export, can be used independent of a PC or Mac, syncs between iOS devices and Mac Family Tree {not necessary} via iCloud exclusively, allows searching of the FamilySearch online archive, and includes charting and printing features. Take a look at the Mobile Family Tree 7 website as well as their Facebook Page for all the features, specifications, and user feedback. Mobile Family Tree 7 is available in the Apple iTunes store for $14.99.
Families ~ If you're already using Legacy Family Tree Software and want to be able to take your tree on-the-go and update while researching on-site, then the recommended app is Families. Files can be transferred via Wifi network or via iTunes with a USB connection. It is not a standalone application as it requires its companion software, Legacy Family Tree, on the PC. Take a look at the Families app website, Families Support Forum, Legacy Family Tree Software website, the Legacy Family Tree Facebook Page, and the independent Legacy Virtual Users Group on Google+ for more information, specifications, and user feedback on both the app and the companion software. Families is available in the Apple iTunes store for $14.99.
MyHeritage ~ If you already have your family tree started on MyHeritage.com, then you'll want to consider using their iPad app. It touts viewing and editing features within the app for your on-the-go and on-site researching needs. It syncs your data between your iPad and your family site on MyHeritage.com and allows you to research their online records via the app outside of your family tree which is very handy. And with today's major announcement of the strategic partnership between MyHeritage and FamilySearch.org where MyHeritage users will have access to FamilySearch.org's more than 2 billion historical records via MyHeritage's SuperSearch, it will be interesting to see how it will be {or if it will be} integrated into their mobile app. Take a look at the MyHeritage.com website, the MyHeritage Support Forums, and the MyHeritage Facebook Page for more information, specifications, and user feedback. The MyHeritage app is available in the Apple iTunes store for Free.
FamViewer ~ Similar to GedViewer, FamViewer does not require a particular genealogy desktop software to function. However, it offers a view-only of your family tree which is perfect for referencing while doing research on-the-go, but no edits can be made on it. It allows the user to import their family tree GEDCOM via iTunes, uploaded to FamViewer with a web browser on a desktop computer, or downloaded to FamViewer from any web site or web server via WiFi. Notably <grin>, it has a note function within the app allowing you to create notes while researching and email the notes to yourself. Take a look at the FamViewer website for more information and specifications. The FamViewer app is available in the Apple iTunes store for $9.99.
Reunion ~ If you're already a Reunion for Mac user, then the companion iPad app, Reunion, is a natural choice. It offers on-the-go viewing, navigating, searching, and editing features. Files are transferred back and forth via a wireless sync between the iPad and your Mac. Take a look at the Reunion for iPad webpage, Reunion for Mac website, and the Reunion Talk Forums for more information, specifications, and user feedback. The Reunion for iPad app is available in the Apple iTunes store for $14.99.
Rootsmagic ~ If you're already a Rootsmagic for PC user, then their companion iPad app is the one for you if all you need from your family tree on your iPad is a reference while researching on-site at courthouses and libraries. It does boast several views, lists, and common researching tools for the on-site researcher. A user needs to already have Rootsmagic {free version available} on their PC to use this app, and files are transferred via iTunes or Dropbox. Take a look at the Rootsmagic for iOS webpage, the Rootsmagic website, the Rootsmagic Community, the Rootsmagic Facebook Page, and the Rootsmagic Users Google+ Community for more information, specifications, and user feedback. The Rootsmagic app is available in the Apple iTunes store for Free.
Ancestry ~ If you already have a tree started on Ancestry.com or would like to start one there via your iPad and syncing, then the Ancestry for iPad app will be what you're looking for. It has dynamic family tree views, shaky leaf hints, record merging, access to multiple trees you've started or that have been shared with you on Ancestry.com, and you can view photos and records attached to your tree(s). While Ancestry.com does have companion software, Family Tree Maker, it's not necessary that the iPad app user have it or use it. However, if they do and they choose to sync their Family Tree Maker tree with their Ancestry.com tree, then the tree can be synced on all 3 platforms. Take a look at the Ancestry app for iPad webpage, the Ancestry.com website, the Family Tree Make website, the Ancestry Support Community, and the Ancestry Facebook Page for more information, specifications, and user feedback. The Ancestry app for iPad is available in the Apple iTunes store for Free.
Heredis ~ With the Heredis iOS app you get a hybrid/companion app where you're able to begin a family tree on the iPad in Heredis, or it can be started in the companion Heredis desktop {Windows and Mac} software. It boasts a beautiful and intuitive interface with full editing features, record and photo linking, records added via dictation and Siri, and beautiful dynamic tree charts that can be shared by email or be printed out. Data is synced/transferred via a Wifi network or iTunes between the iPad and the desktop software. The software and syncing are not required to use the app, but if something were to happen to your iPad, you'd want all your work backed up somewhere. Take a look at the Heredis for iPad webpage, the Heredis Learning Center, the Heredis Website, the Heredis User Forums, and the Heredis Facebook Page for more information, specifications, and user feedback. Heredis for iOS is available in the Apple iTunes store for free.

So. Did I miss one that you use on your iPad? Let me and everyone else know in comments below. And? Let us know why you like it so much. =)

~Caroline
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15 Comments

Robert Ronald Mackey link

5/30/2014 04:42:56 pm

I have hard copy geneolgy records my mother had worked on prior to her passing that I would like to start recording on my iPad.
I am a very visual person ( architect ) and I am looking for a software that gives me a good graphic representation of my mothers existing records and the new ones I come up with, which software is best for starting and research? Also does some of the software link to the my family history as I enter it? Also is there a software out there that would show a family tree graphic at the same time reflecting a geographic location?
Thanks,
Robert

Ryan

6/24/2014 03:16:02 am

Legacy Family Tree is the best software, I believe the new 8.0 Deluxe version will best suit your needs

Caroline

11/4/2014 12:56:37 am

Hi Robert,

For genealogy software, I use Rootsmagic. However, I can also suggest you take a look at FamilyTreeMaker, Legacy, and Heredis. The all offer a little something different.

Thanks for stopping by!

~C

Bill Lollar

8/24/2014 05:11:04 pm

You might want to revise your first item: GedViewer should be GedView. The link works which is how I found out the name was slightly off. Thanks!

Caroline

11/4/2014 12:50:40 am

Thanks for the "catch," Bill!

And thank you for stopping by!

~C

David Nixon

11/4/2014 11:20:12 am

I'm working with Aboriginal people in remote central Australia: there's a lot of interest in mapping families and so I'm hunting for an iOS app that allows data entry when there's no internet, and then auto syncs when I get back to the office.
I'm trying to interpret your reviews through this requirement. I'd be very appreciative if you could be more explicit.

Caroline

4/30/2015 12:59:50 am

Hi David,

Auto-sync's to what? The answer to that would be some online cloud application. Once you know what online cloud application you plan to use, you need to see if it has an iPad app that you're able to use offline and syncs to their cloud application.

This information you're collecting sounds like it's in spreadsheet form. Is that correct? If so, then you could explore Google Sheets (Google Drive), Excel (Dropbox integration and OneDrive integration), etc.

Thanks for stopping by!

~C

Joel Ellermeier

4/30/2015 12:30:30 am

I want to generate a GEDCOM file from familysearch on my iPad. What software should I use? Thank you

Caroline

4/30/2015 12:54:34 am

Hi Joel,

Downloading family tree information from FamilySearch cannot be done by GEDCOM file and saved anywhere. However, they have a list of mobile apps that integrate with FamilySearch so that you can do specific things with the information via an app. They're located here to download: https://familysearch.org/products/

For an iPad, you'd select the Mobile Tab and download the iOS apps you're interested in using.

Great question and thanks for stopping by!

~C

Rodrigo link

6/29/2015 05:57:56 pm

Hello from Mexico, Caroline! Great article; thanks!
We're a large 6th generation family (~650) and have had reunions for the past 35 years! We're planning the 36th now and we actually have a pretty good database of all names and family trees.
From your suggestions, MyHeritage is probably the best option, but do you have any thoughts on a website + mobile app where we can build the family tree once and let everyone view it for free and maybe share content or contact each other?
I'd rather keep it private; my interest is not to research our past, but to connect with our present.
Thanks again and take care!

CAROLINE M POINTER

9/14/2015 06:47:03 am

Hi Rodrigo,

Thanks for your kind words. My Heritage has an online tree service. My favorite to use, though, is Ancestry.com.

Thanks for stopping by!
~C

Amparo Gutierrez

9/22/2015 09:30:34 pm

I have most of my work on Ancestry, i am finding that Family Search is better for searching and its free. How can I sync the data from one tree to another. I would also like to sync to and from My Heritage because its the safest format for allowing others to input their data.

Caroline

5/13/2016 12:50:40 pm

Hi Amparo,

Good question! Unfortunately, you can't sync between different companies' trees. However, you can download your tree as a GEDCOM file and upload but that is not very efficient. I keep my main genealogy database software (RootsMagic) on a separate offline database that remains on my hard drive and only update my Ancestry tree while keeping a basic tree in other online tree services.

Thanks for reading!

~C

John Jou link

9/17/2019 07:33:31 am

I add one interested program - Heritio. Support GEDCOM, upload to web and have a greate visual templates.

Roaming with Rhonda link

12/8/2020 10:37:15 am

Thank you for shariing this

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9 Family Tree Apps for Your iPad

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