Author: Michael Booth

As we close out 2025 and prepare to welcome 2026, we want to take a moment to reflect on an incredible year and to thank you, our RootsMagic community, for being part of it.

This year brought meaningful growth, new features, and so many opportunities to connect with fellow family history enthusiasts. Whether you’ve been with us for decades or just discovered RootsMagic this year, we’re grateful you’ve chosen us as your partner in preserving and sharing your family story.

A Year of Connection at RootsTech 2025

In March, we returned to the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City for RootsTech 2025, the world’s largest family history conference. As longtime sponsors of this event, we were thrilled to see so many familiar faces at booth #1203, and to meet many of you for the very first time.

Bruce Buzbee presented a session on RootsMagic 10’s latest features, and the response was wonderful. We also loved watching attendees use the “Relatives at RootsTech” feature to discover unexpected family connections with fellow genealogists. There’s something truly special about gathering with thousands of people who share the same passion for uncovering the past.

If you joined us in person or online, thank you for making RootsTech 2025 so memorable.

Honoring Those Who Came Before

Leading up to Memorial Day, we published a special three-part blog series exploring how RootsMagic can help you prepare for cemetery visits and honor your ancestors. Renee Zamora walked us through her personal project on researching family cemeteries, demonstrating how to use saved searches to find ancestors buried in specific locations, how to identify individuals with memorial markers in multiple cemeteries, and how to organize your research using groups, color-coding, and reference numbers.

These articles resonated with many of you. As Renee beautifully put it, the people resting in those cemeteries are more than data; they’re family. Their stories shape our stories, and we’re honored to help you preserve and share those connections.

Introducing RootsMagic 11

September brought our biggest news of the year: the release of RootsMagic 11.

This wasn’t just another update; it was a labor of love shaped by your feedback. We listened carefully to your requests, and RootsMagic 11 reflects what you told us mattered most: a clearer interface, better editing tools, and smarter ways to work with your research.

Here are just a few highlights:

A more comfortable workspace. Views like Pedigree and Family are now clearly labeled, and cryptic icons have been replaced with intuitive menus. The new side panel header shows key information about a person at a glance—names, vital events, relationships, and quick indicators for notes, sources, media, and DNA.

The Life Summary panel. Sometimes you just want to see someone’s whole story in one place. The Life Summary gives you exactly that—a complete snapshot of life events, spouses and children, parents and siblings—all in one view. You can expand, collapse, add relatives, or rearrange with simple drag-and-drop.

Better editing across the board. The new Sources view displays all citations for a person on a single screen, so you don’t have to hunt through multiple windows. Notes and tasks work the same way, with clear indicators showing where information already exists.

Powerful new search tools. The redesigned Advanced Search lets you combine rules with AND, OR, and BUT NOT logic, search by multiple event fields, and find people without sources or those not yet linked into your tree.

The AI Prompt Builder. A first in genealogy software, this tool helps you create clear, structured prompts for your preferred AI assistant. Whether you want to draft a life sketch, write an obituary, or explore historical context, the AI Prompt Builder pulls the details you need from your database while giving you control over the output.

The response from our community has been heartwarming. We’ve heard from many of you that these improvements have made your research more enjoyable and efficient. That feedback means everything to us.

A Fresh Look for RootsMagic.com

Just in time for the launch of RootsMagic 11, we also refreshed our website with a cleaner, more streamlined design. Our goal was simple: make it easier for you to find what you need, whether you’re learning about our products, accessing support, or downloading updates.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we turn the page to a new year, we’re excited about what’s ahead.

RootsTech 2026. We’ll be back in Salt Lake City, March 5–7, 2026, and we’d love to see you there. Stop by our booth to say hello, watch demonstrations, and take advantage of special conference pricing. If you can’t make it in person, remember that RootsTech also offers free online participation.

New features and enhancements. Our development team has been hard at work on updates shaped by your requests, along with exciting new capabilities that leverage the latest technologies in the family history space. We can’t wait to share more details in the coming months.

Thank You for Being Part of Our Story

At RootsMagic, we know that genealogy is more than a hobby. It’s a calling. It’s the late nights spent deciphering old records, the thrill of a breakthrough after months of searching, and the quiet satisfaction of preserving a story that might otherwise be lost.

We’re honored to be part of your journey, and we don’t take that trust lightly. Every feature we build, every update we release, and every support question we answer is guided by our commitment to helping you discover and tell your family story.

Thank you for a wonderful 2025. Here’s to new discoveries, cherished connections, and another year of bringing family history to life.

Happy New Year from all of us at RootsMagic!

Did you wake up Christmas morning hoping to find RootsMagic in your stocking… only to discover Santa didn’t quite get your genealogy wish list right?

Good news! You’re getting a second chance.

Due to popular demand, we’re extending our Holiday Special Sale on RootsMagic through midnight January 2. That gives you a little extra time to treat yourself to the tools you need to discover, organize, and share your family history.

No elves required. No waiting until next Christmas.

Get RootsMagic at the holiday price before the clock runs out.

It’s almost time for the largest genealogy conference in the world—RootsTech!

RootsTech 2025 will be held Thursday, March 6, through Saturday, March 8, both online and in-person at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah. We’ve been part of this event from the very beginning, and we’re thrilled to sponsor it once again in 2025.

Special RootsTech Offer (In-Person and Online)

RootsTech 2025 is the world’s largest family history celebration, and we’re offering an exclusive discount to attendees. Save up to 50% on our software, including Personal Historian 3, Family Atlas, and the all-new RootsMagic 10!

If you’re attending in person, visit us at booth #1203 to take advantage of our special conference pricing—RootsMagic for just $20!

For those unable to attend in person, you can still claim this special offer online at www.NotAtRootsTech.com. This exclusive discount is only available through Friday, March 14, at 11:59 pm MST.

Attend Online for Free!

You don’t have to be in Salt Lake City to experience the excitement of RootsTech! Register for free to access hundreds of online class sessions, a virtual expo hall, inspiring keynote speakers, and other unique experiences designed to help you uncover your family history.

Relatives at RootsTech

One of the most exciting features of RootsTech is the “Relatives at RootsTech” tool, which helps you discover how you’re related to other attendees. Simply use RootsMagic to update your FamilySearch Family Tree and explore connections with genealogists from around the world.

Explore the Expo Hall

The RootsTech expo hall is the nation’s largest gathering place for genealogy products and services. Be sure to stop by booth #1203 (right up front) to meet our team, watch live demonstrations, and get special discounts on RootsMagic products.

Expo Hall Hours (Subject to Change):

• Thursday, March 6 – 9:00 AM–6:30 PM
• Friday, March 7 – 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
• Saturday, March 8 – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM

Exclusive In-Person RootsMagic 10 Class

While the virtual RootsTech experience is free, attending in person gives you access to over 250 exclusive sessions, the world-renowned FamilySearch Library, and valuable face-to-face networking with genealogy experts.

If you’re attending in person, don’t miss the opportunity to learn directly from Bruce Buzbee, the creator of RootsMagic! He will be teaching a special class on RootsMagic 10’s latest features.

What’s New in RootsMagic 10

• Date: Thursday, March 6
• Time: 9:30–10:30 AM
• Location: Salt Palace Convention Center, Room 155 BC

Join Bruce Buzbee, President of RootsMagic, as he unveils the exciting new features in RootsMagic 10. Whether you’re tracking health and medical histories, managing DNA matches, or exploring powerful new search capabilities, this session will show you how RootsMagic 10 enhances your genealogy experience.

See You There!

We can’t wait to see you at RootsTech 2025, whether in person or online! Don’t miss out on exclusive discounts, expert genealogy insights, and an opportunity to connect with fellow family history enthusiasts. See you at booth #1203!

RootsTech 2024 is the world’s largest in-person and online family history celebration! And we’re offering RootsTech attendees a special discount. Save up to 50% on our software including Personal Historian 3, Family Atlas, and RootsMagic 9!

At our booth, take advantage of our special conference pricing. You’ll get RootsMagic for only $20!

Those who can’t attend RootsTech this year can get the same conference special online by visiting www.NotAtRootsTech.com. The offer is only available through Monday, March 4, at 11:59 pm MST.

It’s almost time for the largest genealogy conference in the world- RootsTech!

It’s being held Thursday, February 29, through Saturday, March 2, 2024, online and in-person at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah. We’ve been there from the beginning, and we’re pleased to sponsor this event again in 2024.

Attend Online for Free!

Register for free for the RootsTech online conference! It only takes 10 seconds, and you will get access to hundreds of class sessions, a virtual expo hall, outstanding keynote addresses, and other unique experiences to help you discover more about your story.

Relatives at RootsTech

There is also an improved “Relatives at RootsTech” feature that lets you see how you’re related to the other RootsTech attendees. Just use RootsMagic to update FamilySearch Family Tree to see how you connect to interested genealogists worldwide.

Expo Hall

Don’t miss the expo hall, which is the country’s largest gathering place for genealogy products and services. Be sure to visit the RootsMagic booth #1301 (right up front) to meet our staff, ask questions, view demonstrations, and get special discounts on RootsMagic products.

Expo Hall hours (subject to change) are:

• Thursday, February 29, 2024, 9 am–7:30 pm
• Friday, March 1, 2024, 9 am–6 pm
• Saturday, March 2, 2024, 9 am–3 pm

In-Person RootsMagic 9 Class

While the virtual RootsTech is free, the in-person event in Salt Lake City includes:

• 250+ exclusive sessions only available in-person
• Access to the world-renowned FamilySearch Library
• Face-to-face connections with friends and industry experts

Plus, if you are attending in person, you can come to a RootsMagic 9 class, taught by the RootsMagician himself, Bruce Buzbee!

RootsMagic: Growing a personal tree in a connected world
Friday, March 1, 3:00–4:00 pm
Salt Palace Convention Center, Room 155 D

Join us for a friendly, easy-to-follow guide to starting your very own family tree using RootsMagic. We’ll learn how to grow your personal family tree in today’s connected world using the powerful tools of RootsMagic. We’ll show you how to handle private information about living or unproven family links while connecting your non-sensitive findings with larger family history platforms like FamilySearch and Ancestry.

For years, RootsMagic users have enjoyed integration with leading online genealogy services like FamilySearch and Ancestry. This collaboration has let our users search records, synchronize data, and more.

RootsMagic has always been at the forefront, staying up to speed with the latest technologies and online services.

The Next Step: Introducing OAuth in RootsMagic 9

The latest release of RootsMagic 9 (version 9.1) marks a significant upgrade in how users interact with these online services. Adopting OAuth technologies, this update introduces a new online sign-in system, supporting more sign-in options — including two-factor authentication — ensuring that users’ online data remains secure.

Why are Ancestry and FamilySearch making this change?

Ancestry and FamilySearch, understanding the importance of data security, will soon discontinue support for the old sign-in methods. The goal is to safeguard user data and provide more flexible account creation and access. It’s a necessary step forward as web technologies advance and security needs become more complex.

When this happens, users of RootsMagic 7 and 8 will no longer be able to sign into them. RootsMagic 9 users who have installed the latest update will not be affected.

When will these changes take place?

Ancestry and FamilySearch, working independently from each other, will make the changes on their own timetables. The exact dates aren’t known at this time, only that they will be soon.

We wanted to give our users advance notice so that they will be able to move their data to RootsMagic 9, and become familiar with it before the changes occur.

UPDATE: As of Monday, December 11, 2023, Ancestry has shut off external sign-in access to their API. FamilySearch remains unchanged.

Why can’t RootsMagic update previous versions to support the new sign-in methods?

We cannot update previous versions to support the new sign-in methods because they are built on older technologies that are not compatible with the new security measures.

RootsMagic 9, however, has been developed with these changes in mind, thanks to considerable time and effort from our development team.

I use RootsMagic 7/8 and want to keep using Ancestry/FamilySearch. How do I get version 9?

If you use an earlier version of RootsMagic and wish to continue using its Ancestry and FamilySearch features, you will need to upgrade to RootsMagic 9.

Special Limited-Time 50% Discount

We are excited to offer a limited-time discount — upgrade to RootsMagic 9 now and gain access to the latest version, including enhanced integration with Ancestry and FamilySearch, for only $20.

This offer represents a significant saving of 50% off the regular price. To take advantage of this special offer, use the code UPGRADE9 at checkout.

Not only will you get uninterrupted support for Ancestry and FamilySearch services, but you will also enjoy all the new features and enhancements available in RootsMagic 9.

If you’ve been sitting on the fence, this is the perfect time to upgrade to RootsMagic 9. But hurry, this offer expires soon!

RootsMagic 9, the latest version of our popular genealogy software, introduces an exciting new feature called “Associations”. This innovative addition, also known as the “FAN method” or “cluster research”, is a powerful research tool that provides a unique way to expand family research and discover connections beyond traditional family lines.

It allows you to document relationships between two people in your file that aren’t necessarily related. They could be friends, neighbors, or even something like an enslaver / enslaved person relationship.

Adding an Association

You can add an association in two different places:

1. From the Add button on any of the People views
2. From the Add fact list when editing a person

When adding (or editing) an association, you can enter the following information:

• Association type: The type of association (friends, neighbors, etc.). You can also create your own association types.
• The 2 people: You can select the two associated people using the selection list. If the two people are reversed, you can use the “Switch roles for the 2 people” button to switch them.
• Date: The date (or date range) for the association
• Sort date: A non-printing date used to sort the association with other events and associations
• Place: The place for the association
• Place details: The place details for the association
• Description: A short (one line) description for the association
• Note: Any text you want to enter describing more details about the association

When editing from the Edit Person screen, you can also add source citations, media, and even tasks to the association.

Association View

On the main screen, the new Association view is a list of all the associations in your file.

From the association view, you can:

• Sort the list: Click the header of the column to sort by
• Filter the list: Type in the name of the person you want to filter by
• Edit either person: Click “Edit person 1” or “Edit person 2”
• Edit the association: Click “Edit relationship”

Association List

There is also a new report called the “Association List”. It displays an indented list of the highlighted person’s associations. The list will include all associations for the person, plus all the associations for the associated people for as many levels as you select.

To print an association list:

1. Select the Publish page
2. Select “All reports and charts”
3. Select “Association List (Individual)”
4. Select your options from the Report Settings panel

For a demonstration of Associations in action, watch the video tutorial available here. This new feature is a powerful tool for genealogists and family historians, offering a new way to explore and document the complex web of relationships that make up our pasts.

The world’s largest genealogy conference is 100% virtual this year as well as 100% free!

RootsTech 2022 runs March 3-5, 2022 at RootsTech.org. It has an impressive list of keynote speakers and over 1,500 class sessions on 185 topics in over 30 languages. Did we mention it’s all free?

Relatives at RootsTech

There is also an improved “Relatives at RootsTech” feature that lets you see how you’re related to the other 650,000+ RootsTech attendees. Just use RootsMagic to update FamilySearch Family Tree to see how you connect to interested genealogists around the world.

RootsMagic Users Group Chat

We also set up a group chat room in the RootsTech chat feature. To access it:

1. Visit https://www.familysearch.org/messages/chat/fullpage. Sign into FamilySearch, if needed.
2. Click on “Groups”, to the right of “Chats” on the header bar.
3. In the “Search for groups” box, type “RootsMagic”.
4. The “RootsMagic Users” group will appear in the search results. Click on it to join the chat group.

Special RootsMagic Discount

While RootsTech Connect does have a virtual expo hall, we’ve been putting all of our time and efforts into improving RootsMagic 8 and, unfortunately, don’t have a virtual booth this year.

However, we’re pleased to offer RootsTech attendees a special discount. Save up to 37% on our software including Personal Historian 3, Family Atlas, and the NEW RootsMagic 8!

Through March 19, 2022, use the code ROOTSTECH to receive your discount. There is no limit on the number of discounted copies you can buy during this limited-time offer.