Category: Uncategorized

With the new year, we’d like to take this opportunity to look back at all that has happened with RootsMagic in 2021, as well as look forward to our plans in 2022.

RootsMagic 8

Of course, our biggest event of 2021 was the community preview and official release of RootsMagic 8.

Although this wasn’t the first time we have rewritten the RootsMagic code, it was by far the biggest project in our company history. We rewrote RootsMagic to support the latest genealogical technologies available today while building a foundation for future functionality that would have been impossible with our older code.

One of our main goals was to create native Windows and Mac versions with identical functionality, so we selected a development platform that allows us to create both with a single code base. This means that when we add new features in the future, those features will be available on both Windows and Mac.

In addition, we added an all-new interface that supports easily switching between different types of information without losing your place, the ability to edit multiple persons at the same time, reusable citations, a completely rewritten report engine, and the ability to save reports directly to Word (.docx) or Excel (.xlsx) files.

After working insanely long hours for months on end, we were able to officially release RootsMagic 8 on October 1, 2021.

New RootsMagic Community

In 2021 we also announced a new online community for users to connect and ask questions, share ideas, and discuss how to use the RootsMagic software. This community replaced our old forums which were based on a platform that had long since become obsolete. The new RootsMagic community is based on the Discourse platform and can be found at https://community.rootsmagic.com. Everyone is welcome to view or read posts, but a free account is required in order to post or comment on messages.

New Website

Our official website also received an overhaul with a responsive design, updated content, and easier navigation.

New RootsMagic Wiki

With the release of RootsMagic 8, we also introduced our new RootsMagic Wiki. The wiki contains the online version of help for RootsMagic 8, which means we can instantly add to and update the RootsMagic help, as well as include videos, links to webinars, and other multimedia options.

New Webinars

And speaking of webinars, we brought back our free webinars on getting the most out of your RootsMagic software. To help users become familiar with the new version and features, we’re offering a new series of free webinars; the first being, “What’s New in RootsMagic 8”.

Webinars will also be live-streamed on our YouTube channel and recordings will be available there.

2022 New Year’s Resolutions

RootsMagic Updates

When rewriting RootsMagic 8, we did so with an eye on the future and emerging technologies. In the process, several features in RootsMagic 7 weren’t ready in time. Since then we have added several of those features to RootsMagic 8 in free updates, such as custom reports.

In 2022, watch for regular updates to your software with improvements, fixes, and new features.

Future RootsMagic

The future of RootsMagic is bright. We are no longer constrained by obsolete programming tools and technologies, and can focus on adding the exciting new features we’ve been dreaming of all these years.

Current conditions prohibit large in-person genealogy conferences and events but that isn’t stopping RootsTech. The world’s largest genealogy conference is going online this year and, for the first time, is completely free!

“RootsTech Connect” runs February 25-27, 2021 at www.RootsTech.org. It has an impressive list of keynote speakers and over 1500 class sessions in 9 different categories.

Relatives at RootsTech

There is also an improved “Relatives at RootsTech” feature that lets you see how you’re related to the other 500,000+ RootsTech attendees. Just use RootsMagic to update FamilySearch Family Tree to see how you connect to interested genealogists around the world.

Special RootsMagic Discount

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

However, we’re pleased to offer our users the same special discount that we usually give at the in-person RootsTech event. You’ll get RootsMagic 7 Download and Getting the Most Out of RootsMagic 7 eBook (a $45 value) for only $20!

Plus, you will receive a free download of RootsMagic 8 when it is released (currently in Community Preview). This means that you can reserve a future copy of Version 8 at today’s lower Version 7 price!

So connect with others around the world at RootsTech Connect and take advantage of our special offer today!

With a new year comes a new release. We are excited to present the RootsMagic 8 Community Preview!

Now, you may be asking yourself- “What is a community preview?”

Basically, it is pre-release software. RootsMagic 8 has already been through extensive development and testing, but there is still some “spit n’ polish” before we are ready to officially release it. The Community Preview is a chance for us to get feedback from a larger group of testers and a chance for you to get acquainted with the software early.

As we are expecting a lot of feedback as we open the floodgates, we respectfully ask that you please do not contact our technical support regarding the preview. Our technicians are still becoming acquainted with the software themselves and are unable to offer any help with it until it is officially released.

In the meantime, we’ve set up a new special Facebook group just for users to discuss the preview with others. We’ve also made a special feedback form to send in any errors, bugs, or suggestions.

Do you still have questions? Check out our Frequently-asked questions for important answers to common questions.

Are you ready to take RootsMagic 8 for an early spin? Get the RootsMagic 8 Community Preview today!

 

We are pleased to announce that RootsMagic 7 is now available for Apple computers running macOS 11 Big Sur. When Big Sur was released last month, it made some changes that broke the wrapper that allowed RootsMagic to run on macOS. While users with previous version of macOS could still use RootsMagic, users who had upgraded to Big Sur found that RootsMagic (and many other software applications) stopped working.

After much work and testing, the wrapper for RootsMagic 7 has been updated to run on Big Sur, as well as prior versions of macOS.

Users who installed a previous version of RootsMagic 7 on their Mac should uninstall RootsMagic before installing the new wrapper. Full instructions are found here.

Those users that are installing RootsMagic 7 on their Mac for the first time may download it here.

RootsMagic 8

In addition to the updated wrapper for RootsMagic 7, we are hard at work finishing up RootsMagic 8.  Version 8 is a fully-native, 64-bit macOS application and runs great on macOS Big Sur. Keep watching for more news about RootsMagic 8.

We’ve been so busy working on RootsMagic 8 that we’ve neglected to post any updates on our progress over the last few weeks. While we’ve been sharing videos and tidbits via email and social media, we realized that we needed to pull these recent updates into one place to better communicate with all of our users.

The Testing Continues

We have many users who have been using RootsMagic 8, reporting bugs, and giving suggestions. In order to start testing the software, a user first agrees not to disclose to others about their experience or even that they are a tester. So for those that aren’t testing, it feels like everything is very quiet in regards to RootsMagic 8 while those that are testing are actually very busy and active. We gradually add more users to our testing pool so as not to overwhelm the process. Many of you have already volunteered to test the software and- if you aren’t already doing so- we hope to give you the opportunity soon.

Video Previews Galore

We’ve also been posting video previews of RootsMagic 8 onto our YouTube Channel. If by chance, you’ve missed them- then you’ll definitely want to check these out:

RootsMagic 8 Preview – People Page

RootsMagic 8: Work-in-Progress Preview

RootsMagic 8 Preview – Mapping

RootsMagic 8 Preview – Edit Screen

And our latest video:
RootsMagic 8 Preview – Reports, Charts, Publish & Search

We hope you enjoy these video previews of what is to come in RootsMagic 8. Thank you for your patience as we work hard with our testers to make this our best version of RootsMagic yet.

We are pleased to announce that RootsMagic 7 is now available for Apple computers running macOS 10.15 Catalina. When Catalina was released last October, it required all applications to be 64-bit applications. This, unfortunately, broke the wrapper that allowed RootsMagic to run on macOS. While users with previous version of macOS could still use RootsMagic, users who had upgraded to Catalina found that RootsMagic (and many other software applications) stopped working.

After much work and testing, the wrapper for RootsMagic 7 has been updated to 64-bit that allows it to run on Catalina, as well as prior versions of macOS.

Users who installed a previous version of RootsMagic 7 on their Mac should uninstall RootsMagic before installing the new wrapper. Full instructions are found here.

Those users that are installing RootsMagic 7 on their Mac for the first time may download it here.

RootsMagic 8

In addition to the updated wrapper for RootsMagic 7, we are hard at work finishing up RootsMagic 8.  Version 8 is a fully-native, 64-bit macOS application and runs great on macOS Catalina. Keep watching for more news about RootsMagic 8.

This is the 10th anniversary of the largest genealogy conference in the world- RootsTech! It’s being held Wednesday, February 26 through Saturday, Febuary 29, 2020, at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah. We’ve been there from the beginning and we’re pleased to again sponsor this event in 2020. If you’re coming in person, we hope you’ll join us for our special in-booth demonstrations of RootsMagic 8.

Expo Hall

Don’t miss the expo hall with the largest gathering of genealogy products and services in the country. Be sure to visit the RootsMagic booth to meet the RootsMagic staff, ask questions, and get special discounts on RootsMagic products.

View a Map of the Expo Hall

Expo Hall hours (subject to change) are:

• Wednesday, February 26, 2020, 5:30 pm – 8 pm
• Thursday, February 27, 2020, 10 am – 7 pm
• Friday, February 28, 2020, 10 am – 7 pm
• Saturday, February 29, 2020, 9 am – 3 pm

And while you’re there, be sure to preview our latest creation- RootsMagic 8!

RootsMagic 8 Demonstrations

Stop by our booth to see special 20-minute demonstrations previewing features of our amazing new release- RootsMagic 8 (coming soon)!

Wednesday

6:00-6:20 pm – Introduction to RootsMagic 8
6:30-6:50 pm – Using the New Home & File Views in RootsMagic 8
7:00-7:20 pm – Exploring People, Families, and Trees in RootsMagic 8
7:30-7:50 pm – Adding and Editing Data in RootsMagic 8

Thursday

10:35-10:55 am – Places and Mapping in RootsMagic 8
4:05-4:25 pm – Sources and Documention in RootsMagic 8
5:35-5:55 pm – Media and Pictures in RootsMagic 8
6:00-6:20 pm – Tasks: Planning Your Research in RootsMagic 8
6:30-6:50 pm – Addresses and Contacts in RootsMagic 8

Friday

10:35-10:55 am  – Easily Find Anything in RootsMagic 8
12:05-12:25 pm –  Working with Ancestry and RootsMagic 8
12:30-12:50 pm – Working with FamilySearch and RootsMagic 8
1:00-1:20 pm – Customizing Settings in RootsMagic 8
2:40-2:55 pm – What’s New in RootsMagic 8 (held in the RootsTech Demo Theater)
4:05-4:25 pm – Exploring People, Families, and Trees in RootsMagic 8 (Repeat)
5:35-5:55 pm – Adding and Editing Data in RootsMagic 8 (Repeat)
6:00-6:20 pm –  Places and Mapping in RootsMagic 8 (Repeat)
6:30-6:50 pm –  Sources and Documention in RootsMagic 8 (Repeat)

Saturday

9:05-9:25 am – Media and Pictures in RootsMagic 8 (Repeat)
10:35-10:55 am – Tasks: Planning Your Research in RootsMagic 8 (Repeat)
12:05-12:25 pm – Easily Find Anything in RootsMagic 8 (Repeat)
12:30-12:50 pm – Working with Ancestry and RootsMagic 8 (Repeat)
1:00-1:20 pm – Working with FamilySearch and RootsMagic 8 (Repeat)

Special RootsTech Offer (In Person and Online)

At our booth, take advantage of our special conference pricing. You’ll get RootsMagic 7 and Getting the Most Out of RootsMagic 7 eBook (a $45 value) for only $20! Plus, you will receive a free download of RootsMagic 8 when it is released. This means that you can reserve a future copy of Version 8 at today’s lower Version 7 price!

For those of you that can’t make it to RootsTech this year, you can get the same conference special by visiting www.NotAtRootsTech.com. The offer is only available through Wednesday, March 4, 2020.

See You There!

As you can guess, we’ve been very busy working on RootsMagic 8 and getting ready for RootsTech. We’re excited to show you what we’ve been up to and to meet with so many of you in person. For those of you fortunate enough to be able to attend RootsTech, we look forward to seeing you. And if you’re not going to be able to join us there, be sure to take advantage of the special offer at www.NotAtRootsTech.com.

The next features that we want to preview in RootsMagic 8 are improvements in working with multiple files, screens, and even computer monitors.

One feature in previous versions of RootsMagic that our users have loved is the ability to have more than one file open at a time. You can simply open each file and work on either or both at the same time.  You can even drag-and-drop people and whole branches from one tree to another with the click of a mouse.

Before RootsMagic 8, this feature used a system called “Multiple Document Interface” or “MDI” for short.  In MDI, you have smaller “child windows,” which are contained within the main application window. This worked great in the days when people only had a single computer monitor. But today, if you have more than one monitor, it is challenging to get RootsMagic 7 to place each file in its own screen.

In RootsMagic 8, each RootsMagic file lives in its own separate window. This allows you to “stretch out” and separate them, even with multiple monitors.

And yes, you can still “drag-and-drop” people, families, and branches from one file to another, even across different computer monitors!

Note: Eagle-eyed readers may notice that a person’s edit screen can be used at the same time as the RootsMagic main screen. The edit screen no longer blocks access to the main screen. There is also more than one person edit screen open at the same time. But we’ll discuss these new features in a future article.

And to help keep things straight while working with multiple files, you can assign a color to each one. This color lets you more easily keep track of while file you are looking at and working with.

And here are the colors in action:

That’s it for today’s preview. There’s much more to come!

Apple has been busy working on the next version of the desktop operating system, macOS 10.15, also known as “Catalina.” While there have been several delays, Apple has said they expect it to be released this month (October 2019). While there are several new features and changes, one change, in particular, affects RootsMagic users: Catalina requires all applications to be 64-bit applications.

RootsMagic 7

RootsMagic 7 runs on macOS, although it is not a “native” application. It runs using a “wrapper” that is provided by CodeWeavers, makers of the popular CrossOver software that allows Windows applications to run on a Mac. This wrapper made by CodeWeavers is a 32-bit application and does not run on Catalina.  CodeWeavers has been working for quite some time updating their software to be a 64-bit application so that it can run on Catalina and future versions of macOS. While they’ve made great progress, some last-minute problems in Catalina itself have caused delays. Unfortunately, their wrapper will not likely be available in time for Catalina’s release. This means that RootsMagic 7 for Mac will not be able to run on macOS Catalina until CodeWeavers finishes their update to a 64-bit application.

RootsMagic 8

First, the good news- RootsMagic 8 is a fully-native, 64-bit macOS application and runs great on macOS Catalina. The bad news? It’s still in testing, and likely won’t be officially released before MacOS Catalina is released.

Other Applications

RootsMagic is not the only application that will stop running under Catalina. If you want to see what other apps you have that will be affected:

1. Click the Apple icon in the upper-left corner of the screen.
2. Click About this Mac.
3. Click System Report…
4. From the list on the left, select Software then Applications.
5. Click 64-Bit (Intel) on the right side of the list’s header. This sorts the applications by 32/64 bits.
6. Any applications that have “No” are 32-bit and will not run under Catalina.

Our Recommendation

As much as we hate to say this- we recommend that if you need to be able to run RootsMagic 7 on your Mac, do not update to macOS Catalina. Wait until CodeWeavers finishes their 64-bit wrapper for RootsMagic 7 or for the official release of RootsMagic 8. For most users, there is no urgent need to install Catalina as previous versions of the operating system will continue to work and be supported for quite some time.

In the meantime, CodeWeavers is doing all that they can to update their wrapper as quickly as possible, while we continue to work night-and-day to finish RootsMagic 8 for you. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

In today’s preview of RootsMagic 8, we’re going to look at files and the new “File view” found on the Navigation bar.

First of all, version 8 will carry over all of your work from previous versions of RootsMagic. Slight upgrades will be made to the file to support the new features in RootsMagic 8, similar to how RootsMagic 7 upgraded files from previous versions. Also, the format is identical whether you are using Mac or Windows- so you can use the same file on either operating system.

Judging from our support requests, we know many of you struggle with working with and organizing your files. Fortunately, the File view makes it easy to create, find, and open your RootsMagic files in a single screen which guides you step-by-step through your options.

For example, to create a file, you just click Create a New RootsMagic file, then choose from an Empty File, Import from Another Program, or Download from an Online Tree. Choose a filename and additional options, and voila! Your new file is ready.

And the days of misplacing your files are over! When the File view needs you to select a file, it presents a list of recently-used files. It also automatically searches your computer for more files, adding them to the list as it finds them.

If you have a RootsMagic file open, the File view presents additional options including Importing, Exporting, Closing, and Tools for working with the file.

Clicking on Tools gives you all of your favorites, including Backup, Rename, Copy, Delete, Compare, and the assorted Database tools.

So there you have it. The new File view in RootsMagic 8 makes it easy to organize your files and will save you a lot of time and headache in working with them.

Next: Multiple Files and Screens