It’s here! Presenting RootsMagic 8

Bruce Buzbee Press Release, RootsMagic

We are thrilled to announce the official release of RootsMagic 8, the latest version of the award-winning genealogy software which makes researching, organizing, and sharing your family history easy and enjoyable. With the release comes an update to the free “RootsMagic Essentials” product, as well as a limited-time discount offer for both new and existing users.

Built For the Future

RootsMagic 8 is the biggest release in our 30-year history. We’ve rewritten 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.

Impressive New Features

RootsMagic 8 boasts an impressive list of new features including 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, native Windows and Mac support, reusable citations, a completely rewritten report engine, and the ability to save reports directly to Word (.docx) or Excel (.xlsx) files.

Other exciting new features include fan charts, streamlined search capabilities, an enhanced person editing experience, and a powerful new task management system.

Learn more about RootsMagic 8

New RootsMagic Community

We’re also excited to announce a new online community for users to connect and ask questions, share ideas, and discuss how to use the RootsMagic software.  The 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.

Visit community.RootsMagic.com

New Webinars

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”. Visit https://rootsmagic.com/webinars to register.

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

Register for Webinars

Free “RootsMagic Essentials”

RootsMagic 8 is also available in an updated, free edition named, “RootsMagic 8 Essentials”.  RootsMagic Essentials is available for both Windows and macOS and contains many core features from the RootsMagic software.  The two products are fully compatible with one another.

Many people are curious about their family history and don’t know where to begin. RootsMagic Essentials is the perfect way for someone to get started, risk-free. It’s available for download at https://www.rootsmagic.com/try .

Try it Free

Discount Offer

RootsMagic 8 is available for only $39.95.  Existing RootsMagic and Family Origins users may upgrade for only $29.95.

For a limited time, RootsMagic is offering an additional discount for both full and upgrade copies.  Until October 17, 2021, the full version will be available for $34.95, and upgrade pricing will be $24.95.  After October 17th, the price will return to its regular price.

Buy Now

Thank You

Thank you to all of the users and testers who have worked with us as we’ve journeyed this long road to get to this point. This wouldn’t have been possible without your testing, feedback, and patience. We’re excited to finally deliver RootsMagic 8 to you and for the future plans that we have for our software.

50 thoughts to “It’s here! Presenting RootsMagic 8”

  2. You folks NEED to get a book up on how to use this new version. It has been confusing to me how to get to where I could with Version 7 … You know a HOW TO BOOK that shows where to get from A B to C to Z etc. ASAP.

    Reply: The book would need to be completely rewritten and that will take a lot of time. We do have a RM8 Help wiki that you can use. You can find it here – http://wiki.rootsmagic.com/wiki/RootsMagic_8:RootsMagic_8
    Renee, RootsMagic, Inc.

  5. I am ready to upgrade my 7 to an 8, I want some to walk me through the update, as I have a question

    Reply: There is a “What’s New in RootsMagic 8” webinar schedule for Friday, Oct 1, 2021 at 12:00 PM (MT). It will be recorded for later. You can register for it here – https://rootsmagic.com/webinars
    Renee, RootsMagic, Inc.

  7. Best wishes, thanks for a ton of time and work. Looking forward to many hours of getting in touch with the past, and informing the folks of the future. Thanks!

  8. Great to see it released! Congrats on getting there.
    Are you sending out permanent keys?

    Reply: Those that qualified when purchasing RootsMagic 7 should have already received their keys. If you purchased through a third party like S&N Genealogy you will need to contact them directly on when they are sending out keys.
    Renee, RootsMagic, Inc.

  9. I suggest that your webinars or any YouTube support materials are narrated by an educator
    who knows his/her subject and treats it understanding the learning curve experience of most users.

    Reply: No worries, RootsMagic author Bruce Buzbee will be presenting the webinar.
    Renee, RootsMagic, Inc.

  10. How do I purchase the upgrade for $24.95. Thr purchase link only displays the full price of a new product purchase?

    Reply: Select the Upgrade option under Choose a license.
    Renee, RootsMagic, Inc.

  12. Thankyou Bruce an the development team for the work that you have put to achieve this new version and reaching the milestone of “OFFICIAL RELEASE”. I look forward to the seminars and working with the program as we move on from here.

  14. I have enjoyed being part of the testing, and have consistently been excited about the new format and tools. You’ve worked hard, and it shows. Thanks for this truly versatile and powerful program!

  15. Does RM8 not connect with Ancestry anymore?

    Reply: Yes, RM8 has Ancestry TreeShare and it is working.
    Renee, RootsMagic, Inc.

  16. CONGRATULATIONS!! to Bruce, and Renee, and the entire team. To say “it’s been a long time coming” would be an understatement, but it’s been worth the wait. My prayer for Bruce is that is also worth the frustrations along the way. It never helps when APIs and software upgrades become a moving target.
    Is it going to be perfect out of the box? I don’t know of a computer program or application that has yet to meet “THAT” expectation.
    Again, Congrats to the team, thanks EVER so much for all the hard work.
    Dale

  18. Thanks for an outstanding update. I’m going to attend the webinar today to learn how to use it, and of course, it always takes a little time to get used to changes. But I’m sure I will soon feel really confident using Version 8 and getting all the best use out of its terrific new features. THANKS!

  19. I currently have the UK Edition of RM7 and would like to upgrade; any idea when this is likely to be available?

    Reply: This is something you would need to ask S&N Genealogy directly. They customize RootsMagic for the UK Edition.
    Renee, RootsMagic, Inc.

  20. I just upgraded from RM7 to RM8 today! It looks great and I will have to use the webinars to learn to use it since I was so wrapped up in RM7. I was able to import all my data, media , etc. from RM7. It all imported perfectly. I have 231,000 names in my database.

  21. If I buy Roots Magic 8 for my PC and later get an Apple MAC do I have to purchase another Roots Magic License?

    Reply: The RootsMagic license is good for all the computers in your household. Just use the same registration information. Download the version you need for that computer.
    Renee, RootsMagic Inc.

  22. A few years ago advance purchase of RootsMagic 8 was offered at a reduced price. Now that RootsMagic has finally been released, how do those who purchased it in advance, at the reduced price, download it without extra cost?

    Reply: You can download RM8 here – http://rootsmagic.com/Download/RootsMagic-8/
    Renee, RootsMagic Inc.

  23. I have been using the Roots Magic 8 Beta since it came out. I do have a Roots Magic 8 product Key which I got during RootsTech when I ordered another copy of Roots Magic 7. Do I have to uninstall the Beta Version of Roots Magic 8 and download the newest release of Roots Magic 8 that was officially released yesterday?

    Thank you for all the hard work you did during the Beta Version of Roots Magic 8.

    Reply: No need to uninstall the beta version you can just update it to 8.0.1. Update will appear on the Home page, or you can download it here – http://rootsmagic.com/Download/RootsMagic-8/
    Renee, RootsMagic Inc,

  26. Robert L Leininger
    Many thanks for all your hard work on RM8! I’m confident it will be well worth the wait. As they say in the product development business, “you can have it fast, cheap, good: pick two!” RM6 and 7 have really worked great for me, since PAF. When I purchased RM7 in April 2019, it also came with my registration name and product key for RM8–“when available.” Is that pre-registration still good? Can I still use that registration name and product key? If so, how do I do that? Thanks again!

    Reply: Yes, the registration key you received when purchasing RM7 is still good. You can download RM8 here – http://www.rootsmagic.com/Download/
    Renee, RootsMagic Inc.

  27. I just saw this so missed the Webinar. When/where will the recording be viewable? I’m still an Ancestral Quest user but have both on my Laptop. Hope it isn’t too confusing. I’ve expanded my database a L O T since starting Roots Magic. I hope there is a way to bring in my current database with a GEDCOM that won’t leave me with a lot of duplicates to sort through.

    Reply: The recorded “What’s New in RootsMagic 8” webinar is available here – http://www.rootsmagic.com/Webinars/
    Renee, RootsMagic Inc.

  29. I have just made the switch from the beta to the fully released version and it went effortlessly. I had the activation keys in hand from when I purchased Version 7, so no issues.

    I really like the version update and I am looking forward to making amendments to my family tree with the new version .

  31. Thank you! I’ve been working with the beta version for quite a few months and I’m so happy with the redesign. Thanks for all the hard work!!!

  32. While this long-awaited absolutely *fabulous* announcement by Bruce & his busy-busy-busy team, those among us who’ve been on that side know well that they had to make a decision to stop chasing bugs and release!!

    There will no doubt be a couple tweaks in the next few weeks, but it’s still a pretty good way to do your tree!! Cheers 😉

  33. Thanks for the great update 👍. I started using it a few weeks ago and I like the look of it. I just watched the overview webinar and it was really helpful. I’m looking forward to more. I hope you will have one on sources & citations. Getting them right always gives me problems.

  35. does this version work on HP Chromebook?

    Reply: No, RM8 works on Windows or Mac computers. It does not run on the Chrome OS alone.
    Renee, RootsMagic Inc.

  36. When will the UK version of RM8 be available please? I am currently running RM7 on a MacBook Air and I am plagued with violation errors and struggle to link to Ancestry UK

    Reply: RootsMagic has sent the UK version to our resellers. They need to update their websites in preparation for sales. It’s best to contact them directly.
    Renee, RootsMagic Inc.

  37. I purchased the full version of Roots 7 and at the time I was told that I would get a free Roots 8 when it became available. I see in your reply’s that you fold a customer with the same problem that your would send a permeant key when the release became available. I have not received a permeant key to date. Please advise.

    Reply: RootsMagic has sent out all free RM8 keys included with qualifying RM7 purchases. If you purchased through a reseller you will need to contact them directly regarding your RM8 key.
    http://wiki.rootsmagic.com/wiki/RootsMagic_8:FAQ_Sales_Questions
    Renee, RootsMagic Inc.

  38. is it better to install the upgrade or uninstall Roots7 then install a fresh Roots 8?

    Reply: RootsMagic 7 and RootsMagic 8 work independently of each other. There is no need to uninstall RM7 unless you want to.
    Renee, RootsMagic Inc.

  39. Hi,
    Terrific to see that RM8 has finally arrived – thanks to the team for all of the hard work.

    I just tried following the link in RM7 to Check for Upgrades and it tells me there are no upgrades. It would be really helpful if that link went to the upgrade page for RM8. I guess I’ll just have to go via the long and winding road.

    Reply: RM7 would only check for RM7 updates. For an upgrade that needs to be downloaded and installed separately.
    Renee, RootsMagic, Inc.

  40. Is there a mobile version of 8 and can I write to it?

    Reply: The RootsMagic App for Android and iOS devices has not been updated. RM8 will send the correct (.rmgc) file to Dropbox by going to File, Export Data, Dropbox.
    Renee, RootsMagic, Inc.

  41. YES!!! CONGRATULATIONS!! to Bruce, Renee, and the entire team. Superior Genealogy Software.

    Question: Will it be possible to have a RootsMagic 8 To Go, as we have had with RM7.

    All Best Wishes And Aloha,
    Spencer Hines

    Reply: RootsMagic To-Go is a feature we knew we would not have ready for release. It is on the development list but I could not say if or when it will be added. We are trying really hard to not make commitments and promises, because we’ve been pretty burnt doing that in the past. For now you can still run RM8 off a flash drive by following the directions here – http://wiki.rootsmagic.com/wiki/RootsMagic_8:RootsMagic_To-Go
    Renee, RootsMagic Inc.

  42. I really enjoyed being a beta tester and it afforded me to get an idea of the layout of RM8! Very Nice!
    I also enjoyed the webinars on how to use RM8 and look forward to using it often!

  43. My Rootsmagic 7 now connects to Find-my-Past. Is this still possible with Rootsmagic 8

    Reply: Yes, WebHints including Findmypast are available in RM8. Go to Settings, WebHints to enable them.
    Renee,RootsMagic Inc.

  45. Very well done to Bruce, Michael, Renee and team. I think you’ve done a great job with RM8 and I enjoyed all the testing.

  46. In family view please add a visual indicator if a parent has more than one spouse. In RM7 you immediately see if someone has several spouses. In RM8 you you have to click on a person to see the details to get this information. This is a real downgrade and almost a dealbreaker for me.
    Otherwise I’m pretty happy with the new version so far.

    Reply: Confirming this enhancement request has been submitted.
    Renee, RootsMagic Inc.

  48. Hi,
    I use RM7. Can I buy the upgrade to RM8 which is cheaper or must I buy a new licence?

    Reply: If you are a previous RootsMagic or Family Origins owner select the upgrade option on checkout.
    Renee, RootsMagic Inc.

  49. I will be waiting for Rootsmagic 8 To Go myself because I have purchased and maintained two RM7 databases that are both the same, one at home and one at work and I use RM7 To Go to keep them both updated to the same level. It sounds like we’ll have to wait a bit for that option in RM8. Regardless of that, I do appreciate you guys putting out RM8 and thanks!

    Reply: RootsMagic 8 can be run off a flash drive by following the steps here – http://wiki.rootsmagic.com/wiki/RootsMagic_8:RootsMagic_To-Go
    The RootsMagic To-Go utility program is not currently in RM8 so you will need to manually restore the files on each computer to keep them current.
    Renee, RootsMagic Inc.

  50. Really a wonderful program. Like the fact you can go to different pages and still keep your place. I haven’t found yet how I can post all of the pictures I have to the individual that I’m working on. That would be a great webnar.
    Thank you for all of the hours that went in to making this program. Our ancestors love you for this program

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