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:
Click on “Groups”, to the right of “Chats” on the header bar.
In the “Search for groups” box, type “RootsMagic”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 .
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.
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.
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!
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:
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.
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.
My mom often accused me of not being able to learn from my mistakes. Years ago, I got burned by giving a date for a feature we were adding, and I promised myself I would never do that again. Then a couple of years later, we pre-announced a deadline for finishing work on our Ancestry integration, with mostly the same result. So, of course, I still haven’t learned my lesson, and once again tried to guess a release date in advance, this time for RootsMagic 8.
RootsMagic 8 is the biggest upgrade in our software’s history. I usually just say something like “it will be done when it is ready” and leave it at that, but we began telling folks that we hoped to have it out by the end of this year (2019). It seemed like a safe estimate, but like those other times this has bitten me, I underestimated the effects of outside influences on our development.
I underestimated the number of times we would have to stop work to fix breaking changes made to APIs that version 7 uses. I underestimated the number of times we would have to rewrite libraries we are using in RootsMagic 8. To be honest, I never thought we would have to actually rewrite commercial libraries from scratch because of their deficiencies, but we have actually had to do that multiple times. I also underestimated the amount of time tracking down bugs in other company’s libraries to help them fix issues that negatively affected performance in version 8.
So, where are we now? RootsMagic 8 won’t be released by the end of the year. And if you ask me for a new release date, I’m not going to say. But here’s what I am going to do…
Several months ago, we started doing blog articles with screenshots. But writing them pulled us off of actual software development, and were less than satisfying to you as a user. We want to do a better job of keeping you up to date on where we are, so I have recorded a 30-minute video below to show you precisely what RootsMagic 8 looks and feels like. As development continues, we’ll try to release more videos (although probably not this long) to keep you in the loop.
We know many of you can’t wait to get your hands on RootsMagic 8, and we are excited to be working on it. We just want to make sure that when we release it, you can depend on it working right.
And if you’re adventurous, we are still looking for more beta testers of all backgrounds to help us make version 8 the best it can be.
I want to thank you personally for your patience and understanding. Hopefully, you can see from the video the extent of the improvements and work that we’re putting into this release. We’re really excited by the feedback that we’ve received so far and we hope that you’ll find it worth the wait.
