Family Trees does it all, and more: I can add video clips and voice recordings, too.
The program is almost too simple. It saves automatically, which threw me off a bit at first since I'm used to having to remember to save my work. It creates a file on the desktop that's easy to find and open.
I wish the help file was easier to use. It's better than others I've seen because I can use tabs to go from the information I've called up on the window to get to the table of contents. Although I can get to one previous window, I often need more. At least I don't have to close the window to go back for more information.
While I'm complaining, I also don't like the yellow background and the brown highlighter. I wish there was some way to change those to something pleasanter and easier on the eyes.
The program offers two separate "views," either Pedigree or Family. It's easier to work in the Family view to add children and marriages as well as other spouses but the Pedigree view gives an overview of three or four generations at once.
It's also easy to go online to look for more ancestors. The Internet menu lists four sources, Kindred Konnections, Family Search, Ancestry.com and Everton.com. Click on one and the program takes you there. I ran into the usual problems of having to join those sites and sometimes pay money to get to the information but that seems to be a common failing with all these programs.
If I want to share files with others or just publish my genealogy online, file conversion is as simple as a click of the mouse.
I really think for its low price, I got more than top value for my money. I can check a descendancy list, use a relationship evaluator, calculate dates, check source lists and repository lists, extract sources from notes, replace names and even check and repair the database.
Family Trees is a neat little program with plenty of bells and whistles for the amateur genealogist. Except for that yellow background, I give it my highest recommendation.
