# RootsMagic

> Mobile viewer for RootsMagic desktop genealogy software. (iPhone/iPad app by RootsMagic, Inc.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rootsmagic/id583724503 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [RootsMagic, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/583724506)
- Category: Productivity, Lifestyle
- Price: Free
- Rating: 3.90/5 from 257 App Store ratings · 146 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 9.0 · 24 MB
- Languages: American English, Catalan, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French (France), German (Germany), Greek, Hebrew and 14 more
- Released: 2012-12-17
- Data updated: 2026-08-22
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rootsmagic/id583724503/reviews.md

## What is RootsMagic?

Your family tree at your fingertips!  Now you can easily take and show off your family history with you wherever you go.  RootsMagic lets you carry your genealogy on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch!

This viewer is designed as a companion product to RootsMagic, the award-winning desktop genealogy software which makes researching, organizing, and sharing your family history easy. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced professional, RootsMagic is the perfect tool for you!

Features include:

Files:
* Uses your actual RootsMagic files- no conversion needed
* Easily put your family history files on your device through iTunes or DropBox
* Keep as many files as you want right on your device
* Use the free desktop software to convert other genealogy files including PAF, Family Tree Maker, Legacy Family Tree, and GEDCOM into viewable RootsMagic files.

Views:
* Pedigree, Family, Descendant, and Individual Views to quickly explore your family tree
* Browse people by surname and given names
* Search ancestors by name or record number
* View media, notes, and sources for people, families, events, and facts

Lists:
* Source list
* To-do lists
* Research Logs
* Media Lists
* Address Book
* Repository List
* Correspondence List
* Place List

Tools:
* Perpetual calendar
* Date calculator
* Relationship calculator
* Soundex calculator

Note: Requires RootsMagic desktop family tree software or the free RootsMagic Essentials software to create, edit, or add to your genealogy files.

## Key features

- View actual RootsMagic files
- Transfer files via iTunes/DropBox
- Pedigree, Family, Descendant views
- Search ancestors by name/record number
- View media, notes, and sources
- Relationship calculator
- Perpetual calendar

## What do users think of RootsMagic?

Overall sentiment: negative

**Pros**

- 📱 Ability to view genealogy data on mobile devices
- 🔍 Convenient way to access family tree information
- 🗓️ Useful for family gatherings and research trips

**Cons**

- 🔌 Requires external services like Dropbox or iTunes to sync data
- 🚫 Limited functionality compared to desktop version
- 📤 Outdated instructions and compatibility issues
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and stability problems

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Incompatible with newer RootsMagic file formats
- Inability to load or view database files
- Crashing issues on various iOS devices

**Most requested features**

- Allow editing and adding data on mobile devices
- Integrate with cloud storage services beyond Dropbox
- Improve user interface and navigation

## Recent user reviews (10 of 146)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rootsmagic/id583724503/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Not easy to use

*2026-06-07, version 1.4*

Very unfortunate

### 1/5 — Obsolete

*2026-06-02, version 1.4*

Not updated in years and doesn’t run on the more recent OS. Don’t bother

### 3/5 — I’m missing something

*2026-04-06, version 1.4*

I would like the app more if I could work out how to update the database from Roots 11

### 3/5 — Not so easy to use!

*2026-01-07, version 1.4*

I was so excited to find out there was an alternative to Ancestry to use to keep my tree up to date.  I immediately purchased the RootMagic11 program.  I downloaded my trees and loaded this app to my iPhone.  
Then spent way too long trying to get my data file downloaded to access through this app.
The instructions that pop up and block entry to the app appear to be outdated.  I spent too long trying to hook the app up via iTunes.  
Turns out that is no longer supported or available.
Next I decided to try Dropbox.  Whew!  Finally figured it out and I’m in.  There is no reason that the instructions listed can’t be more detailed, more accurate or just easier to use!  
A google search located step by step instructions and it all works now.  
I haven’t really tried the app out yet, but I’ll explore it soon now that I invested all this time setting it up!

### 1/5 — Abandoned

*2025-09-26, version 1.4*

Years ago this app was a good idea allowing you to have your RootMagic genealogy info on your iPhone.  However, this app has long since been abandoned and is not functional.  It doesn’t sync with today’s RM files and is essentially useless.  I’d pay for a good and maintained RM app on my iPhone, but as is, I don’t understand why the developer hasn’t pulled this app from the store years ago.

### 1/5 — Program Crash

*2025-09-04, version 1.4*

Disappointed program opens to help info page then crashes when any function is pushed.

### 1/5 — Too many steps…

*2025-08-16, version 1.4*

Theirs a lot of steps you take first before you can start. 
No thanks…deleting!

### 4/5 — Works on my iPad but not on the iPhone!!

*2025-05-31, version 1.4*

Hi Roots Magic Support, this App works on my iPad but as I navigate to the file , the App exits!! Strange!! Please check the issue. I am using an iPhone 16 Pro. Please respond as it hs not worked since I used an iPhone 14 Pro!

### 4/5 — Stable, works, dated

*2025-05-09, version 1.4*

Brilliant software but feels very mid 2000s. The UI could do with some improvements to scroll around and see details on people. The actual import is very easy once you’ve booked up Dropbox but it would be nice if it could access drive on iPhone too. Great software but could do with a big UI upgrade.

### 1/5 — Poor

*2025-02-28, version 1.4*

It is not functional as a program, it is awkward to keep up to date and misses all the functionality of the PC version (FamilySearch and Ancestry links) it is ok for viewing your data but becomes out of date quickly.

## Frequently asked questions about RootsMagic

### What does RootsMagic do?

RootsMagic is a mobile viewer designed to let you carry and explore your family history on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. It allows you to view your genealogy data, including various family tree views, media, notes, and sources.

### What are the key features of this app?

Key features include the ability to view your actual RootsMagic files without conversion, transfer files easily via iTunes or DropBox, and explore your family tree through Pedigree, Family, and Descendant views. You can also search ancestors, view media and sources, and utilize tools like a relationship calculator.

### Is this app free to use?

Yes, this mobile viewer app is free to use. However, it requires the RootsMagic desktop family tree software or the free RootsMagic Essentials software to create, edit, or add to your genealogy files.

### What devices is this app compatible with?

The app is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. It requires the RootsMagic desktop software to manage your genealogy files.

### How can I get my family history files onto the app?

You can easily put your family history files on your device through iTunes or DropBox. The app supports keeping as many files as you want directly on your device for convenient access.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.4 — 2017-08-09

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

Layout fixes for latest version of iOS.

### 1.3 — 2017-07-03

Added support to latest version of Dropbox API

### 1.2.1 — 2015-12-10

Fix for children info popup not working on iPad

### 1.2 — 2015-09-02

- Fixes issues with lists not displaying under iOS 8.1+
- Numerous minor fixes

### 1.1.1 — 2013-09-14

- Minor bug fixes

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-22.*