Which genealogy desktop program is most compatible with WikiTree?

Question

I keep a GEDCOM backup copy of my WikiTree files but there is no desktop WikiTree program that allows me to read, edit or synchronize WikiTree files.  As a minimum, I would like to be able to read my backup files without using a full feature program.  Something akin to a, "WikiTree Reader" would serve this limited purpose.  As I understand it, a WikiTree desktop (companion) program may be available in the future but a currently available program is desired.  Is there an existing desktop program which is considered more compatible with WikiTree that others?    

Comments

FYI, a similar recent G2G discussion: http://www.wikitree.com/g2g/38975/software-to-use

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Assuming you do mean that you keep a GEDCOM, then, as far as I know, Family Historian is the only program that works from GEDCOM as its base dormat. You can download a free trial at

http://www.family-historian.co.uk/

I've used a lot of programs and would never go back. There is also excellent support - see

http://www.fhug.org.uk/

 

 

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 "Family Historian" appears to be the answer to my question.  This GEDCOM-based program is more compatible with WikiTree than any of the others I have tested.  "Family Historian" is a full featured program which may go beyond what is desired for a basic desktop companion to WikiTree.  But apart from that, this program works as if it was made for that purpose.  I tested version 5 only (on Windows 7), but an earlier version may meet the needs some users.  WikiTree members in search of a desktop companion to WikiTree are encouraged to take a look at "Family Historian".  Many thanks to Chris and Martin for greatly appreciated expert assistance with this question.

Answer 1

Familytreemaker is also very compatable with wikitree, Mastergenlogist also seems compabitale

Answer 2

If you are one of those Real Programmers, your clear solution is LifeLines. It has the following features:

• Definitely no GUI, but a non-graphical menu-driven interface is provided for the lazy-minded.
• Accepts WikiTree GEDCOMs, albeit grumblingly.
• You directly edit the section of the GEDCOM for that individual or family. Detailed knowledge of how GEDCOMs are organized helps, but you will acquire it willy-nilly.
• Scripting language! You can write your own data mining and reporting routines. (This by itself makes it worth while).
• Command-line interface for real Real Programmers.
• Unix-like systems only (but this includes Cygwin and, on Windows 10, the Windows Shell for Linux.)
• GitHub repository.
• Bleeding-edge builds.
• Mailing list support from people that already were geeks before the word was coined.
• Ancient Windows XP ports.

If your blood isn't stirred by the above, I am sorry to say that you are not a Real Programmer.

Answer 3

And if you are a technological laggard like me (see Pre-xkcd http://web.mit.edu/humor/Computers/real.programmers ) some of the iPad or tablet apps, used separately from the desktop, will ingest, manipulate and save Gedcoms. The Gedcoms can be on the device or somewhere cloud-y.

I have found both https://www.heredis.com/forums/en/ and http://www.syniumsoftware.com/mobilefamilytree useful.

But YMMV, HTH, Chris L

Answer 4

Does anyone have more recent experience with uploading WikiTree data to a desktop software program?  I want to also maintain a desktop version without manually duplicating my tree and sources which would cause a lot of issues.  Ideally, a desktop family tree would be synced with WikiTree on a regular basis.  Thanks.

Comments

I’ve stopped having any tree outside of Wikitree. I may keep source references, bookmarks, biographies, etc in any convenient text programs such as Notepad, or even on paper. I used to use iPad or iPhone based packages, but not for several years now.

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Thanks for the comment.  I love WikiTree also but there are many genealogy sites that look to have been abandoned over the years.  Hopefully, that will not happen to WikiTree but being able to sync with a desktop version would give me peace of mind.