What Are Magic Guides?

RootsMagic offers free "how-to" handouts for our users. Each Magic Guide covers a single RootsMagic topic, step by step with both illustrations and tips. These guides may be freely copied and distributed (but not sold). You may use them as handouts in user groups or when teaching RootsMagic classes.

To download a guide to your computer, click the Download button (on some browsers it may be necessary to right-click on the Download link and choose "Save link as..."). All guides are in .pdf format and are viewable and printable with any PDF viewer.

Installing Our Software

  1. Installing RootsMagic from the CD
    Learn how to install, unlock, register and update RootsMagic from the CD. - Last updated 4 June 2015
    Download
  2. Downloading and Installing RootsMagic for Windows
    Learn how to download, install, unlock, and register RootsMagic for Windows. - Last updated 17 July 2015
    Download
  3. Downloading and Installing RootsMagic for Mac
    Learn how to download, install, unlock, and register RootsMagic for Mac. - Last updated 16 August 2016
    Download
  4. Downloading and Installing Personal Historian for Mac
    Learn how to download, install, unlock, and register Personal Historian for Mac. - Last updated 16 August 2016
    Download
  5. Downloading and Installing Family Atlas for Mac
    Learn how to download, install, unlock, and register Family Atlas for Mac. - Last updated 16 August 2016
    Download

Getting Started with RootsMagic

  1. Welcome to RootsMagic
    Learn how to get started using RootsMagic. Create or import a file, navigate the main screen, edit your data, or customize the program. Also includes a list of other training materials available. - Last updated 27 May 2016
    Download
  2. Setting Default Folders for your RootsMagic Files
    Learn how to set default folders for the various types of files used by RootsMagic. - Last updated 27 May 2016
    Download
  3. Backup and Restore a RootsMagic Database
    Learn everything you need to know about protecting your RootsMagic data using backups, including backing up to a flash drive or Dropbox. - Last updated 5 June 2015
    Download
  4. Copying a RootsMagic Database to Another Computer
    Learn how to move a RootsMagic database (including media) to another computer. - Last updated 3 June 2015
    Download
  5. Create a Shareable CD
    Learn how to create a CD of your data and media to share with your family and friends. - Last updated 13 October 2015
    Download
  6. Fixing Incorrect Family Links
    Learn how to fix relationships which have been entered incorrectly. - Last updated 29 October 2015
    Download
  7. Named Groups
    Learn how to create and use named groups in RootsMagic. - Last updated 7 June 2016
    Download

Importing into RootsMagic

  1. Importing a GEDCOM File
    Learn how to import a GEDCOM file into RootsMagic. - Last updated 30 October 2015
    Download
  2. Importing Data From Family Tree Maker into RootsMagic 7
    Learn how to import a Family Tree Maker file directly into RootsMagic without having to use GEDCOM. - Last updated 24 May 2016
    Download
  3. Importing Family Tree Maker into Older Versions of RootsMagic
    Learn how to import a Family Tree Maker file into older versions of RootsMagic. - Last updated 24 May 2016
    Download

Working With Other Systems

  1. Using TreeShare for Ancestry
    Learn how to use TreeShare and WebHints for Ancestry. - Last updated 27 June 2017
    Download

Coming Soon

Other Magic Guides are already in progress. If you would like to suggest a topic for a future Magic Guide, click here to send us an email with your suggestion.