Introduction

The topics in this section provide some basic information about Rootsmagic, what it is for, and what you can do with it.

How to get started

• See Getting Help for details on using this help and getting more information about RootsMagic.
• Review the section The RootsMagic Interface to familiarize yourself with the program.
• If you are importing data from other programs (like RootsMagic 1-7, GEDCOM, PAF, Legacy, FTM, TMG, or Family Origins) see the topic Importing files.
• See Setting up RootsMagic Your Way for setting database and program options

When you exit RootsMagic, you are prompted to backup the current database or all open databases. However, if you close a database from within RootsMagic, the program does not automatically backup the database before closing it. Therefore, before you close a database from within RootsMagic, you must initiate the backup yourself by selecting "File, Backup" from the main menu, if you want to create a backup (and you should.)

Learning more

• See Using RootsMagic for a list of topics grouped in broad categories.
• See Tools for a list of tools to help you get more out of RootsMagic
• See LDS Features for a list of features geared towards the LDS community
• See the Working with People section for detailed instructions on adding, editing, unlinking, and deleting people to/from your RootsMagic database.
• See the Working with Facts section for detailed instructions on adding, editing, and sharing facts, as well creating default sentences and customizing individual sentences.
• See the Working with Places section for detailed instructions on using Places and Place Details.
• See the Working with Notes section for detailed instructions on using notes.
• See the Sources and Repositories section for detailed instructions on adding source documentation to support your facts that you enter into your RootsMagic database.