GenDesigner

GenDesigner, a powerful genealogy program from PolishExpress, Inc., has just been updated to version 3.1.8. If you are looking for an efficient and robust tool to create family trees and manage genealogy data, this program is a must-have. It belongs to the Education category, with a specific focus on Science Tools. Users can download it for free, making it accessible to a broader audience.

This latest version has been tested with large GEDCOM files, effortlessly handling up to 255,000 persons. Unlike many other genealogy programs, GenDesigner processes files of this size in about 10 minutes. Key features include a names window toolbar that allows for advanced sorting, copying to Excel, printing, and print previews. The place editor is integrated with MapPoint and geographic coordinates, making it easy to add and manage places.

User interface customization is one of the program’s highlights. GenDesigner offers an advanced editor for entering multiple names and place variants, along with multimedia sources. The relationship finder is particularly useful, allowing users to display a tree joining blood relatives and save the visible tree to a new file.

Supported on Windows Vista, 7, 10, and 11, this application is noted for its ease of use, despite a somewhat dated look. Adding people to the chart, including their names and important information, is straightforward. Photos can also be added, and connections are made according to their relationships.

Pros:

• Handles large GEDCOM files quickly
• Advanced sorting and place editor features
• Quality check and real-time quality check
• HTML report generation capability

Cons:

• Outdated user interface design
• Initial setup might be complex for beginners

In conclusion, GenDesigner version 3.1.8 by PolishExpress, Inc. serves as a comprehensive tool for anyone interested in genealogy and family tree creation. The fact that it is available for free download adds to its appeal. While it might not have the most modern interface, the robust features and efficiency make it a valuable resource for genealogists.

You may want to check out more software, such as StatPlus 2007, Adding Machine or GenScn, which might be similar to GenDesigner.