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RootsMagic for PAF Users

FamilySearch retired Personal Ancestral File (PAF) in 2013, but your research can keep going. RootsMagic imports your PAF file directly, on Windows and Mac, and works hand in hand with FamilySearch. The free edition, RootsMagic Essentials, does it too.

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RootsMagic 12

Plant and grow your family tree.
Genealogy & Family Tree Software

RootsMagic 12 is award-winning genealogy software that helps you discover, document, and share your family history.

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Two ways to bring your tree over

Import your PAF file

RootsMagic reads PAF files directly, from PAF version 2 and later. Your names, dates, places, the links between people, notes, links to your pictures, and Latter-day Saint ordinances all come over into a new RootsMagic file.

Use a GEDCOM file

Export a GEDCOM file from PAF, or from any other program, and import it into RootsMagic.

See it in RootsMagic 12

On the File page, click Import from Another Program and choose Personal Ancestral File (PAF). RootsMagic lists the PAF files it finds on your computer, or you can browse for one. Pick yours, name the new RootsMagic file, and your tree comes over.

Choosing a PAF file to import in RootsMagic 12
Pick your PAF file. (Other files on this computer are blurred here.)
A tree imported from PAF in RootsMagic 12, with family photos in the pedigree view
The same tree in RootsMagic, with its photos and sources.
FamilySearch Central in RootsMagic 12: find matches, share data, ordinances, temple work, import, and AutoMatch

Made to work with FamilySearch

RootsMagic is FamilySearch Certified. Match the people in your tree with FamilySearch Family Tree, compare and share data in both directions, and find, reserve, and track Latter-day Saint temple ordinances from home.

FamilySearch Central shows what's new, what's changed, and what to do next. More about RootsMagic and FamilySearch

From PAF users who made the move

What you'll find in RootsMagic

  • FamilySearch Certified: download from Family Tree and share changes back
  • Works with Ancestry: upload or download your tree free, with TreeShare sync and Ancestry hints in the full version
  • WebHints from Ancestry, FamilySearch, MyHeritage, and Findmypast
  • Source templates based on Evidence Explained (4th edition), with suggestions as you type
  • 100+ reports and charts, plus wall charts as large as you need
  • DNA matches with Leeds Method clustering
  • Windows and Mac, and it can run from a USB flash drive
  • Yours to keep: no subscription, free updates to RootsMagic 12, and personal technical support

Try it with your own tree

Download RootsMagic Essentials free, import your PAF file, and see your tree in RootsMagic. When you're ready for more, the full version is a one-time purchase of $29.95.

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Questions from PAF users

Yes. RootsMagic imports PAF files directly, from PAF version 2 and later. You don't need to export a GEDCOM file first.

Your names, dates, places, the links between people, notes, links to your pictures, and Latter-day Saint ordinances come over into a new RootsMagic file.

Yes. RootsMagic Essentials, the free edition, imports PAF files directly too.

Yes. Copy your PAF file to your Mac and import it into RootsMagic there. RootsMagic runs on Windows and macOS with the same features. More about RootsMagic for Mac.

Yes. RootsMagic is FamilySearch Certified. You can download from FamilySearch Family Tree, share your changes back, and find, reserve, and track Latter-day Saint temple ordinances. More about RootsMagic and FamilySearch.

No. RootsMagic reads your PAF file and copies it into a new RootsMagic file, so the original stays as it was.

RootsMagic Essentials is free, with no time limit. The full version of RootsMagic is $29.95. It's yours to keep, with no subscription, and updates to RootsMagic 12 are free. When a new version comes out, upgrading is optional, and owners get a lower price.