# RootsMagic

> Productivity

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/id583724503](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id583724503)

## Overview

- **ID:** `id583724503`
- **Platform:** Apple
- **Type:** Apple app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** RootsMagic, Inc
- **Category:** Productivity
- **Rating:** 3.80 / 5 (276 ratings)
- **Version:** 1.4
- **Last updated:** 2017-08-09
- **First published:** 2012-12-17
- **Size:** 24 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-20
- **Store listing:** [Apple App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rootsmagic/id583724503)
- **Website:** [http://www.rootsmagic.com/ios](http://www.rootsmagic.com/ios)

## Description

RootsMagic is a mobile companion to the desktop genealogy software. Carry your RootsMagic files on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch with no conversion needed, and transfer files via iTunes or Dropbox to keep multiple files on your device. This viewer lets you view and share your family history on the go, and you can convert other genealogy files (GEDCOM) on your computer for viewing in RootsMagic.

Explore your tree in Pedigree, Family, Descendant, and Individual views; browse by surname, search ancestors, and view media, notes, and sources for people, families, events, and facts. Manage your genealogy workflow with source lists, to-do lists, research logs, and more, plus tools like perpetual calendar, date calculator, relationship calculator, and Soundex. Note: Editing requires RootsMagic desktop or RootsMagic Essentials on your computer.

## Rankings

- #99,689 — Overall

## Review summary

RootsMagic’s iOS app enables basic mobile viewing of RootsMagic data but is hampered by long-standing compatibility and stability problems. Reviewers repeatedly note it’s outdated and incompatible with newer RM formats (RM8/9), with data access tied to Dropbox and frequent connection issues. Setup guidance is often unclear or outdated, and the app can crash or fail to load databases. Editing and automatic syncing on iOS are not supported, and the experience is frequently described as clunky. Some users achieve a readable static display after workaround, but overall usability is poor.

### Pros

- Allows viewing RootsMagic data on iPhone/iPad away from a desktop
- Works via a Dropbox-based workflow to access RootsMagic files on iOS
- Can display data in a readable/static form on iOS after configuration (including a file-extension workaround)

### Cons

- Outdated and not updated for years; not compatible with newer RootsMagic versions (RM8/9 file formats)
- Dropbox dependence with connection/upload issues; lacks support for iCloud/Google Drive
- Frequent crashes or instability on launch or when opening a database
- Setup instructions are outdated or unclear (e.g., reliance on deprecated iTunes steps)
- Limited functionality on iOS (no editing, no automatic syncing; interface can be clunky)

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id583724503)