Genbox Family History genealogy software generally disappoints with its outdated layout and features. It offers a complete entry system for adding individuals and their information to the family tree, though other genealogy software made that process simpler.

Genbox genealogy software offers a couple of features that are unique and may come in handy, including a freehand drawing tool. This allows you to digitally pencil in notes on certain charts and reports. That would be great if you come to the end of a long day of research and just need to make a quick note about something. Also, the "Tip of the Day" is sort of a nice touch to keep users encouraged in their family history quest. However, most features in this genealogy software seemed to make genealogy work more complicated than it needs to be for the average user. For instance, when we clicked on the pedigree tab early in the process we assumed we would be able to add information about the current person’s family in the white boxes forming the family tree on the right side of the window. Wrong.

Searching within the tree is powerful, but tools to facilitate outside genealogy research – arguably the most important aspect of building family history – are absent. You’ll find an array of chart styles, including ancestor, descendant, related, convergent and more, but they are all pretty basic. They look more scientific while charts in other genealogy programs offer much more sophistication in graphics, helping you create real heirlooms that you will want to share. Judging by the program’s website, Genbox can be used to create more high-quality genealogy charts, but not without a steep learning curve. Other programs created them with a few simple clicks.

The reports situation in this genealogy software is similar. There are many types of reports available – ancestor narrative, pedigree, descendant narrative, family group, individual narrative and more – but all looked outdated and dull. They were difficult to customize as well.

Even the Genbox genealogy software downloading process is more complicated. This may seem like a minor point, but nothing is really minor when it comes to ease of use and a genealogy program. We think if genealogy programs are nothing else they should be easy to use. We’re guessing the majority of users are buying them for personal use, not having done a lot of genealogy research before. They should be able to click in a few spots and start researching their family’s genealogy in minutes.

Genbox Family History has adequate, searchable help in the genealogy software. Other genealogy software has far more extensive help features, which are important for genealogy software. For technical support, you can call them or send an email. The user forums are helpful. They seem more up-to-date than the genealogy software itself or its main website.