Kinleaf vs Family Tree Maker
Family Tree Maker is long running desktop software with one click Ancestry sync and hints from FamilySearch. Kinleaf is an online tree you open from any browser, with private sharing and printed charts. Here is an honest look, including where Family Tree Maker is the better pick.
A quick side by side. Where Family Tree Maker is clearly stronger, we say so.
Ancestry sync on the desktop, or an online tree you share
Family Tree Maker runs on Windows and Mac, syncs with Ancestry in one click, and pulls hints from Ancestry and FamilySearch. If your research lives in Ancestry, that connection is hard to beat. Kinleaf does not do it.
Kinleaf runs in the browser and focuses on private sharing and ownership. Both handle GEDCOM, so your core tree can move between them.
Ancestry sync is the real difference
Family Tree Maker syncs your tree with Ancestry in one click and pulls hints from Ancestry and FamilySearch. Those are things Kinleaf does not do. If your research runs through Ancestry, Family Tree Maker fits that workflow far better.
Kinleaf trades that for browser and phone access, private sharing, and easy export. Different priorities, and worth being clear about.
Moving your tree between them
Export a GEDCOM from Family Tree Maker and import it into Kinleaf, and your core tree opens online. You can export back to GEDCOM whenever you want.
As with other desktop tools, Kinleaf reads GEDCOM rather than the Family Tree Maker file format directly, so GEDCOM is the bridge.
Choose Kinleaf when
- You want to view and edit your tree from a phone or a browser.
- You want private share links for relatives, with nothing to buy or install.
- You want to start free and print clean PDF and PNG charts.
- You want easy full export and no lock in.
Choose Family Tree Maker when
- You keep your research in Ancestry and want one click sync.
- You want hints from Ancestry and FamilySearch.
- You prefer an offline desktop program with data on your computer.
- You want its charts and reports and the Connect app for relatives.
Common questions
01Can I move my Family Tree Maker tree to Kinleaf?
Yes. Export a GEDCOM from Family Tree Maker and import it into Kinleaf, and you can export back to GEDCOM anytime. Kinleaf reads GEDCOM rather than the Family Tree Maker file format directly.
02Does Kinleaf sync with Ancestry?
No. Family Tree Maker has one click Ancestry sync. Kinleaf does not sync with Ancestry.
03Does Kinleaf give record hints?
No. Kinleaf does not connect to record databases. Family Tree Maker pulls hints from Ancestry and FamilySearch.
04Which should I use?
If your research runs through Ancestry, Family Tree Maker fits that better. If you want browser and phone access with private sharing and easy export, Kinleaf fits better. Many people export a GEDCOM and keep a copy in both.
Bring your Family Tree Maker tree online.
Export a GEDCOM from Family Tree Maker, import it into Kinleaf, and share it privately from any device.
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