Kinleaf vs RootsMagic
RootsMagic is established desktop genealogy software with record hints and links to the big research sites. Kinleaf is an online tree you open from any browser, with private sharing and printed charts. Here is an honest comparison, including where RootsMagic is the stronger choice.
A quick side by side. Where RootsMagic is clearly stronger, we say so.
Desktop research power, or browser access and sharing
RootsMagic runs on your computer and pulls hints from FamilySearch, Ancestry, MyHeritage, and Findmypast. That research workflow is its real strength. Kinleaf does not do hints or connect to those databases.
What Kinleaf adds is reach. Your tree opens in any browser, you share private links, and you print clean charts. Both tools read and write GEDCOM, so you can keep your core tree in both.
Record hints and sync, honestly
This is where RootsMagic pulls ahead. It surfaces record hints from the major research sites and can publish your tree to FamilySearch and Ancestry. If that research loop is the center of your work, RootsMagic fits it better than Kinleaf does.
Kinleaf does not connect to record databases and does not sync to those sites. It focuses on a calm online tree, private sharing, and clean exports instead.
Moving your tree between them
Export a GEDCOM from RootsMagic and import it into Kinleaf, and your core tree opens in the browser. You can export back to GEDCOM at any time.
One honest note. Kinleaf reads GEDCOM, not the RootsMagic desktop file format directly, so GEDCOM is the bridge between the two.
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 install.
- You want to start free and print clean PDF and PNG charts.
- You want easy full export and no lock in.
Choose RootsMagic when
- You want record hints from FamilySearch, Ancestry, and more.
- You want to publish or sync your tree to FamilySearch and Ancestry.
- You prefer an offline desktop program with data on your computer.
- You want a large library of reports, charts, and book publishing.
Common questions
01Can I move my RootsMagic tree to Kinleaf?
Yes. Export a GEDCOM from RootsMagic and import it into Kinleaf, and you can export back to GEDCOM anytime. Kinleaf reads GEDCOM rather than the RootsMagic file format directly, so GEDCOM is the bridge.
02Does Kinleaf have record hints like RootsMagic?
No. Kinleaf does not connect to record databases or provide hints. If hints are central to your research, RootsMagic is the better fit.
03Does Kinleaf sync with Ancestry or FamilySearch?
No. RootsMagic can publish to FamilySearch and Ancestry. Kinleaf does not sync with either of them.
04Is Kinleaf cheaper than RootsMagic?
Kinleaf is free while it is in beta, with no payment required yet. RootsMagic is a one time purchase around 39.95 USD with a free trial. Paid Kinleaf plans may come later, and we will be clear about them before anything changes.
Put your RootsMagic tree online, privately.
Export a GEDCOM from RootsMagic, import it into Kinleaf, and share a private link with your family.
Keep exploring