What Software Is Needed to Fill Out a Genealogy Form?
Question details
The user needs to know which software applications are required to open, edit, and fill out various types of digital genealogy forms.
- Product
- PDF and Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Trying to complete a downloaded or shared digital family tree or genealogy document.
- Observed behavior
- The user is unsure which application to use based on the file extension and format of their genealogy form.
Check the file extension of your genealogy form (such as .pdf, .docx, or .txt) by viewing its properties to determine the appropriate software required to open it.
Use an All-in-One Office Suite for General Formats
A comprehensive office suite can handle multiple file formats, allowing you to fill out both PDF and Word genealogy forms without switching apps.
Many online genealogy forms are provided as standard Word documents or PDFs. Using a unified office suite simplifies the process.
Launch your preferred all-in-one office software that supports multiple document formats.
Click 'File' and select 'Open' to browse your computer for the downloaded genealogy form, regardless of whether it is a .docx or .pdf file.
If the file is a Word document, simply click into the designated spaces or tables and start typing your family history details.
If the file is a PDF, use the PDF reader's text tool or click on the interactive fillable fields to input your ancestors' names and dates.
Use a Dedicated PDF Reader for PDF Forms
If your genealogy form is strictly a PDF file, you can use a dedicated PDF application to view and fill it.
Use Specific Genealogy Software for Proprietary Files
Some forms are exported in proprietary formats that strictly require specific family tree software to open.
Use WPS Office to Fill Out PDF and Word Genealogy Forms
WPS Office is a powerful all-in-one suite that seamlessly handles PDF, Word, and text files. Whether your family tree form is a fillable PDF or a standard document, WPS Office gives you the tools to edit, fill, and save your family history from a single, intuitive interface.
- 1. Download and install: Download WPS Office and install it on your computer or mobile device.
- 2. Open your genealogy file: Launch WPS Office and drag-and-drop your genealogy form (PDF, DOCX, or TXT) directly into the workspace.
- 3. Fill out the information: For Word files, simply click and start typing. For PDFs, navigate to the 'PDF Edit' tab and use the 'Fill Form' or 'Add Text' features to enter your details.
- 4. Save your family tree: Click 'Menu' and then 'Save As' to securely store your updated family history document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fill out a PDF genealogy form if it doesn't have interactive fields?
Yes. If the PDF is 'flat' and lacks clickable fields, you can use software with PDF editing capabilities to manually insert text. Use the 'Add Text' or 'Typewriter' tool in your PDF editor to place text boxes directly onto the blank lines.
Do I need to buy expensive software to make a family tree?
No. Many free, printable genealogy templates are available online in standard Word or PDF formats. You can use free or lightweight office suites like WPS Office to fill out and organize these documents without purchasing specialized software.
How do I open a GEDCOM (.ged) file?
A GEDCOM file is a standard plain text format used to share genealogical data. While you can open and read the raw data using a basic text editor like Notepad, it is best viewed by importing the file into dedicated genealogy software or an online family tree builder.
