Tool profile
MacFamilyTree: cost, fit and limits
MacFamilyTree is a genealogy application made by Synium Software GmbH for macOS that builds and displays family trees in 3D, maps places on a virtual globe and searches the FamilySearch archive from inside the app.
What to know first
MacFamilyTree 11 is sold from the vendor's how-to-buy page and the Mac App Store, and a free demo can be downloaded and activated in the app. The page currently shows US$ 34.99 for new customers against a US$ 69.99 list price, with upgrades at US$ 24.99. The program is available only for Apple products and needs macOS 12 or later. No AI feature is named by the vendor.
MacFamilyTree at a glance
| Maker | Synium Software GmbH, Germany |
|---|---|
| Free plan | Free trial only |
| Entry price | US$ 34.99 for new customers (list US$ 69.99) |
| API access | No |
| Category | Best AI Genealogy Software in 2026, rank 4 of 10 |
| Website | syniumsoftware.com/macfamilytree |
Who MacFamilyTree is best for
Mac and iPhone households
The vendor develops only for Apple products and offers sync through iCloud, so one tree can follow the family across devices.
Visual thinkers
The 3D Virtual Tree and Virtual Globe present generations and places as moving views instead of flat charts, which helps when showing relatives.
Researchers using FamilySearch
The app searches the FamilySearch archive directly, which saves switching between browser and tree for each candidate record. It reduces switching between a browser and the tree.
MacFamilyTree plans and pricing
| Plan | Price | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| New customer | US$ 34.99 (list US$ 69.99) | Full version of MacFamilyTree 11 at a short-time 50% discount for new customers The page labels it a short-time offer, so the price may rise. |
| Upgrade | US$ 24.99 (list US$ 69.99) | Upgrade from an older version, shown with a 65% discount Requires a prior version; the page lists a larger discount for upgraders than for new customers. |
| Demo | Free download | Demo and full-version download for macOS on Apple Silicon and Intel; activate inside the app |
Checked November 2026.
What MacFamilyTree does
- 3D Virtual Tree
- The tree can be explored as a three-dimensional structure of generations, built for browsing and for showing family members. The vendor presents it as the signature view of the program, useful when showing relatives how generations connect.
- Virtual Globe
- Places from the tree are shown on a globe, so moves and birthplaces appear as a geographic story. It supports exploring a tree by place rather than by name, which helps when searching for migration patterns across countries.
- FamilySearch search
- The FamilySearch archive can be searched from within the app, which keeps research and recording in one window. Candidates found there can be examined without leaving the program, though the pages do not describe how matches are added to the tree.
- CloudTree Sync & Share
- After the full version is activated, trees sync through iCloud and other people can be invited to collaborate. The vendor places this behind the full-version activation, so demo users should not expect to test collaboration.
- Language coverage
- The interface is available in 15 languages, according to the vendor page. The vendor lists 15 interface languages, which helps when family members in different countries share a tree and one of them prefers another language.
How MacFamilyTree handles your data
Synium Software's privacy policy is the source read for this page. It does not state whether tree data trains any model, and retention and hosting region were not checked for this page. The synchronization feature uses iCloud, so tree data handled by sync sits under Apple's terms and the user's Apple account, which the vendor's pages do not describe in detail. The Imprint names Synium Software GmbH. No security certification is stated on the pages opened.
Where MacFamilyTree falls short in practice
- Apple only. The vendor says it develops only for Apple products and requires macOS 12 or later, so Windows relatives cannot open the app. A household with even one Windows or Linux computer will not be able to run the program on it.
- Collaboration needs the full version. CloudTree sync and invitations work only after the full version is activated, so the free demo cannot share a tree. Anyone testing the demo will therefore not see the main collaboration feature before paying.
- Discount prices are temporary. The page labels US$ 34.99 as a short-time offer against a US$ 69.99 list, so the price can change after we checked. Plan around the list price of US$ 69.99 if you buy later.
Works with
Alternatives to MacFamilyTree
MacFamilyTree: common questions
Can MacFamilyTree run on Windows?
No. The vendor says it develops only for Apple products and lists macOS 12 or later as the requirement. Windows users should look at Family Historian, Ahnenblatt or Heredis instead, and should check each vendor's current system requirements. Check the vendor's current requirements before buying.
How much does MacFamilyTree 11 cost?
The how-to-buy page lists US$ 34.99 for new customers during a short-time offer against a US$ 69.99 list price, and US$ 24.99 for upgrades. A demo is free to download. The full version can also be bought through the Mac App Store.
Does MacFamilyTree have AI features?
The vendor page does not describe any AI feature. A customer review mentions photo colorizing, but the vendor does not call it AI. If AI record reading is a requirement, Heredis and Family Historian are the two programs in this ranking that name AI functions.
How does MacFamilyTree share a tree with relatives?
CloudTree Sync & Share synchronizes trees through iCloud and lets you invite others to collaborate, once the full version is activated in the app. The demo does not include this. Relatives need an Apple setup to take part. Ask the vendor before you pay if AI help matters to you.
Can I import a GEDCOM file into MacFamilyTree?
Yes, the vendor lists GEDCOM import. Import a copy of your tree first and check source citations and media links. GEDCOM often loses program-specific notes and charts, so keep the original file until you are satisfied. Check photos and other media files the same way after the import.