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Genealogy can feel overwhelming when the tools meant to simplify your research leave you frustrated. Citation templates in RootsMagic are useful—until they’re not.
Have you ever felt like you were trying to force a unique source into a template that just doesn’t fit? You’re not alone.
Why the RootsMagic Citation Templates Might Miss the Mark
Templates can be a lifesaver—until they’re not. Templates are great for standard sources, but what happens when your source is unusual, or you need to share your research on another platform?
Often, those carefully crafted citations get stripped down to a generic mess during transfers to Ancestry or FamilySearch. Add in the complexity of academic or unique sources, and suddenly, you’re left with incomplete information.
RootsMagic’s Free Form Citations Give You Ultimate Flexibility.
RootsMagic’s Free Form citations give you ultimate flexibility to:
Create custom citations tailored to your needs.
Maintain consistency across platforms like FamilySearch and Ancestry.
Stay true to your preferred citation style (like Evidence Explained).
Whether you’re diving into historical archives, preserving rare family records, or just need a break from rigid templates, Free Form citations put the control back in your hands.
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How to Create Free Form Source Citations in RootsMagic
Using Free Form citations is straightforward. Follow these steps:
Add a New Source
Go to the "Sources" tab and click the "+" button.
Choose “Free Form Citation” from the list.
Enter your details into the Master Source and Source Details fields.
Customize Your Citation
Use the “Master Source” field for general details like a book title or census year.
Add specifics such as page numbers or family names in the “Source Details” field.
Format with Ease
Highlight text to italicize or bold elements directly in the citation fields.
Example: Citing the 1850 U.S. Census
Imagine you’re adding a citation for William Peak in the 1850 Census. Here’s how it looks:
Master Source: “1850 U.S. Census”
Source Details: Household of William Peak, page 45, NARA roll # M432.
Footnote: Include the publication details and date accessed.
The result? A clear, professional citation tailored to your research.
Why RootsMagic Free Form Shine:
The RootsMagic Free Form source citations benefit genealogists who need a little more flexibility when tracking their research. The free forms also shine in the following ways:
Seamless Sharing Between Platforms - When you transfer your tree to FamilySearch or sync with Ancestry, Free Form citations retain their formatting and integrity. No more worrying about losing vital details in translation.
Tailored to Any Style - Stick to the style guide of your choice, whether it’s Evidence Explained or a format your family project requires. Free Form lets you set the rules.
Perfect for Unusual Sources - Citing a handwritten journal, a personal interview, or a unique artifact? Free Form allows you to document every nuance without constraints.
Template or Free Form?
For easy-to-use formats, see our blog post about Citation Templates. But if templates don’t cut it, Free Form citations empower you to take control without constraints.
Want to see Free Form citations in action? Watch the full tutorial video linked below for a walkthrough.
With RootsMagic, you have the tools to handle any source citation challenge. Choose the method that works best for you and make your genealogy research shine!
Start Simplifying Your Genealogy Research
RootsMagic’s Free Form citations are a game-changer for genealogists tired of rigid templates. Ready to see them in action? Watch our detailed tutorial video to unlock the full potential of this tool and take control of your citations today!
