<<snipped>> Personally, i dont like programs where gedcom is the native file format. It is often touted as an advantage, but it has always been a rather loose standard, open to misinterpretation and change. Legacy and probably TMG and several others use their own format, but basically it is a " proper" database. <<snipped>> Mmm - I suspect a few IT people will be spluttering into their coffee at the idea that these systems are "proper" databases! Most of them won't even agree MS Access is one (me, I like Access!) More seriously - I would contend that GEDCOM is not a loose standard, nor is it open to misinterpretation and change. Especially not "change" - would that it were, but it's been stuck for years... The issue is not the standard but those programmers who simply can't be bothered to read the manual. (I can say this - I was a programmer once. I read the manual - funny how the software works better when you do that...) However, we do have to deal with reality - you should check up on how good your current software is at writing a GEDCOM file and your potential new program at reading one - especially reading one from your current program. Try Googling terms like Import Export GEDCOM and the program names. You may be lucky and find there is also the option of doing a direct import from your old into your new, without going via GEDCOM. However, if you go down the GEDCOM route, there is the option - if you are happy to mess about with editing a text file - to TAKE A COPY and edit some at least of the issues out of existence. If you know what the thing *should* look like, of course! So, fundamentally, import / export of data is a serious question - though most people usually manage with minimal loss. As for the user interface, well, I did try FTM a number of years ago - it got zapped within the day since I just could not get on with the UI - I couldn't tell whether I was looking at an editable view or a print preview or what... It depends very much on what you're used to - anyone who is competent with MS Office will have no problems with Family Historian, e.g., because it's very much a Windows style program. Adrian B