Version 5.3.6 of the Mac genealogy software MacFamilyTree includes the ability to customize the toolbar. In this video, Customizing the Toolbar in Mac Genealogy Software MacFamilyTree, I walk you step-by-step through the new features and ways that the toolbar can be customized.
News
MacFamilyTree Updated to Version 5.3.6
Hot on the heels of the version 5.3.5 release, Synium has released version 5.3.6 of its Mac genealogy software. Here’s what’s changed according to the publisher:
- Alignment in the Virtual Tree vastly improved
- Generation and rendering performance of the Virtual Tree improved
- Virtual Globe marks events out of date range
- MobileFamilyTree sync improved (MobileFamilyTree is an iPhone/iPod Touch client for MacFamilyTree available in the Apple AppStore)
- Toolbar in the main window is configurable now
- GEDCOM importer improved
- Various other minor fixes and improvements
I didn’t produce a update walkthrough video as I did for the previous release. I take my cues from you and I didn’t get any comments. I’m assuming it wasn’t helpful. If that’s a bad assumption let me know in a comment.
That said, I’m intrigued by the configurable toolbar addition, so I’m going to create a screencast for that feature.
Improvement Ideas for Volume 2 of the MacGenealogist Video CD Set
I asked for feedback from the MacGenealogists who ordered the first CD. Many of those who had received them responded in comments on the article or in personal emails to me. Thank you all for your input. Some have yet to have a look at their CD, but offered to give me feedback when they do. Thank you all in advance. All the feedback has been helpful in identifying improvements for future volumes.
The most common improvement request was to make a CDs that are program specific (i.e. all Reunion 9 for Mac, or iFamily for Leopard, or MacFamilyTree) while also including generic topics like the finder and such. I’ll do this next time, so volume 2 will be focused on Reunion 9.
I’m considering putting larger versions of the videos on the CD. The size of the videos I publish to this site is 720 x 450. I’m thinking of putting 1080 x 676 (50% bigger) videos on the CD. This would make the detail in the video more prevalent. I’d love it if you’d share your thougts on the matter in a comment on this article.
I’d also like to hear from those of you who chose not to buy a copy. What would it take to make it valuable enough to you that you buy one? What kept you from ordering? I’m going to send a free copy of the volume 1 CD to someone who didn’t order, but leaves a comment about why. Make sure you’re registered on the site or fill out the email address field when you comment so that I can contact you if I choose you as the winner of the free CD.
Video Walkthrough of MacFamilyTree Version 5.3.5 Update
Synium Software recently updated MacFamilyTree to version 5.3.5. This version contains a feature that should have been there from the start: the ability to apply changes of case to all the names in the database. The “what’s new” states that the update includes the following:
- Database Maintenance improved: Names can be now reformatted into different styles
- Virtual Tree con be saved as a high resolution PNG now
- The user interface can now be configured to show Partner 1/Partner 2 instead of Husband/Wife
- Improved automatic date range calculation for the Timeline pane
- Improved Statistics pane
- Other minor fixes and improvements
It may be worth noting that the term for the partner in the new preference wasn’t “Husband” and “Wife” in the previous version (5.3.3). It was “Man” and “Woman.”
I also found, while recording the walkthrough screencast, that three new charts were added to the statistics pane:
- Age of Marriage
- Age of Divorce
- Age of Parents at Child Birth
This video, Video Walkthrough of Mac Genealogy Software MacFamilyTree Version 5.3.5 Update, will walk you through each of the identified changes that can be demonstrated. If you spot one or more of the “other minor fixes and improvements” please leave a comment on this post.
A Tribute to Keith Wilson
The Mac genealogy community has suffered a significant loss. Keith Wilson, the creator of iFamily for Leopard (and Tiger before that), passed away unexpectedly on November 2nd. I’ve called him a maverick and meant it with great respect. His ingenious contributions will be missed.
When considering an appropriate tribute to Keith my first thought was to start a Wikipedia page about him. I quickly realized that wouldn’t be best because, although I had only three months to work with Keith, in that time I came to know him as a very private man. He was also understandably proud of his creation. So I thought, “What better way to honor his creative work than for his community to collaborate on a Wikipedia entry on iFamily for Leopard?”
Leave a comment here if you have any ideas on the matter and or would like to participate.