Software Feature
Data and Non-Data Forms


    Forms That Use Data From Your Database

    (Type 1 in the picture)

    The program you choose will be able to organize your data and print that data in a variety of ways. Below are listed the variety of forms that are found in many software programs.
    		    

    Family Group Sheets

    As we progress into third and fourth generation software programs the family group sheet will probably fall victim to the "Register" or "Book" reports that so many programs are now incorporating into their repertoire of *print to disk file* or *export* report forms. However, if you are working on a particular family, the FGS can provide you with an ideal work sheet. Some programs will allow you to "design" the information you want included on it. After you print them you can cart them around in a folder to use in your trips to the library. This is especially helpful if there are several locations where the family resided.

    A major problem most programs have in printing FGS, and Register or Book forms as well, is how to prevent confidential information from being printed if you plan to share the information with others but want to keep that information in your database. Some programs that have programmable event fields will allow you to designate an event field as "confidential" with limited space for entry and then you can exclude it when you set up the form. If you include it in the notes area then you may not be able to exclude it from the printing unless you exclude ALL notes. Confidentiality is something you may want to think about in selecting a software program.

    Lists and Indexes

    Alphabetical Lists

    Most programs automatically generate an alphabetical list of all persons in your database as a way for you to find individuals in your data. Some allow you to see the individual's demographics so you can choose the one you want to edit, add notes to etc. You will need to evaluate the program's options for printing that file. If it is a DOS program, does it allow printing to a disk file. If windows can the file be copied to clipboard or exported as a text file.

    Indexes

    Some programs that include the Register or "Book" report function will include an index to the information included in the report. A few programs that print cascading pedigree charts will print an index to the charts. Printing options should be evaluated as stated in "Alphabetical Lists" above.

    Other forms

    There are a variety of other forms that programs will compile and print. These forms can usually be manipulated, i.e. - created, using the fields for data entry in your database. The fields will vary from program to program and will depend on the number of programmable event fields in your program. PAF allows you to create tagged fields in the Notes area using the "!" mark, capitalized word, and colon - as !BIRTH:. PAF also allows you to build reports based on these tags. Many programs also have fixed reports that you can print as well.

    Cards and Labels

    Some genealogy programs allow you to build a name/address file for living individuals in your database. You can then print labels, using the program's ability to format labels using the Avery labels system.

    Some programs will also set up your database individuals in a card format and, using the Avery 3X5 card format, you can print a card file of the individuals in your database and, in some cases, select the information to appear on the card.

    Forms That Do Not Include Data From Your Database

    (Type 2 in the picture)

    There are a variety of forms that may come as a part of the GSP you choose. These are usually only "print to printer" forms as they are difficult to transfer to a disk file or export via "copy to clipboard." Most programs will print the traditional Pedigree Chart and Family Group Sheet (with page 2 for additional children) in blank form.
    		    

    Other forms available are useful to have for your research and are printed with headers, columns, column names etc. to use as guides in organizing your research.

    Some of these forms include but are not limited to:
      • Research guides
      • Correspondence Logs
      • Census research forms - 1790 to 1920 (excluding 1890)
      • Example Letters of Inquiry to national, state or local offices
      • Example Letters of inquiry to family members



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