FamilySearch™ Personal Ancestral File (PAF) software is a tool to help you record, manage, and share your family history information. With this program, you can create and store family information about thousands of people in one or more database files.
Although PAF software may be downloaded for FREE at www.FamilySearch.org, do not assume that the price means the software is lacking the aspects of the expensive genealogical programs. PAF is an excellent product and includes enormous possibilities for both the novice and the more experienced researchers.
A few of the highlights of PAF software are:
1. Each Person’s Information Typed Only Once (uses the same data for both child and parent positions);
2. Individual and Marriage screens (Templates) may be customized;
3. Customized Events (add census, mission, residences, engagements, graduations and many more events – including events created by the submitter);
4. Multimedia Possibilities (add images of photos & documents; even make slide shows);
5. Link Individuals to Families, and Link Families Together with other Families;
6. Print Pedigrees, Family Groups, Reports, and Lists;
7. Focus capabilities to locate individuals or and/marriages with common data OR needing temple ordinances.
8. Prepare family members’ information to be processed in TempleReady.
9. Share information with other researchers in a GEDCOM file.
There are also two great resources for PAF users under the Help tab on the toolbar.
· User’s Guide (uses Adobe Reader format) which may be printed.
· Seven lessons in a self-tutorial format when your Internet browser is open. Connects with the following FamilySearch website: http://www.familysearch.org/eng/paf/lessons/paf5.html
PAF was developed and produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the early 1980s. Several versions of PAF are available. Details may be found at the Church's family history website at www.FamilySearch.org.
Demonstrations of PAF software may be seen at a local Family History Center.
