However, if your favorite genealogy program is not on the list, keep in mind that Family Tree SuperTools will also read GEDCOM files. You should be able to use this new Windows program to supplement the features of any other modern genealogy program, even Macintosh programs (via GEDCOM).

Here is the press release from Wholly Genes Software:

Wholly Genes Software of Columbia, Maryland is proud to announce a new companion product for family tree software users.

Family Tree SuperTools™ offers powerful wall charting features and many other exciting add-ons to users of many popular family tree programs. It works directly with the data from those programs (i.e., without GEDCOM) so that users may continue to use their existing program while having access to these new features:

- A meta-project manager
Family Tree SuperTools allows the user to manage multiple independent data sets within the same project. View data sets from different researchers and/or different programs in one master alphabetical list without merging them. Ideal for coordinating and comparing data with other researchers.

- One-click Web searches
Search among the largest family tree databases, including FamilySearch.org, Ancestry.com, Rootsweb.com, Gendex.com, and GenealogyPortal.com. Search multiple sites at the same time for individuals or groups of names, including all spelling variations. No more data entry on Web forms—just point and click to limit the search to names, dates, and places contained within your data project.

- Multimedia slideshows
Produce slideshows with pictures, video, sound, and text taken directly from your project or by drag-and-drop from the Windows Explorer. Control special effects, timing between frames, transitions, etc. Includes a free viewer to send completed slideshows to relatives on a CD-ROM.

- Time lines
Display the events in your ancestors’ lives in the context of history.

- Heirloom-quality wall charts and fan charts
Includes an integrated copy of Visual Chartform™, the most flexible charting utility in the industry.

Create ancestor or descendant box charts in any orientation. Create fan charts up to full-circle. Click-n-drag boxes or any object on the chart, rotate text, add additional images, text, etc.

- Wall chart printing service
Got charts? After you design a chart with Family Tree SuperTools, Chartform Delivery service will print them on a high-quality, large-format printer (up to 3’ x 30’) at prices starting at just $19.95 per chart. Point and click in Family Tree SuperTools to submit charts securely over the Web for the fastest turn-around.

- Plus . . .
Display the names of people in different colors for different conditions ("accents"), save user-defined screen layouts, and more.

Family Tree SuperTools uses GenBridge™ import technology to read data directly from The Master Genealogist™, Family Tree Maker™, Personal Ancestral File v4™, Ultimate Family Tree™, Family Origins™, Legacy™, and other products. (GEDCOM is also supported). After adding or editing data in the original program, users of Family Tree SuperTools simply click on "Refresh" to bring it up to date.

Family Tree SuperTools uses a fully 32-bit interface and supports long file names, right-click menus, etc. It is effectively a read-only version of The Master Genealogist (TMG) v5.0, which is under development.

Family Tree SuperTools retails for $19.95 as a downloadable utility. Advance orders are now being accepted for $14.95. The CD-ROM is $5 extra, plus shipping. Release is expected in about 30 days. Registered users of TMG v4.0 who place an advance order for FTST will also receive a credit of $14.95 toward their later upgrade to TMG 5.

Wholly Genes Software was founded in 1993 to provide professional caliber software tools to genealogists. Its cornerstone product, The Master Genealogist (TMG), is among the most highly rated and popular products for family historians.

The Master Genealogist, GenBridge, Family Tree SuperTools, Visual Chartform, and Chartform Delivery are trademarks of Wholly Genes, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

This sounds like a great product; you can continue to use your favorite genealogy program and yet use the advanced features found in more powerful (and usually more expensive) programs. Also note the comment, "It is effectively a read-only version of The Master Genealogist (TMG) v5.0, which is under development."

I hope to write a "hands-on" review of Family Tree SuperTools in the near future.