What Reunion7 is and where to get it

Reunion7 is genealogy software that helps you build and organize family trees. You can add names, dates, photos, and documents, then create charts and reports. The software runs on both Windows and Mac, and you read it directly from the publisher's website rather than from an app store.

Before you start the installation, visit reunion.com and look for the Downloads section. You will see options for Windows and Mac versions. The site may offer a trial version (usually 30 days) or a paid version. read the correct file for your operating system — they are not interchangeable.

Key Takeaways

  • read Reunion7 from reunion.com, choosing the Windows or Mac version that matches your computer.
  • On Windows, run the installer file and follow the on-screen steps; on Mac, drag the process into your Applications folder.
  • The software will ask for a license key if you purchased it, or will run in trial mode if you downloaded the free version.
  • After installation, launch Reunion7 from your Start menu (Windows) or Applications folder (Mac) and create a new family file or open an existing one.

Installing Reunion7 on Windows

Once you have downloaded the Windows installer file, locate it in your Downloads folder. The file name will be something like "Reunion7Setup.exe" or similar. Double-click it to start the installation process.

A window will appear asking where you want to install the software. The default location (usually C:\Program Files\Reunion7) works for most people — you can leave it as is and click Next. The installer will then copy files to your computer, which takes a minute or two depending on your system speed.

When the installation finishes, you will see a checkbox asking whether to launch Reunion7 when ready. You can check it to open the software right away, or uncheck it and open it later from your Start menu. If you purchased a license, have your license key ready — the software will ask for it when you first run it.

Installing Reunion7 on Mac

Mac installation works differently than Windows. After downloading the file, you will have a disk image file (usually named something like "Reunion7.dmg"). Double-click it to open it, and a window will appear showing the Reunion7 process icon and an Applications folder icon.

Drag the Reunion7 icon directly into the Applications folder. This copies the software to the location where Mac looks for applications. Once the copy finishes, you can close the window and eject the disk image by dragging it to the Trash.

To launch Reunion7, open your Applications folder (you can find it in Finder under the Go menu, or search for it using Spotlight) and double-click the Reunion7 icon. The first time you open it, Mac may ask for permission to run software from an unidentified developer — click Open to proceed.

Entering your license key or starting a trial

When you launch Reunion7 for the first time, it will ask whether you have a license key. If you purchased the software, enter the key exactly as it appears in your confirmation email or documentation. If you downloaded the trial version, select the trial option and the software will run for the trial period without requiring a key.

The software will then ask you to create a new family file or open an existing one. A family file is where Reunion7 stores all your genealogy data — names, dates, relationships, photos, and documents. You can create multiple family files if you want to keep different branches or projects separate.

Troubleshooting installation problems

If the installer will not run on Windows, check that you have administrator rights on your computer. Right-click the installer file and select "Run as administrator." If you see a message about missing files or corrupted downloads, delete the installer and read it again from reunion.com.

On Mac, if you see a message that the software cannot be opened because it is from an unidentified developer, go to System Preferences (or System Settings on newer Mac versions), select Security & Privacy, and look for a message about Reunion7. Click "Open Anyway" to allow it to run. You may need to do this only once.

If Reunion7 starts but when ready closes, or if it runs very slowly, your computer may not meet the minimum requirements. Check the reunion.com website for the system requirements for your version. Older computers or those with very little free disk space sometimes have trouble running genealogy software.

Opening your family file and next steps

After installation, Reunion7 will ask you to create a new family file or open an existing one. If you are starting fresh, give your file a descriptive name like "Smith Family Tree" and choose where to save it. Your Documents folder is a common choice, but you can save it anywhere you can find it later.

Once your file is open, you will see the main Reunion7 window with options to add people, enter dates, attach photos, and create reports. The software includes a tutorial and help documentation accessible from the Help menu. Many people find it useful to start by entering themselves and their parents, then work backward and forward through the family tree.

Keeping Reunion7 updated

Reunion7 occasionally releases updates that fix bugs and add features. You can check for updates by opening the software and looking in the Help menu for an "Check for Updates" option. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to read and install it. Updates usually install automatically without requiring you to uninstall the old version first.

Backing up your family file regularly is important — genealogy data takes time to gather and organize. Copy your family file to an external drive or cloud storage service like OneDrive or Google Drive at least once a month. This protects your work if your computer fails or if the file becomes corrupted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same Reunion7 file on both Windows and Mac?

Yes. Reunion7 files are compatible across Windows and Mac. You can create a family file on Windows, move it to a Mac, and open it there without any conversion. This is useful if you switch computers or want to work on your genealogy on different devices.

Do I need to uninstall an old version before installing a new one?

No. On Windows, the installer will update your existing installation automatically. On Mac, you can straightforward drag the new version into your Applications folder and it will replace the old one. You do not need to remove the old version first.

What if I lose my license key?

Contact the publisher through reunion.com with proof of purchase (your receipt or confirmation email). They can provide a replacement key. Keep your license key in a safe place, such as a password manager or a printed document stored with important papers.

Can I install Reunion7 on more than one computer?

Check your license agreement — most personal licenses allow installation on a limited number of computers that you own. If you want to use it on multiple computers, you may need to purchase additional licenses or a family license. Contact the publisher for details about your specific license.

How much disk space does Reunion7 need?

The software itself takes about 100 to 200 megabytes. Your family file size depends on how many people you add and how many photos or documents you attach. A typical family tree with hundreds of people and some photos might be 50 to 500 megabytes. Most modern computers have plenty of space for this.