Family Tree Maker
Get clear help for Family Tree Maker download, installation, upgrade, backup, restore, sync errors, missing media files and transfer to a new computer. Simple guidance for Windows and Mac users.
- Family Tree Maker Download & Copies
- Setup & Installation Guides
- Upgrade & Migration Assistance
- Backup & Restore Guides
- Sync Error & Troubleshooting
- No Internet Fix Guide
- FamilySearch Integration Help
- Media & Document Management
- TreeVault Cloud Support
- Windows & Mac Support
- Family Tree Maker Download & Copies
Welcome to Family Tree
Maker Support
Family Tree Maker is used by many genealogy users to build, organize and preserve family history. But sometimes users need help with setup, file transfer, activation, backup, restore, syncing or media files.
Our helpdesk is made for users who want simple instructions instead of confusing technical steps. Whether you are moving your tree to a new computer or fixing a sync problem, we guide you carefully.
You can use this page to find support topics, common software issues, transfer steps, system requirements and contact information for Family Tree Maker guidance.
Guidance for new and existing users
From your first family tree to a large genealogy project, get help with common software questions, transfer steps and data safety.
Expert Support When You Need It
Choose the help topic that matches your issue and call us for clear step-by-step guidance.
Download & Installation
Help with downloading, installing and setting up Family Tree Maker on Windows or Mac.
Upgrade Assistance
Guidance for upgrading the software while keeping your existing family tree data safe.
Backup & Restore
Create safe backups and restore your tree data, notes, media and family records correctly.
Sync Error Help
Fix synchronization problems between devices, cloud services and connected accounts.
Missing Media Files
Locate photos, documents and media attachments that are not showing in your family tree.
Transfer to New Computer
Move your Family Tree Maker data from an old computer to a new computer with proper steps.
Transfer Family Tree Maker to a New Computer
Follow these common steps to move your data safely from one computer to another.
Create Backup
Use the built-in backup option on your old computer before making any changes.
Install Software
Install Family Tree Maker on the new computer using the correct version.
Move Backup File
Copy your backup file safely through USB drive, external drive or secure storage.
Restore Tree
Restore your backup file and verify names, dates, notes and attached media.
Check Activation
Confirm license activation, updates and sync settings on the new computer.
Family Tree Maker Top Features
Family Tree Maker gives you the tools to organize your research, protect your data and turn years of genealogy work into something you can explore, share and pass down.
1. Rich Color Coding
Bring clarity to your family tree with rich color coding. Assign unique colors to individuals or family lines based on family branches, research status, DNA lines, or any custom category that fits your workflow. This visual organization makes it easier to spot relationships, track research progress, and navigate even the largest trees without confusion, reducing clutter and improving visibility throughout your genealogy journey.
2. TreeVault Cloud Services
Protect your family history with TreeVault cloud services, which store your tree securely in the cloud. TreeVault preserves your tree, media files, and research data, giving you peace of mind after years of genealogy work. If your computer is damaged, replaced, or runs into technical issues, you can restore your tree quickly and keep researching with minimal disruption.
3. Sync With an Online Ancestry Tree for FREE
Keep your desktop tree and your online Ancestry tree synchronized for free. Updates made on either platform are shared both ways, so you can keep researching wherever it's convenient, whether on FTM desktop or your online tree. Two-way sync reduces duplicate work by keeping your information consistent across both platforms and makes sure your latest discoveries are always available.
4. Billions of FREE Records from FamilySearch
FTM integrates with FamilySearch, giving you quick access to one of the world's largest collections of free genealogy records. Search census records, birth and death certificates, marriage records, military records, immigration documents, church records and more without leaving the software, helping you confirm existing information and grow your family tree with confidence.
5. Hints Made Easy to See
Never miss an important discovery with easy-to-view research hints. FTM highlights possible record matches in a precise, organized format, so you can quickly review potential matches before adding them to your tree, instead of manually searching through multiple collections for photographs, documents and records about your ancestors.
6. Charts, Reports, and Books
Turn your research into beautifully designed charts and comprehensive reports that are easy to print or share with relatives. Choose from pedigree charts, descendant charts, relationship charts, and timeline reports to present your research the way you want, or combine photographs, stories, historical records and family information into a professionally organized family history book for future generations.
Family Tree Maker Versions
Here are all the versions released over the years — go through all of them at once.
How To Purchase Family Tree Maker
Purchasing FTM is a straightforward process. To make sure you receive a genuine copy along with official updates and customer support, it's highly recommended to buy the software from an authorized source.
Visit the Store
Open the official website or the Software MacKiev online store.
Select FTM 2024
Choose the latest version, Family Tree Maker 2024.
Pick a Format
Choose Download only, Download + DVD, or Download + USB drive.
Add to Cart
Add the product to your cart and proceed to checkout.
Complete Payment
Enter your billing and payment information to finish the purchase.
Check Your Email
Get a confirmation email with your download link, product key, and instructions.
Install & Activate
Download the installer and activate it using your product key.
Why Choose Our Resources
Whether you're new to FTM or an experienced genealogist, our resources are designed to help you solve problems quickly and confidently with accurate, easy-to-follow guides.
Easy Step-by-Step Guides
Clear, detailed instructions to install FTM, upgrade to the latest version, sync with Ancestry, create a backup, restore trees, and resolve common issues.
Updated Information
Stay in touch with the latest resources covering FTM 2019, 2024, TreeVault cloud services, FamilySync, and Ancestry synchronization.
Windows & Mac
Both Windows and Mac users can access our tutorials, helping you find solutions that match your operating system.
Common Issues Covered
From download problems to performance issues, our guides walk through the most common troubleshooting topics step by step.
Common Issues Our Guides Cover
Jump straight to the topic you need help with.
Create Your Family Tree
Every family history commences with the information you already know. Start by adding yourself, your parents, grandparents, and other close relatives, along with birth dates, marriage information, and places you've lived. As you uncover new records and family connections, you can easily update and expand your tree over time.
You can add these after creating your tree
Add More Family Members
Expand your tree by including siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and future generations as your research grows.
Have a Record of Crucial Life Events
Document births, marriages, deaths, occupations, military service, residencies, and other milestones.
Attach Photos & Historical Documents
Preserve memories by adding photographs, certificates, letters, clippings, and other records to each profile.
Organize & Manage Your Research
Use notes, source citations, color coding, and relationship tools to make your tree easier to navigate.
Discover New Ancestors
Search historical records, check research hints, and verify family connections to uncover new branches.
Update Tree Anytime
Edit existing profiles, add new relatives, and keep your family history accurate as you learn more.
System Requirements
Before installation or upgrade, check basic Windows and macOS requirements.
🪟 Windows
🍎 macOS
Problems We Help With
These are common Family Tree Maker issues users face during setup, upgrade, sync and transfer.
Sync Issues
Troubleshoot synchronization problems between devices and cloud services.
Software Upgrade Errors
Resolve installation and upgrade problems while updating to a newer version.
Tree Disappearance
Get help when your family tree is missing, not opening or not showing correctly.
Missing Media Files
Locate photos, documents and attachments linked with your genealogy data.
Mobile Display Issues
Fix display and functionality issues on mobile, tablet or connected services.
Updates Not Reflecting
Check why family member updates are not saving, syncing or appearing correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Software Upgrades, Download & Compatibility
Software Upgrades, Download & Compatibility
You can continue using FTM if it fulfills your requirements. However, with the upgrade to it, you can get access to the new features, improve performance, boost compatibility with new operating systems, and receive ongoing updates. If you want the latest genealogy tools and improvements, upgrading is a worthwhile option to look for.
The latest build number varies as per the released updates. In order to check the current build, open help> about family tree makers. To install the latest available update, choose Help> Check for updates or simply visit the official Family Tree Maker support page for release information.
Yes, it is designed to keep it compatible with windows 11 and the latest macOS versions, including Sonoma and Sequoia. Family Tree Maker 2019 also shares compatibility with various modern systems when updated, but installing the latest patches is highly recommended to experience best performance.
Upgrade offers are only accessible for the already existing FTM users. All these promotions might vary as per the release and purchase history. Do check the official website or your registered email for the current upgraded pricing and avail special offers.
You can easily download the FTM by using the download link in your purchase confirmation email or from your customer account if it is available. After downloading the installer, adhere to the on-screen instructions in order to complete the installation.
If your license permits installation on various personal computers, download the installer on the second device and properly activate it with the same product key. After completing the installation, you can restore your backup or reconnect your synced tree in order to continue working with your family history.
The first and foremost way of connecting with FTM support is through the website, knowledge base, user forums, or by contacting customer support using the available phone, email, or live chat options. Select the methods that align with your issues and urgency.
Troubleshooting Errors & Maintenance
The error usually emerges due to damaged tree files, corrupt indexes, outdated software, incomplete updates, incompatible system settings, or insufficient computer resources. With the update of software, compaction of files, and restoration of a recent backup, you can easily resolve the issue.
Open your family tree and select Tools> Compact File. Enable the Perform Extended Analysis option if available, then run the process. Repeat the compact operation until the reduction size comes to 0.00%. It will help you remove minor database inconsistencies and improve performance.
Syncing, Integrations, & Backups
This can happen due to an unstable internet connection, temporary Ancestry server issues, damaged tree files, outdated software, or an interrupted family sync session. Restart the software, check your internet connection, update Family Tree Maker, and try to sync again after creating a backup.
No, It integrates with Family Search for searching and attaching records, but it does not provide continuous two-way synchronization the way it does with ancestry. All the changes made in FTM are not automatically showcased in your Family Search family tree.
The AI assistant in Family Tree Maker 2024 supports users in working more efficiently by offering intelligent suggestions, simplifying certain genealogy tasks, and improving the overall research experience. All the available features might continue to expand through future updates.
FTM Connect 2.0 allows you to properly view your tree on a compatible mobile device. When it is used with the TreeVault cloud services, it allows you to browse people, relationships, photos, and family information while away from your computer.
The change log records all the edits made to your family tree. If you need to undo recent changes, review the change log, choose the right point in your editing history, and restore your tree carefully. Creating a backup before rolling back is always recommended for users.
Data Management, Plugins, & Sharing
First, open the primary family tree and take help of merge or import tools in order to bring the information from the second tree into the first. Carefully review the duplicate individuals and relationships right before completing the merge. It is recommended to have a backup of the tree beforehand.
To export a single branch of my tree to a GEDCOM file, select the individual whose branch you want to export and select People or a specific branch. Save the file in GEDCOM format, which can then be imported into most genealogy software programs.
It lets you define the relationship types for each person, including biological, adopted, foster, guardian, and step relationships. All these settings help you to accurately represent the family structures while allowing charts and reports to easily reflect your preferred relationship display.
FTM shares compatibility with supported versions of Family Tree Maker, but compatibility totally depends on the plugin version. Before installing or upgrading, do check with the plugin developer in order to confirm support for your specific FTM release.
Export your FTM file as a GEDCOM file and then import it into your preferred genealogy software. While most of the people, events, and relationships transfer successfully, there are some Family Tree Maker-specific features, media links, or formatting that might require manual adjustment after the import.