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How To Import Files From Older Editions In FTM 2019 And FTM 2024

If you are looking to upgrade your Family Tree Maker, you don’t have to start from scratch. And if you have already created a file in an earlier edition, you can use FTM 2019 or FTM 2024 to continue working with the existing genealogy data. If you are looking to import or open an older file, it is important to create a backup to preserve the original Family Tree.

What Are Older FTM Files

An older Family Tree Maker file is a Family Tree that was created and saved using a previous edition of FTM. Users can easily import or open such files during the upgrade to FTM 2019 or FTM 2024. A native FTM tree file contains important information that is specifically stored for Family Tree Maker, while a GEDCOM is a general format used by various programs. It is very important to keep the original file in case you need to restore or re-import your data.

Is It Possible For FTM 2019 And 2024 To Open Older Files?

Users who are upgrading to FTM 2019 or FTM 2024 can easily continue working with Family Tree files which were created in previous editions of Family Tree Maker. FTM 2019 supports older FTM tree files, and FTM 2024 can also open files created with earlier versions. During the process, an older file might get converted to the format required by the newer software. Right after opening or converting the file, you can review the tree to ensure that important genealogy information has transferred correctly.

How To Prepare File Before Importing?

With proper preparation, you can help prevent data loss while importing an older FTM file:

  • Locate The Original FTM File: Look for the older Family Tree Maker file on your computer. FTM’s Tree Browser can also help locate files from older versions.
  • Create A Full Backup First: Family Tree Maker recommends having a manual backup right before doing major changes, including updating or moving a tree.
  • Include Media: When you are creating a backup, select the media files option so that linked media can be properly included.
  • Cross-Check the Imported Tree: Right after importation, review the new tree properly before relying on it as your working copy.

Procedure Of Importing An Older File Into FTM 2019

With the below-mentioned steps, you can easily import an older file into FTM 2019:

  • Open FTM 2019

Launch Family Tree Maker 2019 on your computer.

  • Go To New Tree

Choose the plan workspace and click the New Tree tab.

  • Choose Import An Existing Tree

Select Import an existing tree and click Browse.

  • Locate The Older File

Navigate to the folder that contains your older FTM tree file, select it, and click Open. FTM 2019 supports older Family Tree Maker files, with the help of conversion tools which are available for very old versions.

  • Name The New Tree

If it is required, enter a new name in the new tree name field and click Continue.

  • Check The Imported Tree

Check the people, relationships, facts, sources, notes, photos, and documents.

  • Keep The Original One

Keep your original file and use the imported tree as the new working copy.

How To Import An Older File Into FTM 2024

With the help of the below-mentioned steps, you can easily import an older file into FTM 2024:

  • Launch FTM 2024

Open Family Tree Maker 2024 on your computer.

  • Choose Open/Import A Tree

Use the right option in FTM 2024 to work with an existing Family Tree Maker tree.

  • Locate The Older File

Navigate to the folder where your older FTM tree file is stored.

  • Choose The File

Select the tree file and let FTM 2024 open or process it. Some very old files might require a conversion tool.

  • Review The Tree

Review the tree, photos, documents, and other media to make sure they are available and correctly associated.

  • Save The Working Tree

Save the imported tree in the current FTM 2024 format, while keeping the original older file as a backup.

Common Import Issues

Here are some of the usual import issues that you might encounter during the procedure:

  • Missing Photos or Documents: The media might not appear if the files are unavailable or the links are incorrect
  • Broken Media Links: Use FTM’s find missing media tools to locate the moved files.
  • GEDCOM Limitations: Some of the information might not transfer because GEDCOM is designed to exchange genealogy data.
  • Conversion Problems: If there are old or damaged files, then it might require conversion or might not import successfully.
  • Feature Differences: Older files might not contain features available in newer FTM versions.
  • If the Import Fails: Restore the tree from a reliable backup and try again. Family Tree recommends backing up before troubleshooting.

Conclusion!  

Moving an older Family Tree to FTM 2019 or FTM 2024 can help you continue your genealogy research without working from scratch. First, protect the original file with a backup. Right after importing the tree, you can properly review the tree, the family information, sources, photographs, and documents. Do keep the original file until you are satisfied with the result.