Family Tree Maker by Ancestry.com - The #1 Selling Family Tree Program

Family Tree Maker 2012

With TreeSync you can keep your tree up-to-date no matter where you are. Access and share your family tree from any computer—even your iPhone or iPad.

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Family Tree Maker for Mac

Millions of people with PCs have used Family Tree Maker to discover, preserve and share their family stories. Now Mac users can too.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions? We’re here to answer them. Click on a heading below to view questions and answers related to the selected topic.

Products and Features

Upgrading and Installation

Sharing Files

I am currently using a different genealogy program. Can I import my file without losing any information?
You can import Legacy Family Tree files, The Master Genealogist files, and FamilySearch Personal Ancestral Files (PAFs) directly into Family Tree Maker; your files will contain all your information plus any media items you’ve included. If your file was created in another program, you can export your tree as a GEDCOM, which Family Tree Maker can open. You won’t lose any of the data you’ve entered, but media items won’t be included in the file.

Will Family Tree Maker 2012 open Family Tree Maker version 16 files?
Yes. You can import your old files directly into the software without losing any data. If you have multiple files in the old program that represent different families, you will need to import each one separately.

FTM 2012 won't import my version 4 file. What can I do?
Using the FTM 2005 Starter Edition as a go-between, your file can be updated and then imported. Instructions on this process can be found here.

My old version is on a different computer. How can I transfer the file to my new computer?
By exporting your old files to an external drive, you can transfer your files from one computer to another. Detailed instructions for this can be found here.

I can’t find my Family Tree Maker files on my computer. How can I locate them?
The default location is a Family Tree Maker folder in your Documents folder. You can use the Find File feature in Family Tree Maker 16 (choose Open from the File menu and then click Find file) or the Search utility available in Windows.

When I import my old files, where does Family Tree Maker 2012 save them?
The default location is a Family Tree Maker folder in your Documents folder. If your files aren’t there, you may have changed the file location during import. You can use the Search utility in Windows to locate the files.

Using Family Tree Maker with Ancestry.com

How do I use TreeSync?
See Tree Sync frequently asked questions here.

Do I need a subscription to Ancestry.com to use Family Tree Maker?
No. However, you will not be able to use the Web Search feature to merge Ancestry records into your tree without a trial or subscription.

I want to put my tree on Ancestry but I don’t want to upload my entire tree. Can I upload only part of it?
Yes. You can choose which individuals are included in the tree you upload to Ancestry. You can also choose to include or exclude private facts and notes.

Can I keep my tree private when I upload it to Ancestry?
Yes. When you upload your tree, you have the choice of creating a public tree or a private tree. If you choose to keep your tree private, Ancestry members can still see names, birth dates, and birthplaces from your tree in search results. However, if they want to see the full tree or any attached photos and records, they will have to use the Ancestry Connection Service to contact you. You can choose to give them access to your tree or not.

When I download my tree from Ancestry does it include my photos and documents?
Your tree will include the facts, sources, and images you have manually attached to individuals.

Should I do my research on Ancestry.com or in Family Tree Maker?
It’s up to you. The Web Search in Family Tree Maker accesses the exact same records and databases as you would if you were searching Ancestry.com online. However, if you search within Family Tree Maker, you have the option to directly download and merge the records you find into your tree.

I can ignore a hint on Ancestry; can I ignore hints in Family Tree Maker?
Yes. If you find a hint that isn’t relevant to anyone in your tree, you can chose to ignore the hint so it won’t appear in your hints list again.

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Family Tree Maker Products

Now you can update your tree from anywhere using Family Tree Maker 2012 with TreeSync.

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Family Tree Maker for Mac 2 lets you update your tree from anywhere with TreeSync.

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Customer Testimonials

"I didn’t think I had enough information to discover anything, let alone use a software program. Then, to my amazement and delight, Family Tree Maker connected me to people, places and things that transformed my life story — in mere minutes. What a rewarding experience."

- Amy London