Getting Help With Family Tree Maker

The Family Tree Maker team wants you to have a successful experience discovering and sharing your family history. If you can’t find the help you need through the resources listed below, please contact us for personal assistance.

Getting Started in Family History

Watch as Megan Smolenyak, Chief Family Historian for Ancestry.com, presents tips and guidelines for finding your roots and building your family tree.

Getting Started Guide to Family Tree Maker 2008

Follow the directions in this handy guide to begin your first Family Tree Maker project and master the program’s basic features.

Program Help

For detailed instructions on using the software's features, go to the Help menu within Family Tree Maker and view the in-program tutorial. In the Help section, you'll also find quick answers to specific questions that arise while you are using the software.

Program Updates

We are continually working to improve Family Tree Maker. To learn how to get the latest update of Family Tree Maker 2008, visit our patch information page.

Knowledge Base

For up-to-date information about Family Tree Maker and related products and services, visit our searchable Knowledge Base.

Family History Charts

A Pedigree Chart is a family tree that includes only your direct ancestors, with your paternal line at the top of the page and your maternal line at the bottom.

A Family Group Sheet (Family Group Record) provides detailed information about a specific couple and their children.

Enhancement Requests

If you have a suggestion for how we can improve the Family Tree Maker software or support products, please send us your feedback through the enhancement request form.

Support For Previous Versions