What Is a Family Tree Maker?
Exploring your family history is more than just a hobby—it’s a journey into your roots that helps you understand who you are, where you come from, and how each member of your family fits into the bigger picture. Not long ago, piecing together this kind of information felt like searching for a needle in a haystack. Today, thanks to powerful tools and genealogy websites, building your family tree is easier—and more enjoyable—than ever.
One of the most helpful tools for this is a family tree maker. This software lets you research, design, and share your family tree online. It’s perfect for tracing your heritage, diving into genealogy, and learning more about your ancestry.
One of the most well-known tools in this space is Family Tree Maker (FTM), a trusted name in family history research. It’s a user-friendly software designed to help you organize and grow your family tree with ease. FTM also offers dedicated customer support to help with installation, updates, syncing issues, and general troubleshooting. You can reach their support team via phone, live chat, or remote assistance.
Family Tree Maker has released several versions over the years, including 2014, 2017, and 2019. The 2019 edition—released on September 28, 2019—introduced several new features like improved performance, historical maps, color coding, and even DNA integration.
And there’s more good news: Family Tree Maker 2024 is on the way! Pre-orders are now available, so you can be among the first to experience the latest updates and innovations.
Family Tree Maker TOP FEATURES
Building your family tree is more than just tracing names and dates—it’s an exciting journey into your past. And with the right tools, that journey becomes much smoother and more enjoyable. One of the most trusted tools out there is Family Tree Maker (FTM).
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned genealogist, FTM offers powerful features that make documenting and sharing your family history a breeze.
Here’s what makes Family Tree Maker a must-have:
A User-Friendly Experience
Family Tree Maker is designed with simplicity in mind. Its clean, intuitive layout makes it easy to navigate, so you can spend more time exploring your roots and less time figuring out how the software works. It’s perfect for both beginners and experienced users.
Integration with Ancestry.com
One of FTM’s standout features is how well it works with Ancestry.com. You can sync your tree across platforms, tap into billions of historical records, and automatically update your family tree with newly discovered information. It’s a huge time-saver and boosts the accuracy of your research.
DNA Integration
If you’ve taken a DNA test, FTM lets you connect those results directly to your family tree. This means you can identify genetic matches, explore your ethnic background, and uncover fascinating insights about your ancestry—all in one place.
Beautiful Charts and Reports
FTM doesn’t just store data—it brings your family history to life with a variety of stunning visualizations. From pedigree and descendant charts to fan charts and reports, you can fully customize the look and feel to tell your family’s story your way.
On-the-Go Access
With mobile app compatibility, Family Tree Maker keeps your research close at hand. Whether you’re visiting family or exploring a historical site, you can update your tree in real time—no need to wait until you’re back at your desk.
Safe and Secure with Backup Options
Your family history is priceless, and FTM helps you protect it. The software includes automatic backup and restore features, so you never have to worry about losing your work. You can also export your data in multiple formats for added peace of mind.
Key Features of Family Tree Maker
Family Tree Maker is designed to make exploring your ancestry feel both intuitive and rewarding. Its user interface is organized into easy-to-navigate tabs, each serving a unique purpose to help you understand and build your family history.
Pedigree and Family Views
The main layout starts with the Pedigree View—a classic, left-to-right family tree format. It’s perfect for getting a quick overview, adding new family members, and exploring different branches of your lineage. Then there’s the Family View, which zooms in on one person and shows their immediate family: parents, spouse, and children.
You can easily switch between individuals using arrow keys and make edits right from this view.
Name List and Individual View
Next up is the Name List, a clean and sortable table that includes names, birth dates, genders, and other key details. You can customize it by adding or removing columns and sorting based on what you want to see.
The Individual Tab dives deep into one person’s profile, while the Descendants View lets you trace someone’s direct lineage all the way to the present.
Focused, Streamlined Design
Unlike some bloated genealogy tools, Family Tree Maker sticks to what it does best—helping you build and explore your family history without unnecessary distractions. That said, there are a few quirky interface elements. For example, to add a sibling, you need to do it through the parents—not directly as a brother or sister. It’s a small hiccup, but one worth noting.
Why Choose Family Tree Maker?
When it comes to genealogy software, Family Tree Maker stands out as one of the most dependable and feature-rich options available. Here’s what makes it special:
Massive Global Record Collection
With access to historical records from over 80 countries—including birth, marriage, and death certificates, military files, and census data—you have everything you need to trace your ancestors and uncover meaningful connections.
Simple and Smart Interface
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned researcher, FTM makes it easy. The Guided Tree Builder, color-coded labels, and advanced search tools help you explore your family history efficiently and accurately—no steep learning curve required.
Share and Collaborate with Family
Bring your family into the journey. You can invite up to four relatives to join your account, so everyone can contribute photos, stories, and important documents. It’s a great way to strengthen family bonds while preserving your shared heritage.
Family Premier Perks
Upgrade to Family Premier and get free access to Fold3 and Newspapers.com. These powerful tools open doors to military records and historical newspaper archives, offering detailed glimpses into your ancestors’ lives and the times they lived in.
Flexible Subscription Plans
Individual Plan – $49/year
Full access to U.S. and international historical records
Perfect for solo researchers
All tools for building and maintaining your family tree
Family Plan – $69/year
Share your account with up to 4 family members
Organize and store family photos and documents together
Includes all Individual Plan features plus collaboration tools
Family Premier Plan – $149/year
Everything in the Family Plan
FREE access to Newspapers.com and Fold3 military archives
Uncover in-depth stories from old newspapers and military service records
Family Tree Maker Latest Versions
Family Tree Maker Versions | Released Date |
FTM 1.0 | 1986 |
FTM 2010 | 19 August 2009 |
FTM 2011 | 31 August 2010 |
FTM 2010 Mac Version | 4 November 2010 |
FTM 2012 | 29 September 2011 |
FTM 2014 | 10 September 2013 |
FTM 2017 | 16 July 2017 |
FTM 2019 | 29 September 2019 |
Family Tree Maker Latest Versions
What is Family Tree Maker?
Family Tree Maker (FTM) is one of the most widely used genealogy software programs, designed to help you build, organize, and share your family tree with ease. What makes it even more powerful is its integration with Ancestry.com, giving you access to billions of historical records and allowing you to sync your family tree effortlessly across platforms. Whether you’re just starting your family history journey or are already deep into your research, FTM makes the process smooth and rewarding.
What if I upgrade my computer—do I need to reinstall my old copy of Family Tree Maker?
No, you don’t need to reinstall an older version. If you’re an existing user, you’re entitled to use older editions, but it’s not necessary. When you upgrade or switch computers, you’ll receive a fresh, standalone installer for the latest version of FTM to use on your new device.
I’ve installed a new version of Family Tree Maker (by MacKiev). Should I keep the old version?
No, it’s best to uninstall the old version once FTM 2017 is installed. However, if you’d like to keep it for reference, consider storing it in a separate folder or moving it to an external drive.
Is the Family Book Creator plugin by Stefan Harms compatible with the latest versions of FTM?
Yes! The Family Book Creator (FBC) is fully compatible with FTM 2017, and the update is free for existing FBC users.
Where can I purchase Family Tree Maker software?
You can buy FTM 2017 directly from the official MacKiev online store. For potential discounts, we recommend reaching out to MacKiev’s chat support team.
Does the MacKiev version of Family Tree Maker support FamilySearch?
Yes, FTM 2017 supports FamilySearch integration. It includes features like hints (FamilySearch Matches), searching, and merging records directly within the software.
How do I log in to FamilySearch?
To log in, visit familysearch.org, then enter your username and password. If you don’t have an account, you can sign up for free. Alternatively, you can search “FamilySearch login” on Google and click the official link.
Is there a free version or trial of Family Tree Maker available?
Unfortunately, no. Family Tree Maker does not offer a free or trial version at this time.
What are the system requirements for running FTM 2017?
FTM 2017 requires Windows 7, 8, or 10. You’ll need at least 700 MB of free hard drive space and a minimum of 2 GB RAM for smooth performance. Make sure your system meets these specs before installing.
What if my computer doesn’t have a CD drive—how can I install FTM?
No problem. Family Tree Maker is available as a digital download or on a USB drive. You can choose whichever format works best for your device when purchasing.
Is Family Tree Maker compatible with iPads?
Yes, it is! While Family Tree Maker itself isn’t a native iPad app, you can still view and interact with your tree on your iPad using the FTM Connect companion app. It allows you to access your family tree from your mobile device and share it with others on the go.
Can I download Family Tree Maker?
Absolutely. You can purchase and download Family Tree Maker directly from Software MacKiev’s official web store. Once purchased, you’ll receive a secure download link to install the software on your computer.
How can I buy Family Tree Maker 2019?
You can purchase FTM 2019 by visiting the official website at www.familytreemaker.com. If you’re a new user, the site provides all the details and purchase options. Already own a previous version like FTM 2017? Great news—you’re eligible for a discounted upgrade!
Is Family Echo free to use?
Yes, Family Echo is completely free! It’s a great option for users looking to build and share a family tree without spending money. While it doesn’t offer all the advanced features of paid software like Family Tree Maker, it’s a solid, user-friendly choice—especially for beginners or those on a budget.
Is Family Tree Maker 2024 available yet?
Not yet. Family Tree Maker 2024 is expected to be released later this year. In the meantime, when you pre-order the upcoming version, you’ll receive FTM 2019 as a downloadable copy right away, along with a free USB installer once the 2024 version is available.
Is TreeVault free to use?
TreeVault is a secure cloud service that works with Family Tree Maker to back up and view your tree. While TreeVault itself is a paid subscription service, you can access your latest FTM tree for free using the Family Tree Maker Connect app on your iPad, iPhone, or Android device—even without being at your computer.
Who currently owns Family Tree Maker?
Family Tree Maker is currently owned, developed, and supported by Software MacKiev, a company known for producing high-quality software for both Windows and Mac users. They took over development from Ancestry.com and have continued to update and enhance the program.