Backup a Tree File in FTM 2019 - Family Tree Maker Support

How To Restore Tree From Ancestry To Family Tree Maker

April 15, 2026April 14, 2026 by Andy Smith

If you want to restore your family tree from Ancestry to Family Tree Maker, this guide will help you complete the process easily. Many users lose their data due to system crashes, accidental deletion, or hardware failure. However, if your tree was previously uploaded to Ancestry, you can recover most of your data without major issues.

There are two main methods to restore your tree: downloading it directly from Ancestry or using a GEDCOM file. Both methods are simple, but they have some differences that you should understand before starting.

Method 1: Restore Tree Directly from Ancestry

The easiest way to restore your tree is by downloading it directly from your Ancestry account into Family Tree Maker.

Steps to Restore a Tree from Ancestry

Open Family Tree Maker on your computer
Sign in to your Ancestry account
Go to the Trees section
Select the tree you want to restore
Click on the option to download or sync the tree

Once the process is complete, your family tree will be available in your software.

Limitations of Direct Restore

While restoring a tree directly from Ancestry is convenient, there are some limitations you should be aware of.

Data You Can Restore

Names of individuals
Dates and places
Relationships
Notes
Sources
Media files

Data That May Not Be Fully Restored

Research notes
Media notes
Some advanced source templates
Certain formatting details

These limitations exist because Ancestry and Family Tree Maker store data differently.

Method 2: Restore Tree Using GEDCOM File

Another reliable way to restore your family tree is by creating and importing a GEDCOM file.

What is a GEDCOM File?

A GEDCOM (Genealogical Data Communication) file is a standard format used to transfer family tree data between different genealogy programs. It stores essential information such as names, relationships, and sources.

However, it does not include images, charts, or design elements.

Steps to Create a GEDCOM File on Ancestry

Log in to your Ancestry account
Click on the Trees tab
Select the tree you want to export
Open Tree Settings
Click on Export Tree
Wait for the file to generate
Download and save the GEDCOM file

How to Import GEDCOM into Family Tree Maker

Open Family Tree Maker
Click on File > Import
Select the downloaded GEDCOM file
Follow the on-screen instructions

After completing these steps, your family tree data will be restored.

Common Issues While Restoring Tree

While restoring your tree from Ancestry, you may face some common issues.

GEDCOM File Stuck on Generating

If the file takes too long to generate, refresh the page and try again.

Export Button Not Working

If the export option does not respond, clearing your browser cache and cookies usually fixes the issue.

How to Clear Cache and Cookies in Google Chrome

Open Google Chrome
Click on the three dots in the top-right corner
Go to More Tools > Clear Browsing Data
Select cookies and cached files
Click on Clear Data

This helps resolve most downloading or loading problems.

Benefits of Restoring Tree from Ancestry

Restoring your family tree from Ancestry offers several advantages:

Helps recover lost data after system failure
Provides easy access to your tree
Allows syncing across multiple devices
Acts as a backup solution
Saves time and effort

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I fully restore my family tree from Ancestry?

Answer:- You can restore most of your data, but some elements like formatting and certain notes may not be included.

Q2. Which method is better: direct restore or GEDCOM?

Answer:- Direct restore is easier, while GEDCOM provides more control over data transfer.Q3. Does GEDCOM include photos?

Q3. Does GEDCOM include photos?

Answer:- No, GEDCOM files only include text-based data.

Q4. Why is my tree not downloading?

Answer:- This may be due to browser issues or server delays.

Q5. Do I need ownership of the tree to restore it?

Answer:- Yes, only the owner of the tree can export or download it.

Conclusion

Restoring your family tree from Ancestry to Family Tree Maker is a straightforward process when you follow the correct steps. Whether you choose direct download or GEDCOM export, both methods help you recover your important genealogy data efficiently.

To avoid data loss in the future, it is always recommended to keep regular backups of your family tree.

Need Help? We’re Here for You!

If you face any issues while restoring your tree, feel free to visit our website, Family Tree Maker Support. You can also connect with our experts via live chat or call us at +1-888-257-3335.

We are independent support providers and not affiliated with Ancestry.

Backing Up a Tree File in Family Tree Maker 2019

August 8, 2025August 5, 2025 by Andy Smith

When you perform a full manual backup, you back up the tree information and media and link them to your online tree. Likewise, if your current tree file corrupts or becomes infected, you can restore the backup and start working on it again. Moreover, always back up a Tree File in FTM 2019 manually before you make any significant changes. A complete manual backup is essential when you sync, merge, or update the copy of your Family Tree Maker 2019.

Backup a Tree File in FTM 2019:-

Usually, when you do the full manual backup, the Family Tree Maker 2019 allows you to locate where you want to back up the file. Later, you can back it up on the computer in the given location or on any external drive.
Regularly storing your tree’s manual backup is a good idea, especially on external media like a thumb drive or flash drive. The complete manual backup can also be stored on an external hard disk.
One other way to back up the tree file is on a cloud storage service like Google Drive. Cloud storage is better than backing it up on a hard disk, and it helps in cases where the internal hard disk crashes or external media does not work.
Complete backup files are the safest way to recover the tree data in case of any mishap.

Read our blog – Free Update for FTM2019.

Please note: The family tree maker program’s auto backup only backs up tree information. It does not backup media or contain links to your trees. Therefore, do not rely on auto backup if you need to Back up a Tree File in FTM 2019.

Also Read – Next of Kin Certificate in Family Tree Maker

Contact our Family Tree Maker Support Number to resolve your issue backing up a Tree File in FTM2019. We provide phone support 24×7. The Family Tree Maker Support number is +1-888-257-3335.

Backup And Sync Logs In Family Tree Maker 2019

July 2, 2024July 1, 2024 by Andy Smith

In this blog, you will learn how to keep the names of backup and sync Logs in FTM 2019. Please call the family tree maker support number if this information does not work. Are you troubled not being able to think clearly about what to name the ‘Backups and SyncLogs in your Family Tree Maker? Then, it would be best to be glad you were on the right website and had the perfect blog. Here, you will get top-notch solutions that are effective.
Now you’ve just got to have a look at the below steps, and then by following them, you can similarly name the Back UPs and Sync Logs;

For using the SyncLogs in Family Tree Maker

For the main working file, you can give it a leading name, for example, ‘Master’.
Then, you are required to see the family tree’s version; according to that, you can use Master_2014_1_1510.
Next, if you want to rename it, you can easily update its name.
For updates, you have to visit the select tree option.
It would be best to go to the plan workspace’s upper left.
Here, you can rename your tree.
So you can rename your SyncLogs in Family Tree according to your wish.

For the Backup of your Family Tree Maker

So, for backup, you can use the default filename, i.e. YYYY-MM-DD.
Please write the number of the version.
It will look something like 2020-03-03-1510.
After adding the backup facility, your file will update according to month and time within 24 hours.

Back-up & Sync Logs in FTM 2019

FTM 2019 (Family Tree Maker 2019) has a feature called “Back-up and Sync” that allows you to automatically back up your tree and sync it with the Ancestry website. The program generates logs to provide information about the process of backing up and syncing your tree.

To view the logs, follow these steps:

Open FTM 2019.
Click on the “Plan” tab at the top of the screen.
Click on the “Back up and Sync” button in the toolbar.
Click on the gear icon in the top-right corner of the window.
Select “View Logs” from the dropdown menu.

This will open a window that displays the logs for the backup and Sync feature. The logs include information about the date and time of each backup and sync, as well as any errors or warnings that may have occurred during the process. You can also export the logs by clicking the “Export” button in the View Logs window. This will save the logs as a text file, which you can then review or share as needed.

Thus, these are the steps by which you can easily set the name of Back UPs and Sync Logs. Now, the above solutions are helpful and the best to help you get over the procedure as soon as possible.

Suppose you encounter any problem when you go through the steps. Then, you need to contact the team of experts immediately at the Family Tree Maker Support number. And you will experience the best services here as the techs are always available to assist the users. So you need not worry; instead, give a dial to the team without any delay.

You can Contact our Family Tree Maker Support Number to get your issue resolved. In addition, we provide phone support 24×7. The Family Tree Maker Support number is +1-888-257-3335. So you can call for help.