How to Transfer Family Tree Maker to a New Computer | Step-by-Step Guide

Transfer FTM 2019 to a new computer

If your system has stopped supporting you or is planning to Transfer FTM 2019 to New Computer, it’s easy to proceed. You might be happy to hear that there is no risk in doing so, as everything will be completed seamlessly without having to stress about starting from zero. If the absence of an ideal guide to support you with this is your major concern, we are here to lend a hand.

With this guide, you will get a thorough understanding of how to transfer the older or latest version of the FTM tree to a new computer without any issues. Whether it’s about transferring it via external storage or setting it up on a new device, we will walk you through the process. It will help you perform a safe transfer without losing any data or encountering compatibility issues.

Transfer FTM 2019 To a New Computer: What Is The Importance Of It?

Family Tree Maker is one of the trusted genealogy programs designed to help users create, organize, and preserve their family history. As the tree grows, it will include a number of records, photos, historical documents, and source citations. After upgrading to a new computer, installing will not resolve the issue; you will need to transfer your Family Tree Maker file to ensure your research remains complete without any data loss.

A proper transfer helps prevent broken file links, missing media, and data corruption. As you have spent a number of years creating a family tree, migrating it properly will ensure the safety and accessibility of your work.

Preparation For Transferring FTM To a New Computer

For a proper transfer of FTM, it is important to get ready with the right kind of preparation. To begin, start on your old computer.

1. Update Family Tree Maker

Before proceeding, check whether Family Tree Maker is fully updated. Select Help>Check for updates, then install any available updates to ensure the best compatibility with your new computer.

2. Create A Proper Backup

Have a proper backup of your tree before moving your data. Go to File>Backup, include all media files, and save the backup as an .ftmb file. Name it to keep things easy during transfer.

3. Gather Your Family Tree Files

You can find your family tree in the Family Tree Maker folder right within the Documents folder. If you have saved your documents or photos somewhere else, locate those folders properly to transfer everything successfully.

How To Transfer FTM To a New Computer?

This is one of the most ideal ways to transfer FTM to a new computer. You can use a USB drive, but if the files are oversized, cloud storage (Google Drive) or an external hard drive will also work.

Save Your Family Tree Files From The Old Computer

  1. Build a connection between a USB flash drive or external storage device and your old computer.
  2. Locate the Family Tree Maker backup (.ftmb) file and any of the folders that have photos or other kinds of media.
  3. Copy the files to the USB drive. If there is enough data in the family tree, the transfer will take up to a few minutes.

Download The Family Tree Maker And Install It

  1. Visit the official Family Tree Maker website and download the version that matches your license. Simply launch the installer and complete the setup by adhering to the on-screen prompts.
  2. Now activate the software by using your product key. 
  3. If you have hit the installation limit, just deactivate the software on your previous computer right before activating it on the new one.

Restore Your Backup

  1. Build a connection between a USB drive and the new computer and copy the .ftmb backup file to a convenient location such as Documents>Family Tree Maker.
  2. Click on Family Tree Maker and open it. Select File>Restore and choose your backup file.
  3. Adhere to the prompt in order to restore your family tree and any of the included photos or documents.

Usual Challenges While Transferring FTM To a New Computer

You will encounter a number of issues while transferring FTM to a new computer. Here are some of them:

  • Compatibility Issues With Versions

If you are working on a pre -2017 version of Family Tree Maker, you have to convert the tree with the help of the Family Tree Maker file migration utility in order to open it in a new version.

  • License Activation Issues

You will be directed to activate Family Tree Maker on a new computer. If the activation fails, verify the license information or contact Software Mackiev support for assistance.

  • Large Backup Files

Family trees that contain photos, documents, and media files can result in large backup files that take too long to copy and restore.

  • Lack Of Storage Space

Check whether your computer has enough space to accommodate your Family Tree Maker file and media collection.

  • Compressed Backup Files

If you are looking to transfer your backup as a ZIP or compressed folder, extract all the files completely before restoring them in Family Tree Maker.

  • Absence Of Media Files

The absence of media files, photos, or documents in your backup means they will not appear after the restoration. do create a full (.ftmb) backup, including media.

  • Ancestry Sync Issues (if it’s applicable)

If there is a link between your tree and Ancestry, keep a backup with the option to resume syncing so the restored tree can reconnect easily on the new computer.

How To Optimize Trees After Transfer ?

After transferring the FTM to a new computer, you can easily optimize it with the following ways:

  • Sync It With Online Services

If you have linked it to ancestry.com, sign in to your account and check whether the family sync is working.

  • Have Regular Backups

have regular research via creating backups and storing them on an external drive or a trusted cloud storage service.

  • Look For New Features

After installing a new version of Family Tree Maker, you gain access to all the updated tools and features, which can help you improve your genealogy workflow.

Use Treevault Cloud Service For Transferring Family Tree Maker

Before transferring your Family Tree Maker to a new computer, it is better to create a Treevault backup. An .ftmb backup is essential to restore your tree if something goes wrong. Treevault adds an extra layer of protection by securely preserving the latest version of your tree in the cloud. By doing this, you will be able to keep your family history safe and easily accessible during the transfer process. In order to understand the complete process and its benefits, look at our guide on how to Transfer FTM files using Treevault Cloud Service before initiating your migration.

Conclusion! 

It becomes very easy and seamless to Transfer FTM 2019 to a New Computer once you start using the right way. This will help you become aware of the ideal preparation , prevent issues, apply the right methods to optimize it, and much more. For further guidance, you can refer to this guide and start working on your family tree.

📞 Call Family Tree Maker Support: +1-888-257-3335

💬 Live Chat with a Family Tree Maker Expert

Turn your Family Tree Maker 2019 transfer into a simple, secure, and stress-free process while keeping your genealogy data intact.

Charts And Reports In Family Tree Maker 2019 For Windows

Charts And Reports In FTM

Family Tree Maker 2019 offers a wide range of charts and reports that help users visualize, organize, and share their genealogy research. Several relationship charts, family group sheets, pedigree charts, and customizable timeline reports that can include photos and historical events are available through the Publish workspace in FTM 2019.

After creating charts and reports, users can save them, print them, create descendant reports, or export them as PDF files for sharing with family members and genealogy researchers.

Quick Answer

To create Charts and Reports in FTM 2019:

  1. Open your family tree in Family Tree Maker 2019.
  2. Click the Publish tab from the top menu.
  3. Select the chart or report you want to create.
  4. Customize the layout, generations, spacing, and included information.
  5. Preview the result.
  6. Print, save, or export the chart or report as a PDF file.

This guide explains all available Charts and Reports in FTM 2019 and how to use them effectively.

What Charts and Reports Are Available in Family Tree Maker 2019?

In Family Tree Maker 2019 for Windows, open your tree and click the Publish button located on the top menu. From the left panel, choose the chart or report you want to create. Before printing or saving, you can customize layouts, spacing, colors, generations, and included data.

Charts Available in FTM 2019

Pedigree Chart

Displays a person’s direct ancestors in a graphical format. Users can print it as a standard chart or create a large poster.

Descendant Chart

Shows the descendants of a selected individual, including children, grandchildren, and future generations.

Relationship Chart

Illustrates the relationship between two individuals and shows all family connections between them.

Hourglass Chart

Displays both ancestors and descendants of the selected person in a single chart.

Vertical Pedigree Chart

Shows direct-line ancestors in a vertical family tree format.

Horizontal Hourglass Chart

Displays ancestors on one side and descendants on the other, making family relationships easier to understand.

Bow Tie Chart

Shows both maternal and paternal ancestral lines from the selected individual.

Family Tree Chart

Displays direct bloodline ancestors in a traditional family tree structure.

Extended Family Chart

Allows users to display large portions of the family tree or customize exactly what appears.

Fan Chart

Displays ancestors in a fan-shaped layout, making it easy to view multiple generations at once.

Genealogy Reports in FTM 2019

Ahnentafel Report

Lists all ancestors of a selected individual using a numbered genealogy format.

Descendant Report

Provides detailed information about the descendants of a selected individual.

Person Reports

Individual Report

Displays detailed information about a selected person, including facts, notes, photos, and sources.

Custom Report

Allows users to customize which information appears in the report.

Data Error Report

Identifies potential errors or inconsistencies within your family tree data.

Timeline Report

Creates a chronological timeline of an individual’s life events.

Surname Report

Generates a list of surnames found within the family tree.

Notes Report

Displays notes associated with selected individuals.

Task List Report

Shows genealogy research tasks and pending activities.

Individual Reports List

Includes:

  • Contact List
  • Anniversary List
  • Birthday List
  • People Index
  • People with ID Numbers

Relationship Reports

Family Group Sheet

Displays detailed information about parents and their children. Users can include notes, facts, and photographs.

Kinship Report

Shows how one person is related to others within the family tree.

Marriage Report

Lists marriages and relationship details found within the tree.

Parentage Report

Identifies biological, adopted, foster, or guardian relationships.

Outline Descendant Report

Lists descendants generation by generation.

Outline Ancestor Report

Lists ancestors generation by generation.

Family View Report

Displays three generations of family members together.

Place Report in Family Tree Maker 2019

The Place Report lists all locations associated with individuals in your tree. It helps track migrations, residences, births, marriages, deaths, and other events across different geographic locations.

Media Reports

Family Tree Maker 2019 offers three primary media reports.

Media Item Report

Displays media items with categories, captions, and dates.

Photo Album Report

Includes photographs and important life events for selected individuals.

Media Usage Report

Shows where media files are being used throughout the family tree.

Source Reports

Source Usage Report

Displays all sources used within the family tree and identifies where they are attached.

Source Bibliography

Creates a bibliography from the sources stored in your tree.

Documented Facts Report

Lists all facts supported by source citations.

Undocumented Facts Report

Identifies facts that currently have no supporting source documentation.

Additional Reports in Family Tree Maker 2019

Calendar Report

Displays birthdays, anniversaries, marriages, and deaths in calendar format.

Smart Story Report (Text Item)

Creates narrative stories about individuals based on information stored in the tree.

Books

One of the most powerful features in Family Tree Maker 2019 allows users to create genealogy books containing charts, reports, photographs, and family history information. Books can be printed, shared digitally, or exported as PDF files.

How to Create a Chart or Report in FTM 2019

Creating a Chart or Report in Family Tree Maker 2019 is simple:

  1. Open your tree in Family Tree Maker 2019.
  2. Click the Publish button from the top menu.
  3. Select the desired chart or report from the left panel.
  4. Customize the layout, generations, spacing, and included information.
  5. Preview the output.
  6. Print, save, or export the report as a PDF file.

Why Use Charts and Reports in FTM 2019?

Charts and Reports help genealogy researchers:

  • Visualize family relationships.
  • Organize family history research.
  • Share information with relatives.
  • Identify missing data and research gaps.
  • Create professional genealogy presentations.
  • Preserve family history for future generations.

Conclusion

Charts and Reports in FTM 2019 are powerful tools that help users organize, analyze, and share their genealogy research. Whether you need a Pedigree Chart, Family Group Sheet, Timeline Report, Source Report, or a complete genealogy book, Family Tree Maker 2019 provides flexible options for every type of family history project.

By using the Publish workspace effectively, you can create professional-quality charts and reports that make your family history easier to understand and share.

Need Help?

If you need assistance creating charts, generating reports, exporting PDFs, or using any Family Tree Maker 2019 feature, contact our support team.

📞 Family Tree Maker Support: +1-888-257-3335

💬 Live Chat with a Family Tree Maker Expert

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is the Publish workspace in FTM 2019?

Answer: The Publish workspace allows users to create, customize, print, and export genealogy charts and reports.

Question: Can I export charts and reports as PDF files?

Answer: Yes. Family Tree Maker 2019 allows users to save charts and reports as PDF files for easy sharing.

Question: Which chart is best for showing ancestors?

Answer: The Pedigree Chart and Fan Chart are commonly used to display direct ancestors.

Question: What is the Family Group Sheet?

Answer: The Family Group Sheet provides detailed information about parents and children within a family unit.

Question: Can I create a genealogy book in FTM 2019?

Answer: Yes. Family Tree Maker 2019 includes a Books feature that allows users to create and print genealogy books containing charts, reports, and photographs.