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.