Table of Contents
Genealogy is generally the study and tracing of family lineages and history. Genealogy itself has gained multifold popularity in recent times. Tracing roots became easier and more accessible as technology advanced, more specifically with the introduction of genealogy software. Out of various types of genealogy software, Family Tree Maker stands at the forefront and is one of the most comprehensive and easiest to use for an amateur.
Introduction to Genealogy and Family Tree Maker
What is Genealogy?
Genealogy is a very old art of researching the history and lineage of families, which deals with gathering information concerning ancestors, their relationship, and descendants.
Why should you trace your family history?
Knowing your roots will give you a sense of identity, belongingness, and preserving family traditions. But most importantly, in my view, the exciting stories about the ancestors can be found out while tracing ancestry.
Introduction of Family Tree Maker Software
Family Tree Maker is genealogical software produced by Software MacKiev. It aims to let users easily create, organize, and share their family trees.
Getting Started with Family Tree Maker
Installation process
Getting started with Family Tree Maker is quite easy. Once you buy the software, download and install it on your computer with the provided instructions.
Set up your account
Upon booting up the application, users are prompted to log in or create an account if they haven’t done so already. Creating an account allows easy access to family trees across multiple devices.
Understanding the interface
Family Tree Maker is very user-friendly with options for viewing and editing family trees, research tools, and settings can be adjusted.
Build Your Family Tree
Adding relatives
Adding your family members’ names, dates of birth, and other information is very simple and can be done to initiate the building process.
Information Organization
The tool allows self-organizing of family members into different branches for easy navigation and relationship visualization.
Taking advantage of various views
The options to choose are pedigree view, family view, and descendant view through which one can look at one’s family tree from different angles.
Research Tools and Resources
Searching for Historical Records
Family Tree Maker provides access to millions of historical records that a user can use while conducting family history research. These historical documents include but are not limited to the following: Census data, Birth and Death records, Immigration records.
Databases and archives online
Thus, users can associate Family Tree Maker with web-based databases and archives — similar to Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org — to access more assets and many other genealogical researchers.
Enable Genealogical DNA testing
FTM works seamlessly with some genealogical DNA testing services. The user can, therefore, attach DNA results to their trees and discover newly found relatives.
Customize Your Family Tree
Add Photos and documents
Enrich your family tree with pictures, documents, and other media to bring your ancestor’s stories to life.
Adding custom fields
Customize your family tree by adding custom fields which allow you to track additional information such as occupations, military service, or religious affiliation.
Personalizing the Appearance of Your Tree
Family Tree Maker has many options for customizing in which the user can choose themes, colors, and fonts to change the appearance of their family tree.
Share and Collaborate Features
Invite others to help with your family tree
The Genealogical Record Maker allows you the choice to invite family members so that you are able to work on your family tree collaboratively with the invited members while sharing your research findings and preserving collective family history.
Share Your Family Tree Online
You can share your family tree online with your relatives and other researchers working in private or public domains through email or on any social media sites.
Family Tree Maker places a high value on privacy among its users and has advanced privacy settings and safety features for protecting sensitive information.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Handling inconsistencies in data
Be taught how to identify and then handle data inconsistencies or inconsistencies that may arise within the research process.
Large family trees
Tips and techniques on how to manage very large, complex family trees efficiently: keeping details organized; performance optimization; options to back up or recover.
Protect your family tree data by regularly backing up the files and knowing how to recover with the software.
Advanced Features and Tips
Advanced Searching
Use Family Tree Maker’s advanced searching features to find a particular person or record type within your tree.
Importing/Exporting from Other Genealogy Programs
Genealogical record Creator is designed to be compatible with other genealogical programs, so it’s possible to easily import and export information between the different applications.
Effective research
Get some tips and tricks on how to effectively research and be productive in your genealogical research. This includes keeping research logs and sourcing materials.
Preserving Your Family Legacy
Recording family stories
Record and preserve your family stories, traditions and memories so that your children, grandchildren and generations to come, can experience and enjoy.
Creating printable charts and reports
Family Tree Maker has tools for creating printable charts, reports and timelines that you can share with your family and friends to display your heritage.
Tips for preserving records digitally
Learn how to best preserve your digital records by keeping them organized, creating backup copies, and having data storage solutions in place.
Conclusion
Genealogy is such a rewarding voyage of discovery in your past, such that it helps in understanding your present and passing on your legacy to the future generations. With Family Tree Maker, genealogy has been made simple. Anyone can now start looking into his or her family’s history today and unlock the secrets of his/her ancestry.
Unique FAQs
- Is Family Tree Maker compatible with Mac and Windows computers?
Yes, Family Tree Maker works with both Mac and Windows.
- Will I ever be able to import information from other parentage programming into Genealogy Producer?
Yes. Family Tree Maker does allow for importing data from other genealogy products, and that includes GEDCOM files.
- Are there any subscription fees with Family Tree Maker?
Family Tree Maker offers a subscription-based and a one-time purchase option if you prefer.
- Will it be possible to share my tree with relatives who are not Family Tree Maker users?
You can export your family tree from Family Tree Maker quite easily in a variety of formats, such as a PDF or GEDCOM file, to send to other non-Family Tree Maker customers.
- Does Family Tree Maker offer customer support and assistance?
Yes, family tree makers provide customer support through email, online forums, and user guides so that help is always at hand for users who have a question or a problem.