Transferring your FTM (Family Tree Maker) tree between computers can seem like a daunting task, but with the right steps, it can be done smoothly and efficiently. One of the most common reasons for needing to transfer your FTM tree between computers is when you're upgrading to a new device or simply want to work on your family tree from a different location. To ensure that you can transfer your FTM tree between computers without losing any data, you will need to back up your family tree file first. Family Tree Maker allows you to create a backup file that contains all your genealogy information, including images, sources, and notes.
Once you have backed up your family tree, you can move the backup file to your new computer using a USB drive, cloud storage, or any other file transfer method of your choice. On your new computer, you will need to install Family Tree Maker if it isn’t already there. After installation, you can open the program and choose to restore your family tree from the backup file. This process will ensure that all your data is accurately transferred and intact. It's also a good practice to sync your FTM tree with FamilySearch or other cloud-based services if available, to add an extra layer of security to your family tree's transfer.
If you plan to transfer your FTM tree between computers frequently, it’s advisable to use cloud storage for easy access and synchronization. This way, you won't need to constantly back up and restore files manually, and your tree will always be available on any device. Cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive can store your FTM tree backup, and Family Tree Maker can be set up to sync directly with these services. This ensures you can access your family tree anytime, anywhere, without worrying about manually transferring files.
To sum up, transferring your FTM tree between computers is simple if you follow the right procedures—backing up your data, using reliable transfer methods, and utilizing cloud services for easy synchronization. By doing this, you ensure that your family tree is preserved, updated, and accessible across multiple devices, allowing you to continue your genealogical research wherever you go
