Family Tree Maker® users have a new home at RootsMagic; Upgrade offer with Free Book and Magic Guides

Michael Booth Uncategorized

Family Tree Maker users have a new home

In a blog posting today, Ancestry.com announced the retirement of its Family Tree Maker® (FTM) genealogy software.

“True to this focus, we’ve taken a hard look at the declining desktop software market and the impact this has on being able to continue to provide product enhancements and support that our users need. With that, we’ve made the decision to stop selling Family Tree Maker as of December 31, 2015.”

Family Tree Maker support and online features will continue through the coming year. During this “sunset period”, many Family Tree Maker users will want to transfer their data into another desktop application that is actively being developed and updated such as RootsMagic.

We understand that change isn’t easy, so we’ve worked hard at putting together some new tools and supports to make the transition to RootsMagic as painless as possible for Family Tree Maker users.

A New Home

Over the past few years, thousands of Family Tree Maker users have made the switch to RootsMagic.  They’ve enjoyed its amazing new features such as color coding, Problem Alerts, Shareable CD’s, running straight off of a flash drive, FamilySearch integration, DataClean, multi-provider WebHints, Mac and Windows versions with a single license, and more!

But don’t take our word for it.  Here’s what some of our satisfied-switches have had to say:

“Had [Family Tree Maker] for years, did a couple of upgrades, but switched to RM, imported my FTM database and never looked back. I’m a happy camper!” — Paul

“I think you will find that RootsMagic has a much easier and more complete data entry than FTM. I have tried FTM several years ago and RM was so much more logical in data entry and report generations.” — Keith

“I used [Family Tree Maker] on and off for years. Every time I would try to get serious about citing my sources I would get so frustrated with the software I would just give up. I finally got smart and started to look around for a more user-friendly program and found RootsMagic. I love it! I am now methodically transferring all my data from FTM to RM and citing everything as I go with more confidence and less frustration!” — Kathy

“I’m all Mac and switched [from Family Tree Maker] back in Feb 2015. So glad I did.”— Sondra

Update Discount for Family Tree Maker Users

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To make the transition as painless as possible, we’ve set-up a special website at www.FTMUpgrade.com that includes training videos, testimonials, and more.  And for a limited time, we are offering Family Tree Maker users the full-version of RootsMagic for the amazing low price of only $20. If you choose the download option, we will also include the PDF book, “Getting the Most out of RootsMagic” absolutely free (a $14.95 value).  You must visit www.FTMUpgrade.com to receive the discount.

Of course, we also offer a free version of RootsMagic named RootsMagic Essentials that offers basic capabilities for those who are just beginning their genealogy journey.

Free Videos and Magic Guides

We’ve also put together special videos and printable “Magic Guides” to help you with the transition.  We encourage our users to download these guides and freely share them with any Family Tree Maker users who may benefit from them.

We’re Here to Help

If you’re a Family Tree Maker user, we understand that change isn’t easy. But with a little of your time and a little help from us, you’ll be just as comfortable with RootsMagic as you were with Family Tree Maker.

UPDATE: Good news! Ancestry and RootsMagic have entered into a partnership to bring the Ancestry integration features to RootsMagic. See here for more details.

73 thoughts to “Family Tree Maker® users have a new home at RootsMagic; Upgrade offer with Free Book and Magic Guides”

  2. Will you be making a similar offer for the UK version of Roots Magic?

    Reply: On the order page look for this notice:
    “International Customers: If you are interested in ordering just the download because of the high cost of shipping the book, you can click here to order just the software download for $19.95.”

    We are sorry but there is no digital copy of the book available.
    http://rootsmagic.com/store/RootsMagic/FTM.aspx

    Renee,
    RootsMagic, Inc.

  3. I have resisted using the FTM because of variable reviews. I have FTM14. Heard about your software at a genealogy conference a few months ago. I’m going to download my Ancestry tree to FTM and then transfer data to your software. Sounds really good.

  4. I have a friend with Roots Magic and I love the outlay (for lack of a better word) of the program. The individual story sheets look like a professional did them so I think I would like to try it. I loved my old FTM, version 2006, but not crazy about FTM 2014. I cannot see all the family at once or go down the list & see the spouses without going to each individual person. And I cannot scan through the media like the old version did. Also the new one puts all marriages & children media under one name. I do not want to see pics of exes when looking at a current entry. Do you have a sample photo of the screen so not only I can see it but can show to friends that are contemplating purchase of Roots Magic.

    Reply: This page will give you various screen shots of RootsMagic – http://rootsmagic.com/RootsMagic/
    Renee,
    RootsMagic, Inc.

  5. I am a long-time FTM user, who was severely dismayed by the Ancestry.com announcement that they were discontinuing the PC software. I immediately started looking for a replacement as their web-based solutions are not robust enough for me. I had already downloaded RootsMagic Essentials to give it a try when I happened to stumble across your announcement about the special deal for FTM users. If I like RME (and I suspect I will), I will be taking advantage of your offer.
    You may want to consider putting this offer on your home page, much like the announcement about moving from PAF, as I sure there are plenty of other FTM users who will be looking for a new home and may not see the News/Blog post.

  6. Will you ever create a Mac version?

    Reply: Yes, we are actively working on a native Mac version. The current RootsMagic for Mac version is a translation of the Windows version. It will appear to be a native Mac version with no additional software and even appear on your dock.
    Renee,
    RootsMagic, Inc.

  7. I love Rootsmagic. I have been using it in conjunction with Family Tree Maker for several years. I like the publisher and the reports in Rootsmagic so much better than FTM. I have published several books using Rootsmagic, one is now available on Amazon.com! The ONLY reason that I kept FTM active was for the sync feature. So if Ancestry discontinues that, there will be no reason to keep FTM.

  8. I’ve been a Family Tree Maker user since day one buying all of the original CDs of lists and every updated Version. REALLY disappointed that Ancestry is dumping this product we all have SO much time and money invested in. I am grateful for this offer by RootsMagic and look forward to learning to use their software. I CERTAINLY hope Ancestry gives them the rights to be able to sync the two products. That is the least they could do for their loyal customers after all these years of supporting it!!!

  9. This blog is getting attention on FTM related blogs and I’m eagerly reading up on the offerings for migration. I am beyond disgusted with Ancestry and letting my subscription lapse on Dec 26.
    Ciao y’all.

  10. THANKS. Your prompt response to the announcement of the demise of FTM is commended. Not only have your reponded, but you have established a clear path for change.

  11. I am already a user of Roots Magic 7 as well as FTM 2014 and I am most disappointed with Ancestry in their attitude to real genealogy researchers who not only require smart phone and tablets for social media usage but also require input to their research via many types of media, such as CD (dvd) and multiple websites. This is most regretable and hopefully Roots Magic continue with making their style of family research possible.

  12. I am a true believer in FTM, I have to say that whatever Ancestry Choose’s is going to be fine for me. (I Hope!) If Ancestry does make another choice that is.

  13. Ancestry has 3,500 comments in 5 hours after their blog post. Not a lot of happy campers. I have both FTM and RootsM and would VERY MUCH like to see RootsM be able to sync with Ancestry and hope that you as a business actively pursue this. We can tell you and Ancestry that we want it, but it’s really up to you to pursue making it happen. The first genealogy software maker to get there will get a LOT of FTM converts which translates to a LOT of $’s. I hope that RootsM is first there, but if Legacy is, I’ll switch to them.

  14. I have not had a chance to assess RootsMagic (yet), but would be pleased to have ancestry.com create an open API to trees that exist on their site to allow synchronization. I have already posted this on their FTM support site, as well.

  15. Left RM about 3 years ago (ver 4) when I started Ancestry.com and loaded Family Tree Maker. Now I’m back again. Looking forward to all the new tricks!

  16. I hope you are getting a lot of takers on your discounted price since the announcement from Ancestry.com to discontinue FTM. Since you will have so many new users, it would be great if you could offer live training sessions at, or in conjunction with, RootsTech in February. I’m sure it is too late to get on their agenda being just 2 months out but if you offered something before or after I would seriously consider attending!

  17. Can you tell me if this offer is available for the Mac version please. If so, where can I purchase it?

    Reply: You don’t need to worry about buying one version or the other. The RootsMagic license key is good for PC or Mac. The CD that comes in the mail is only the PC version but it includes the download link for Mac users. The download page gives you both options.
    Renee,
    RootsMagic, Inc.

  18. Good for you to react so quickly! I am a current FTM user and will be very interested to visit your website and look at Roots Magic as my possible next programme. Thanks!

  19. Will the new RM sync with Ancestry like FTM does? I have used FTM since 1993 and I have used RM as well. The featured I liked about FTM is to be able to sync with Ancestry so I do not have to type twice. Will FTM still be able to be used even though there will be no upgrades?

    Carol

  20. I will likely switch over to your software, but I may need at least six months to sort out my data. Right now I am still just reeling from FTM’s announcement yesterday.
    I have thousands of names and hundreds of documents and photos. Just a big job ahead

  21. When RootsMagic adds a TreeSynch feature with Ancestry’s online trees I will DEFINITELY switch and encourage others to do so. Until then I’ll stay with the dying FTM2014 until they stab the fork into our backs even further (after 2017??).

    This is NOT a good move on Ancestry’s part, and I expect they will see a fairly large back-lash. Will it harm them? Hard to say; no company likes to lose revenue but Ancestry has a seemingly solid base. For online research they still lead the pack and I cannot foresee them losing the lead. Still . . . they seem to be making drastic “cost-cutting” moves lately . . . are their finances as solid as one would expect?

    I seriously need to ramp up my efforts to transfer my data over to the WikiTree now . . . leading to another question: Will RootsMagic reach out to the WikiTree and see if they can integrate their software with that online tree? THEN I’ll switch immediately, just on the promise to do so!

    Reply: This has been added to our enhancement request list. They would need to provide us with an API to work with. So we can’t promise.
    Renee,
    RootsMagic, Inc.

  22. I have used FTM, and Family Origins before it was discontinued or merged into Roots Magic and have used it ever since. It has been awesome. I love each day working with my genealogy.

  23. Thank you to Roots Magic for making such an easy transition from FTM. You are the best & love the discount for the full RM version. Should have left FTM sooner – since FTM is leaving all of us previous FTM users “high and dry” in 2016!

  24. Thanks for reaching out to (disgruntled) Ancestry customers. Maybe there is hope for us!

  25. The Ancestry blog post announcing the demise of FTM has gone into meltdown! There are a lot of very unhappy people out there who feel let down by Ancestry. While I’m very keen on converting to RootsMagic, I won’t be entirely comfortable until there is a native version for Apple iOS. I have the current workaround version but it seems very rough around the edges compared to other programs such as Reunion. What are the plans for a fully fledged version of Roots Magic for Apple?

    Reply: We are currently working on the native Mac version of RootsMagic.
    Renee
    RootsMagic, Inc.

  27. I AM LOOKING FOR A SITE TO DP RESEARCH AND START A FAMILY TREE ON THAT I CAN ADD TOO AND UPDATE WHEN NEW INFO IS FOUND , DOES THIS SITE ALLOW THIS ? THANKS

    Reply: RootsMagic does sync with FamilySearch Family Tree. Where you can share data back and forth. We also have WebHints for MyHeritage and FamilySearch. This gives you access to historical records and trees. We hope Ancestry will someday allow us to use an API to work with their site.
    Renee
    RootsMagic, Inc.

  29. Good mover Roots Magic. I had so much trouble with later releases os FTM software that I switched over to you a while ago. While not yet really familiar with your software, I was able to read older FTM files. Will you now read all versions? That would be nice since the later versions had more info which I will otherwise have to re-enter.

  30. The thing I liked most about FTM is its easy integration with Ancestry for…
    1) DNA results
    2) the Leafs (Leaves?) for factual and personal connections between my own tree and the many databases and trees found on Ancestry
    3) the easy integration of sources on Ancestry with individuals in my tree.
    Will RootsMagic provide all of these and other features that FTM makes available now?

    Reply: We would love to if Ancestry provides us an API and added those features in it. Contact support@ancestry.com and let them know you want RootsMagic to work with Ancestry.
    Renee
    RootsMagic, Inc.

  31. Thank heaven you guys are out there! Looking forward to getting up to speed with Roots Magic. Now…to transfer all my data to its new home. Wish me luck!

  32. I had just hear of you in general, and now the business of Family Tree Maker being ended has happened. You have a new customer, and big thanks for the caring helped being given.

    This is what a good business is about!

  33. I am very seriously looking at moving from ftm to Magic. Will do my research and then decide. Much easier if there was that sync with ancestry.

  34. I think this is a wonderful opportunity! Is the transition compatible with Mac? I have a Mac and use FTM2. If so, I will be looking at your offer very seriously!

  36. I’ve found that I like some of the things [*] that FTM does, but it *is* well behind the times, and it’s never been improved in any of the ways that RM has been. (Also: it’s a space hog, as well as slow, buggy, and crash-prone.)

    [*] Merging facts and editing people from the source records and place lists are the top items on my ‘want in RootsMagic’ list. The next one is global changes of fact types – FTM/Ancestry is very sloppy about fact types, and tends to create new ones rather than figure out how to use existing ones. They we get to figure out what ti really should be … and it’s a PITA fixing records scattered among 46000 people.

  37. There are some things FTM does [*] that I’ve found are very useful, but generally I’d describe it as well behind the times and in need of debugging and serious updating. It’s also unstable, slow, and a space hog.

    [*] Being able to merge facts is useful, especially since FTM/Ancestry will create new records rather than use an existing one. Also useful: being able to edit people from the place list or source records. These are high on my ‘want in RootsMagic’ list, along with global fact-type changes. (FTM/Ancestry tends to create new ones rather than use existing types. That leaves you trying to fix facts scattered among thousands of people, when a global replacement would handle it better.)

  38. I have used Rootsmagic in the past and switched to FTM. Who knew what was coming! I’m switching back to RootsMagic.

  39. I find only two ways to communicate our wishes to Ancestry on the topic of Rootsmagic being able to “TreeSync” with our Ancestry trees.
    Leave a comment here:
    http://blogs.ancestry.com/ancestry/2015/12/08/ancestry-to-retire-family-tree-maker-software/
    You have to let the entire page load as there are already over 7000 comments and then drag the page slider down to the bottom.
    Commenting is open through Tuesday, December 22nd.
    OR
    call them at the appropriate number listed here:
    http://www.ancestry.com/cs/contact-us

  40. I couldn’t edit my previous comment so let me add this.

    I encourage all who use RM and Ancestry.com to contact Ancestry about this “TreeSync” issue ASAP. Add your voice to the chorus. The greater the numbers, the more impact we make on the decision-makers.

  42. Pingback: After Ancestry.com retires Family Tree Maker | aweekofgenealogy.com

  43. Can I take my tree off ancestry and then put it into this software?

    Reply: We have a video that will demonstrate this process. Keep in mind the GEDCOM does not contain the media. So you will need to download the media to your computer and connect it to RootsMagic afterwards.
    Importing an Ancestry Family Tree into RootsMagic
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECNDEl2rcgY
    Renee
    RootsMagic, Inc.

  46. If I import my Family Tree Maker to RM, will it import my media too?

    Reply: It all depends on what version of FTM you have. We have a supplement Magic Guide that discusses the issues with media in the different versions of FTM. There is a way to preserve the media links so you won’t lose them. Go to http://rootsmagic.com/ftm/Videos/ for the guide: Supplement: Media Import from Family Tree Maker

    Renee
    RootsMagic, Inc.

  48. I just downloaded RM after having FTM for over 25 years. Will any updates from FTM be included if I take my file off of FTM and download it into RM if I haven’t had time to go through those found for me. I have over 46,000 names to download with loads of info. I noticed that the new version does not include all the info I have for some people. Does RM eliminate certain information?

    Reply: RootsMagic doesn’t sync with Ancestry. Though we hope they open their API up and let us! For now, you will need to download everything off Ancestry before importing into RootsMagic so you have it all. Then you need to manually add new information you find on Ancestry to RootsMagic to keep it current.
    Renee
    RootsMagic, Inc.

  49. I’ve built a substantial family tree that is housed on Ancestry. Recently they have asked me to download my tree and I’ve been looking for an easier software to use for my family history. It seems there is always a confused or irate user of the Family Tree Maker in the comments section. Roots Magic appears to be the solution to my quest. I don’t like confusion or frustration. My family history information is still on Ancestry, what process should I use from this point to get my hard earned searches transferred to Roots Magic, and what is the cost? Thank you.

    Reply: This video should help – Importing an Ancestry Family Tree into RootsMagic – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECNDEl2rcgY
    Renee
    RootsMagic, Inc.

  50. I sure appreciate your offer and am seriously considering it. I need to get over the shock!

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