Direct Family Tree Maker Import is Here!
Since Ancestry’s announcement that they were parting ways with their Family Tree Maker software, thousands of FTM users have found a new home in RootsMagic. One of the first questions they have is, “How do I get my data from FTM into RootsMagic?”
Until today, the answer has always been through a GEDCOM file. But GEDCOM files from Family Tree Maker, while mostly effective, were often lacking data and details only found in the original file. Plus it added an extra step in the conversion process.
That’s why we’re excited to announce today’s release of RootsMagic 7.1. In addition to various tweaks and fixes, this update adds the ability to directly import any Family Tree Maker file.
And by “any” Family Tree Maker file, we really mean it. RootsMagic can directly import:
- Family Tree Maker 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014 for Windows (*.ftm, *.ftmb)
- Family Tree Maker 3 for Mac (*.ftm, *.ftmb)
- Family Tree Maker 2010 and 2012 for Mac (*.ftmm, *.ftmd)
- Classic Family Tree Maker Files (*.ftw)
In fact, RootsMagic can import a bigger variety of Family Tree Maker files than any single version of Family Tree Maker itself.
Doing the Import
- You’ll first need to have the latest release of RootsMagic. If you’re using RootsMagic 7, simply choose Help > Check for Updates from the main menu to download and install the update.
- After the update is installed, select File > Import from the main menu. You’ll then see a list of different programs and formats from which you may import.
- Choose Family Tree Maker (FTM) from the list. Click Search for files to search your computer for all FTM files or I know where the file is to browse your computer and select the FTM database or backup file to import.
- Choose a filename, location, and options for your new RootsMagic file. Click OK to begin the import.
- Watch the progress screen as RootsMagic brings all your data into your new file!
It’s Your Data- Set it Free!
Most people are concerned about preserving and archiving their family history for future generations. With the constant advance of computer technology, computer software and operating systems are born and die everyday- sometimes leaving their data unreadable and with no way to advance it to current technology. This can happen with genealogy software and data as well- especially if they rely on proprietary or encrypted file formats.
Because it is your data, when you import your data into RootsMagic, your data is in great shape for long-term archival because:
- Your RootsMagic data are stored in SQLite database files. SQLite is the most widely deployed database engine in the world. It’s open-source and widely available meaning that other software can easily open and read your data. And because SQLite is so wide-spread, it is more likely to be readable for years to come.
- Your RootsMagic data are not encrypted. Family Tree Maker files are encrypted preventing anyone who doesn’t know the encryption key from being able to read or access the data.
The First Step
Directly importing Family Tree Maker files is the first step in our recently-announced working relationship with Ancestry. Stay tuned for the ability to search Ancestry’s trees and records and to download and synchronize them into your RootsMagic file.
Special Upgrade Offer
To help FTM users make the leap to RootsMagic, 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.