Family tree maker upgrade

Family Tree Maker 2024 Upgrade Guide

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Family Tree Maker (FTM) 2024 upgrade, the latest major release from Software MacKiev. Whether you are upgrading from FTM 2019 or an even older version, this detailed breakdown covers the key features, technical requirements, and the step-by-step upgrade process.

The Evolution of Family Tree Maker: Why Upgrade?

For over three decades, Family Tree Maker has remained a trusted tool for genealogists. The transition from FTM 2019 to the 2024 Edition (Version 25.0.2) represents a major advancement in how family historians manage data, collaborate, and preserve their research. While FTM 2019 introduced features like TreeVault and Turn Back Time, the 2024 version refines these tools and enhances integration with modern online databases.

Key New Features in FTM 2024

The latest upgrade is far more than a simple design update—it introduces meaningful structural improvements. One of the standout features is Turn Back Time 5000, which allows users to undo up to 5,000 changes. This is especially useful in situations involving accidental merges or bulk deletions.

Another major improvement is the expanded integration with FamilySearch, enabling users to download entire family branches and access over 6 billion free records. The hints system has also been improved and now appears directly in the people index.

FTM 2024 also introduces Photo Darkroom 2.0, a built-in photo editing tool designed to restore old and faded family images. It includes features such as color correction, cropping, and digital noise reduction, eliminating the need for external software.

Additionally, the new Connect Workspace Statistics dashboard offers a visual overview of your research progress, including the number of individuals, media files, and source citations in your tree.

Another helpful addition is Smart Filters, which provide a more efficient way to organize both people and media. These filters allow you to quickly identify gaps in your research, such as ancestors with missing birth dates, helping you stay focused and organized.

Technical Compatibility: System Requirements

Before upgrading, it’s important to ensure that your system meets the technical requirements. FTM 2024 is designed for modern operating systems, including Windows 10 (64-bit), Windows 11, and macOS versions from Big Sur (11) to Tahoe (16).

A minimum of 4 GB RAM is required, though 8 GB is recommended for larger family trees. Installation requires approximately 900–950 MB of storage, and a display resolution of at least 1024 × 768 is necessary.

Mac users should note that FTM 2024 is the first version fully optimized for macOS Tahoe (version 16). If you have recently updated your macOS, upgrading to the latest FTM version is essential to avoid crashes or synchronization issues.

Pre-Upgrade Checklist: Safety First

Before beginning the upgrade process, it is crucial to protect your data. Start by compacting your file using the Tools menu, then create a full backup, ensuring that media files and sync settings are included. It’s best to store this backup on an external drive or a cloud service such as Dropbox or Google Drive.

If your tree is synced with online services, perform a final synchronization before upgrading. This ensures that your cloud version matches your local file.

You should also run a data error report to fix any duplicate entries or broken links, which will make the upgrade process smoother.

Step-by-Step Upgrade Process

Once your data is secured, the upgrade process itself is simple. Visit the official MacKiev Update Center to access the upgrade link. Existing users often receive discounted pricing via email.

After downloading the installer (approximately 600 MB), run the installation without uninstalling your previous version. Keeping the older version temporarily is recommended until everything is verified.

After installation, open FTM 2024 and import your existing .ftm files. The software will create a new copy in the updated format while preserving the original file.

You may also need to log back into your accounts to reconnect with online services like Ancestry or FamilySearch.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

In some cases, you may encounter minor issues after upgrading. Syncing errors can usually be resolved by logging out and back into your account within the software.

If media files appear missing, use the “Find Missing Media” tool to relink them by pointing to the correct folder.

On older systems, you may notice some performance lag due to enhanced graphics and background services. This can often be improved by adjusting settings in the Preferences menu and disabling unnecessary background features.