Family Tree Maker 2009

The Generations Network has now officially released the new Family Tree Maker 2009. This is the latest version of what is probably the best-selling genealogy software in the world.

The 2008 version was a complete re-write and received a mixed reception from users. The 2009 version reportedly includes many new features suggested by users as well as many new bug fixes. I haven't seen the new version yet but did receive the following, written by The Generations Network:

Family Tree Maker 2009 Release

The Family Tree Maker team is pleased to announce the release of Family Tree Maker 2009. We are excited about the new features and user requested tools included in this version.

Over the past year, we have been making patches available that include additional functionality and features that our customers have asked for. In addition, the features included in the 2009 version come primarily from our Family Tree Maker 2008 users, showing us what features should be released next and testing the product to make sure it is working at top efficiency. We had more than 300 beta testers for Family Tree Maker 2009. We appreciate this active and ongoing participation.

Take a look at what’s new since the original release of Family Tree Maker 2008. Features available for the first time in Version 2009 are marked with an asterisk (*).
Genealogy Reports

• Register and Ahnentafel full reports
• Register and Ahnentafel simplified reports*
• Data Errors report*

Charts

• Vertical Pedigree Chart
• Hourglass Chart*
• Horizontal Hourglass Chart*
• Bow Tie Chart*
• 180-Degree Fan Chart*
• Family Tree Chart*

Publishing Functionality

• Book layouts for main charts
• Saved settings in charts/reports
• Saved templates in charts
• Preparer information included in chart footers
• Enhancements to the RTF export
• Ability to show siblings within charts*
• Single-page PDF export from charts*
• Ability to add boxes in charts to a “Marked Box” category and modify box settings for these boxes*

Improved Data Manipulation Tools

• Change Place Name tool
• Find and Replace tool
• Streamlined data entry from any workspace using a full-featured edit person window*
• Ability to set spouse order (Person menu)*
• Ability to order media items for an individual*
• Find Individual tool (Edit menu)*
• Find Duplicate Individuals tool (Edit menu)*
• Ability to update multiple facts at one time (From Manage Facts or Fact options): change fact types, move description to place or place to description, mark as private*
• Insert foreign language characters into text fields*

Improvements within Research Tools

• Automatic simple backup at shutdown
• Ability to ignore hints*
• Option to delete existing facts in individual and Web merge*
• Inclusion of married names, AKAs, and titles in index*

Improvements to Import

• Improved name parsing
• OLE objects (PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, RTF) from previous FTM versions*
• Import previously ignored hints lists*

Improvements to Places

• Track and print your ancestors’ migration paths on interactive maps*
• Places toolbar that allows for researching place names not currently in the file and pinpointing places such as libraries, churches, and courthouses*

Improvements to Sources

• Copy and paste source citations

* New in Family Tree Maker 2009

Here’s what’s coming:
In addition, we are currently working on new features that will be available as part of Family Tree Maker 2009—as soon as they become available:

• Book Building
• Better Ancestry Member Tree Integration
• Improved Relationship Calculator
• Source templates based on Evidence Explained by source expert, Elizabeth Shown Mills
• And many others…

Thank you to all of the Family Tree Maker community for their loyalty through the years. We are committed to making Family Tree Maker the best desktop software for doing your family history.

Thank you,

The Family Tree Maker Team

Comments

[Edna Hollingsworth]

How can I find out if I can upgrade from version 7 of FTM to the new version 2009
Edna Hollingsworth
edna306@spamarrest.com

[EDWARD P. CARROLL]

UPGRADE TO 2009

[Loretta Garcia]

I didn't get FTM 2008 when I was reading about all the problems. I will again wait to see what bugs need ironing out. Is there any discount for those of us upgrading from FTM 7.5?

[Dennis Marr]

I've used FTM since the DOS days. I bit on their offer of FTM 2008 and it was a disaster. They eliminated great features, and screwed up the functionality. I finally had to uninstall it and re-install FTM 2006 and restore the database. I'm through with "upgrades" from this outfit.

[J. A. Belford]

Please, please - a MAC version of this software.

[Will Savoy]

> Please, please - a MAC version of this software.

LOL.

You really don't want to touch this crap with a ten feet pole.
Get Reunion or MacFamilyTree.

[Dick Eastman]

---> Please, please - a MAC version of this software.

There are several good Macintosh genealogy programs available today. I wouldn't wait for this one.

HOWEVER, if you really want to run Family Tree Maker on your Macintosh, you can do so right now, assuming that you have an Intel Mac running OS X. You first purchase and install Parallels or VMware Fusion or download the free VirtualBox software. Then obtain a copy of Windows XP (preferred) or Windows Vista or Windows 2000. Install the copy of Windows on your Macintosh and then you can install almost any Windows program, including Family Tree Maker.

Several years ago there was a Macintosh version of Family Tree Maker. It didn't sell very well and the company never updated it. Eventually, it was dropped from their catalog.

- Dick Eastman

[Ruth in Tex]

Where is the Family Archive Viewer for all of the CDs I've bought over the years? Can this program be installed on Vista?

[mary B.]

So...for those of us with Windows just what is the favorite or is there one that "has it all" I see complaints about Fam Tree Maker but what is it that you don't like, I need to buy one but not sure which I would like the best, something on a professional level (both visibly and for including multiple information for each person) that's not terribly hard to figure out and preferably one that would be good with publishing, if there is one. I would like one that does not look like a "fill in the blanks" type program. Anyone have Master Genealogist?

[Dae Powell]

I use the Master Genealogist and left FTM with version 11 (I think). There are some things about TMG you should know:

The Good: it is THE most flexible genealogy database on the market.
The Bad: because of the flexibility, it has a learning curve daunting most beginners.
The Ugly: it is written in Visual FoxPro, which is no longer supported by Microsoft.

Note: VFP ports to other Object-Oriented languages, so Wholly-Genes should surmount the "ugly" with minimal difficulty.

Happy Dae.
http://www.ShoeStringGenealogy.com

[Karen]

" something on a professional level (both visibly and for including multiple information for each person) that's not terribly hard to figure out and preferably one that would be good with publishing, if there is one."

The best thing for you to do would be to download some trial versions and judge for yourself. Roots Magic, Legacy, and The Master Genealogist all have 30-day trials. Each one has its own strengths and weaknesses but they will all do what you have asked.

As noted in the announcement, FTM2009 does not include book publishing. It's slated as a "future addition" but it's not in the program that was just released.

[William Bush]

What? TMG is not flexible. It is an extremely rigid program. It is also slow, incompatible and hard to use.
So few professional genealogists want to use it that they have to give it away to them!!
If you are looking for a good program, check out Legacy and RootsMagic.

[William Burnside]

I respectfully disagree with William Bush's comments. I used Family Tree Maker for several years but never cared for it. I tried RootsMagic (it was called Family Origins back then) and Legacy Family Tree. I finally settled on The Master Genealogist simply because it is the most flexible of all the programmes I tried. It does have a learning curve but I found that the program will do whatever you want if you are willing to spend the time to learn how to make it do whatever you wish. The flexibility won't be obvious to you when you start using it but, as you become more comfortable with it, I think you'll find it will do whatever you want. The infinite reporting options and the many visual charts are way beyond anything I have found in other programmes.

[William Bush]

Burnside wrote:
" It does have a learning curve but .... if you are willing to spend the time to learn how to make it do whatever you wish.
The flexibility won't be obvious to you when you start using it ...."

Nonsense! And what really p*ss*s me off is the patronizing tone, that those who don't agree with him can't handle the learning curve, didn't spend the time... and so on"
Many people who tried this dog wish they hadn't wasted their time on it.

BTW, your opinion RootsMagic is based on trying Family Origins a decade ago? Guess you did not try Legacy since version 2 either?

[Ashley]

To answer someone's question about compatibility with FTM 7 & 7.5, I would doubt it. I have FTM 7 & upgraded to version 16. When I was on the phone with Ancestry about 2 weeks ago (having problems uploading a new Gedcom file...turned out it wouldn't work using Firefox) they told me I would have to purchase FTM 2008 if I wanted to be fully up to date with FTM. Like others I had read many complaints so I will wait and see what people are saying about 2009.

[Dave Bane]

I agree with Mr Bush, not only is TMG not flexible, it's fuctionality is just poorly thought out. The learning curve is not so steep, but the programming is simply not intuitive, and almost DOS like in use. TMG's Windows functionality is archaic, much like Windows 3.1, and as poor as any modern program I have encountered. TMG does have the most of the features needed in a genalogy program, they are just harder to find and make use of, and are even a little buggy at times.

Just as Mr Bush claims, RootsMagic and Legacy Family Tree are the most popular programs sold today for both amateurs and professionals alike. The advice to download and "test drive" the various programs is sound, then you will see quite quickly which program works well and which does not.

[Don Ridgway]

I'm purely an amatuer at this genealogy game, but have been working at it for five years. Started with FTM and Ancestry. Got TMG as a present and liked what I read in the manual (remember them??) but could not get all the details straight. Ungraded FTM and found out about Legacy4.0. Liked it right away, but kept running FTM and trying to decypher TMG. When FTMv16 came along I was in heaven, but Legacy6.0 came along, too, and was just as good, so I ran both and continued to tryto decypher TMG. Had a brief affair with RootsMagic, but it had some of TMGs problems, so I dropped it. When FTM2008 came along I grabbed it. What a mistake. Absolutely the worst genealogy progam I have seen so far. Fortunately I kept v16 and still use it. I recently got Legacy7.0, and it is GREAT!! As far as I am concerned, Generation Network can keep 2009. Don't want it; won't use it. 2008 was enough for me! My advice - GET LEGACY 7.0. You'll like it!

[CH Bloss]

Anyone know a genealogy program that will specifically record census info in a comparison style of a spreadsheet?? Suggested to FTM every year for the past 6 years but to no avail????

[Rene Palardy]

I am just novice, I tried other programs,found them confusing so I downloaded LEGACY 7, I love it, for a senior citizen it works just fine.

[Charles Osterby]

Is there a Forum for FTM2008? Any one know where I am supposed to look for that 19 digit activation code for the 6 month trial on Ancestry ?

[Lorelee]

Charles, I do not know if this URL is still working but it was very helpful for me understanding the workings of FTM2008
http://w.on24.com/r.htm?e=96052&s=1&k=AEF2A5DF64F2F99E7428FB83B323C966

Be sure the above is all on one line.

[Sharon Rogers]

Ok. I just got a brand new computer for myself and it is my very first one ever. LOL

I know nothing about the ins and outs of a computer and have very little knowledge about working one, I do know how to turn it on however.

I have NEVER used any family tree program and am wondering which one to purchase.

I have Vista and from what I have heard, Family TreeMaker is NOT compatable to Vista. Ok which one is then?

I have been doing genealogy for only 6-8 years and am ready to put my findings on a tree maker of some sort.

Can you help???????

[Stephen J. Danko]

Hi Sharon,

I installed FamilyTreeMaker 16, FamilyTreeMaker 2008, and RootsMagic 3 on Vista. All work perfectly, although a patch was required to make version 16 fully compatible with Vista. I was able to move my database from FTM 16 to both FamilyTreeMaker 2008 and RootsMagic 3 with little effort and no errors.

I use FTM 2008 as my primary database. I tried RootsMagic 3 but it didn't have some of the flexibility of FTM 2008. Plus, FTM 2008 automatically searches for matches on Ancestry.com (a feature I use all the time and find very helpful).

I haven't tried Legacy or The Master Genealogist because FTM 2008 is capable of doing everything I need right now. However, the current versions of Legacy and The Master Genealogist are both compatible with Vista.

[Karen]

All the major programs are compatible with Vista -- including FTM26, 17, and the just released 19 -- so that's one thing you don't have to worry about.

Download the trial versions Roots Magic and Legacy to get an idea of what you want in a program. Load them both up with a couple of generations back and forward from yourself and get a feel for what you can do. When you use the programs with your data, be sure to check out what they do beyond the basic data collection and documenation.

[Charles]

Like others, I passed by FTM 2008 and stuck with FTM 16 (2006). As an aside, I've been using FTM since the very early versions.

I took some good advice and downloaded the trial of Legacy 7.0. I exported my FTM file into GEDCOM format and imported into Legacy. However, I find that a lot of the "facts" from FTM did not make the transition. Has anyone else encountered this? If so, is there a workaround short of re-doing the whole thing?

I talked to Ancestry this morning. There is no upgrade price from FTM 2006 to 2008. The three versions on Amazon.com are all the same software but with different free periods of subscription to Ancestry U.S. data--one month, three months, and six months, with prices from $29.99 to $99.99. For someone with an Ancestry World subscription, it doesn't seem to me that anything but the cheapest version is a good deal. Ancestry says when they begin selling 2009, it will be $39.99 for the software with no free subscription.

Have people imported full FTM info into RootsMagic without problems?
At this point, I guess I'll wait to see what kind of problems emerge with FTM 2009.

[Fred Lamont]

* However, I find that a lot of the "facts" from FTM did not make the transition.
Aint Legacy's fault. FTM has poor GEDCOM support.

* Have people imported full FTM info into RootsMagic without problems?
I believe both Legacy and RootsMagic supports direct import from FTM.
That should get around FTM's limitations.

[Stephen J. Danko]

RootsMagic 3 supports full, direct import of FTM16 (or earlier) files directly into RootsMagic. However, RootsMagic 3 will not directly import data from FTM 2008. To transfer FTM 2008 data to RootsMagic 3, you'll have to first export the FTM 2008 file to GEDCOM and import the GEDCOM into RootsMagic 3.

[John Howard]

If FTM 2009 is released, why does the genealogy.com website still show only FTM 2008 in it's online store?

[John Howard]

If FTM 2009 is released, why does the genealogy.com website still show only FTM 2008 in it's online store?

[Heidi Harris]

I make a family calendar with birthdays and anniveraries of living members of the family. I have used Family Treemaker (an older version) and Calendar Creator separately for this in the past. Are there any of the Genealogy programs that include a calendar function? Seems like I'm always missing someone in the Calendar program!! Thanks.

[Doug Detling]

Just 3 hours ago, I received an e-mail from The Generations Network about Family Tree Maker 2009, along with a link to obtain the "free upgrade" for its "loyal" customers. Here's what I got when I clicked the link:

"Due to the high popularity of our FTM 2009 free upgrade offer, we are unable to fulfill your order at this time. Please check back later.

Thank you, The Generations Network, Inc."

Makes you wonder what they really think about loyal customers (I've used virtually ever version since Banner Blue published the original).

[Dick Eastman]

---> Due to the high popularity of our FTM 2009 free upgrade offer, we are unable to fulfill your order at this time.

It sounds like their web server is overloaded with people trying to take advantage of the offer.

[Scott McWilliams]

Having regretted springing for FTM2008 due to its lack of features and slowness, I was happy to get the email about the free upgrade to FTM 2009. However, since receiving that email (last night) all I get (both last night, this morning, and this afternoon) is a blank page with one sentence saying they are sorry but due to the demand they cannot fulfill the order at this time. Given the 2008 rewrite going out before it was ready for primetime IMHO then this bland non-customer friendly (if not also extremely webcode primitive) "sorry" page, I'd suggest their either firing the IT team or outsourcing it to another company.

[Richard Ross]

I received the new email and clicked on the link. It worked, slowly at first, but I successfully enter the offer code and finished the order without any problem. I too thought that there was a problem because the response was slower than what I was used to, however, I just let the page finish loading.

[Jan Klein]

I just finished a 600 page book on FTM 2006 and am having difficulty exporting to a PDF format. The pictures are jumping all over the page and some are cut in half. I've tried 4 different pdf versions and they all do the same, whether it is a 30 page export or the entire 600 page book. I got no help from the techs except that my book was too big and the program was meant to be for smaller books. Has anyone encountered this? Is there a workaround rather than cutting and pasting everything into a word processor program? It also does the above when I preview the book. Thanks for any help I can get.

[Dick Eastman]

---> I just finished a 600 page book on FTM 2006 and am having difficulty exporting to a PDF format.

If you give up on Family Tree Maker's PDF publishing, you will want to look at AncestralAuthor. It is a great program that is designed solely for the purpose of publishing books in PDF format. You can export your data from Family Tree Maker or any other genealogy program in GEDCOM format, then import that GEDCOM file into AncestralAuthor. It is not a free program, it costs $25. However, there is a free demo version that you can use to evaluate the program and to see if it will do the job for you before you spend any money.

You can read my earlier review of AncestralAuthor at http://blog.eogn.com/eastmans_online_genealogy/2006/01/ancestral_autho.html or find the program's web site at http://www.ancestralauthor.com/

- Dick Eastman

[Karen Moore]

I have Family Tree Maker versions 6 (1999) and version 11 (2003) and I'm using Windows XP, not Vista. Does anyone recommend that I upgrade to version 2009?

[Carol]

I have used FTM for years and am currently running version 16. I recently switched to a Mac. Although I've previewed other programs and really like Reunion, I use ancestry.com and wanted to be able to link the two programs together as FTM does. Is there any other program that does this?

[Helen]

Can anyone tell me how to insert sound into my scrapbook on Family Tree version 11? I've tried inserting from my media player and it is not accepted. I have interviews and eulogies, etc. that I would love to have in my family tree program. Can anyone help? Thanks.

[Dick Eastman]

---> I use ancestry.com and wanted to be able to link the two programs together as FTM does. Is there any other program that does this?

No. The only program that does that is Family Tree Maker (for Windows).

Perhaps it is time to purchase Parallels or VMware Fusion or virtualBox (a free program) so that you can run Windows on your Mac simultaneously with the Mac OS X operating system. You can then run Family Tree Maker (for Windows) on your Mac.

- Dick Eastman

[otto polsz]

how do i ,or can i,update family tree maker 2006 to
family tree maker 2009?

[otto polsz]

how do i ,or can i,update family tree maker 2006 to
family tree maker 2009?

[Anne]

But does FTM 2009 handle huge databases. 2008 did not. I liked parts of 2008 and would have liked to buy it, and would consider 2009 if I knew it could handle my database. Is there a demo so I could try and see if it could handle the GEDCOM?

Anne

[Gerry Getman]

I just purchased FTM 2009 and loaded on a Vista Business version machine and it will not open. I get error code 2147024894. It appears all the bugs are not out of the 2009 version.

[Terri]

I just received FTM 2009 and loaded it onto my laptop running Vista. The bugs are definitely NOT all fixed. To answer Anne's question, no, the program cannot handle large databases. It shut down on me four or five times when I was working with a database of approx 10,000 names, just when doing simple tasks like editing a fact or a source.

[Doug Purcell]

I have just installed FTM 2009 Deluxe and find that it will not perform a backup of my family file to a CD or a DVD. This was apparently a problem in FTM 2008. I have reviewed the "fix" for this issue in FTM 2008 but it does not work with FTM 2009. I can not backup to a CD or DVD by going through the family file backup on my hard drive. Ancestry.com was supposed to provide a patch for this problem in FTM 2008. I have all my updates installed on FTM 2009 but the problem still persists.

What is the "fix" for this problem? Is a patch on the way? If so, when?

Thanks for any help offered.

[OtterP]

Looks like reviews from users that have actually used FTM 2009 are coming in on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/review/product/B001B5L5RA/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?_encoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

[Ervin Davis]

I've never received the second coupon for my FREE Family Tree Maker 2009, after the first announcement (FMT09314) was filled due to the high number of requests. Please advise as to how I can receive my FREE FTM 2009.

[NEVILLE HAYES]

I am a registered owner of FTM 2008 but have not received an invitation to receive FTM 2009. Please advise if this offer is still available.

Thank you
Neville Hayes

[Michelle Adcock]

I have Family Tree Maker 2008 and I was not happy. I guess it's useless because I cannot locate my cd to install to my new laptop.

My biggest problem was the only being able to go back 16 generations and I spent alot of time going back further.

Also, I woule like to share with family and friends without spending $1000 in paper and ink for each.

Will FTM 2009 allow to burn the GED file to a cd for others to peruse? I wouldn't mind buying the new version if it doesn't such as much as 2008.

Thanks for the honesty.
Michelle
seekout1@windstream.net

[Neil Rossiter]

Re. FTM 2009. I have used FTM 4.01b for quite a few years and found it excellent. Prior to upgrading to FTM 2009 I emailed Ancestry.com to check on compatibility and was assured it was fully compatible with all previous versions. IT IS NOT. Many earlier versions require ancestry's archive programme to enable upload of data saved on the earlier versions. Second you find, as in my case, that a 32MB file is transformed into a 104MB file on FTM 2009? According to Ancestry.com it is because FTM 2009 handles info in a different way? Thirdly, be prepared to tear you hair out with all the glitches - lost info, inexplicable rearrangement of relationships and so on. Granted there are a few decent ideas, but overall FTM 2009 is rubbish. What makes the problem even more frustrating is trying to deal with the sanctimonious characters on the helpdesk at Ancestry.com who seem incapable of giving a straight or truthful answer. Buy FTM 2009 at your peril.

[Alice Alderman]

I've have used Family Tree maker, edition's 2005 and 2006 and now use the ancestry.com on-line solely. It is wonderful. I hardly ever have need to go back to my old files. I plan to buy the 2009 program for the interface with ancestry.com. The ancestry.com format is easy to use and much less stressful than the older FTM versions and editions. I have become addicted to ancestry.com and just love it. It is easy on the eyes and it's screen colors are great, I hope they never change those screen colors. It is to me an entirely new concept in genealogy. Humanistic, kinder and gentler.

[Cee Bee]

I am not surprised on folks having crash problems using FTM and the Vista operating system. I have worked in IT for many years, as have my friends and we remove Vista on our personal pcs and put XP on them. FTM works fine for us.

MORE importantly, having gotten a very good deal on the FTM 2009 Deluxe (w/3mo Ancestry.com / at Best Buy (tagged at 69.99, on xmas sale for 29.99), I have held off opening it until I could locate some of the changes from my current version 16. I checked out the "Official Guide to FTM 09" by Tana Pedersen, from my local library. Chapter 9 is titled Creating a Family History Book. It goes on to tell how nice it is being able to have your files uploaded to Ancestry.com and they do the publishing. I DO NOT WANT Ancestry.com TO DO MY PUBLISHING. I would rather do my own publishing, which it appears that this new version 2009 does not permit. The Pedersen guide book only describes using ancestry.com. I like the version 16 options for book making, that includes contents pages, sources, and an index for all the names.

I will be calling FTM magazine tomorrow to inquire if they are aware it the guide book failed to include my ability to publish without using ancestry.com, or if FTM programmers/management eliminated that fabulous feature.

I have a feeling that I'll be returning my unopened FTM 09 Deluxe purchase back to Best Buy before the weeks end.

[Donna Morris]

I've been a loyal FTM user since version 1, upgrading periodically as newer versions have been released. I have to say that the main reason I have been loyal to this particular program has been the Family Archive cds which made my research a dream. Until a couple of weeks ago, I was using version 16 of FTM. My computer crashed, and I replaced it with one utilizing Windows Vista. So I thought it was time to upgrade FTM again, to version 2009. Wonderful program, with awesome features!

HOWEVER.... I found when I cranked up the program that those "brilliant" folks at FTM have chosen to eliminate my access to HUNDREDS of dollars worth of genealogy cds that I purchased in good faith because I believed in their product. I can no longer access the information I paid so dearly for to make good use of this great software. I am sure that this decision was an effort to force all FTM users to have to subscribe to Ancestry.com to access the same information we already paid for in cd format. This REALLY, REALLY, REALLY ticks me off. This is truly poor treatment of the loyal FTM users who have stuck faithfully with the program all of these years. I am upset with the "powers that be" at FTM, but I am REALLY upset with myself for allowing myself to believe in their product, and for getting suckered into investing in their now worthless genealogy cd's.

My purpose in writing this is to advise anyone thinking about purchasing FTM that they need to be cautious and not put too much faith in the product, because the company may very well decide down the road that they don't want to continue providing you with the quality products and service you will have by then come to rely on. Like I said, the program works very well, but people like me can tell you that one of the best qualities of FTM has for years been the ability to read those wonderful Family Archive cds.

Corporations like the one which produces FTM need to know that product loyalty is EARNED over time, and decisions which neglect loyal customers destroy that loyalty. Also, word of mouth referrals can make or break their customer base, especially in such a tight-knit community as the genealogy community, where news travels fast.

[Miriam Margolyes]

Everyone has different needs: I am a non-techie female of 67; I use FTM v. 16. The later versions do not work for me. Upgrades seem always to be too large a change, so that I am once more propelled into incompetance. But FTM is still the simplest & best-stay away from the upgrades & new issues. Version 16 reigns supreme!

[Stephen]

I have Family Tree 2006. I made an Ancestry Tree and saved it. I tried to export to pdf in a single page rather than multiple pages. It will only give me a partial page.
Am I missing a setting to get it to print the whole file on a single page
I have spent hours trying all sorts of setting options but it will not go on a single page. It will work on providing multiple pages only
Any answers to help me
Thanks

[Susie Strand]

We upgraded from 9 to 16 a while back. We will never upgrade to a higher version until the scrapbook can be imported -- Too much work and time have been put into scanning, describing, etc.

We can't just open certain reports -- have to import them to PDF -- any way to fix that?

[Iain Wright]

I've been using FTM 2005 and like it a lot. Bought FTM 2009 and was very disappointed. Full of bugs, terrible user interface. Software keeps exiting unexpectedly, and upgrade crashes it. Ancestry.com's user navigation and usability is similarly appalling. This firm thinks it knows how to build usable software, but is actually on a different planet. It needs to listen to users before it goes down the pan. Meanwhile I've gone back to FTM 2005.

[Noelene Hill]

Has anyone resolved the problem of genealogy programmes with a Mac. I have a Mac OS X v 10.5.4. Can someone tell me if Legacy is the programme I should be using? I am fairly new to this. Thanks. Noelene

[Dick Eastman]

---> Has anyone resolved the problem of genealogy programmes with a Mac.

There are a number of very good genealogy programs available for the Macintosh computer. You might want to read the "Genealogy Programs for the Macintosh" article that I wrote last year at http://blog.eogn.com/eastmans_online_genealogy/2008/09/genealogy-progr.html

That article is now 9 months old but most of the information in the article is still accurate.

In addition, any modern Macintosh can run any Windows genealogy program if you first load Parallels, VMware Fusion, or Sun Microsystems' virtualBox, along with a copy of the Windows operating system. Many people use Legacy or The Master Genealogist or RootsMagic or some other Windows genealogy program on a Macintosh. All those programs work well on a Mac if you have Parallels, VMware Fusion, or Sun Microsystems' virtualBox installed.

In effect, the Macintosh has MORE genealogy programs available than does Windows because the Macintosh can run all the Windows programs as well as all the Macintosh programs and even the Linux programs, by using one of the virtual PC products.

- Dick Eastman

[D. Morgan]

I had an email recently to upgrade FTM to FTM2009 and additional genealogy books would be included. I lost the email. Is this offer still avaiable? I currently use FTM 2005.
dmorgan960@verizon.net

[Bart Osborne]

I have one of those rare Mac versions of FTM. It is still running 12 years and several Macs since I first loaded it. By some "modern" standards it may be "clunky" but it works for my needs.

[Michele]

Is there any other program that will open FTM files?

[Dick Eastman]

---> Is there any other program that will open FTM files?

The Master Genealogist will open Family Tree Maker files.