How to Export a Tree in Family Tree Maker

One of the nice things about genealogy software is they usually allow you to import and export your family tree information.  Not only is this helpful when sharing information with others, but it's also makes it easier to work with online genealogy sites like Ancestry.com.

Below are the steps to export a family tree using Family Tree Maker (FTM) software:

1. Open Family Tree Maker
2. Open the tree you want to export (if you have more than one)
3. On the menu, select FILE and then EXPORT
4. Make sure "Entire Tree" is selected (as wells as everything else).  
5. Select the "file type" you'd like your exported file to be (see notes below).
6. Click OK
7. Select the location you'd like to save the file to (I usually select DESKTOP, so I can find it easily).

Different genealogy software programs sometimes use different file types.  If you know you are sharing between different people using Family Tree Maker software, then exporting a "Family Tree Maker" file is okay. If the person you are sharing with is using an older version of Family Tree Maker, than be sure to select the older version (so they can open it) in the menu options.   If you need to share your tree with somebody using a pre-2008 version of Family Tree Maker, then select the option that reads, "GEDCOM for FTM 16".

If you are sharing your tree with somebody not using Family Tree Maker software, then it's best to export your file as a GEDCOM file (GEDCOM 5.5, Standard). This file type will work with PAF software and other genealogy software programs.

The next step is to share your file.  If you are sharing this file with somebody else, then it's best to either copy the file to a flash drive or a CD/DVD.  However, if the person lives far away, you may also be able to email the file to them (depending on the size of the file). Generally speaking, it's not a good idea to email a file that is larger than 5 MB in size.  However, depending on who you're sending it to, you may be able to get away with a 10 MB file.

To check file size, RIGHT CLICK on the file and select PROPERTIES.  You'll see a number followed by either "Kb", "Mb" or Gb".  That's the size of the file. The file  is within the range quoted above, you can try and attach it to an email and send it.  If it's larger than 10 MB, it would be better to burn the file to a disk (or copy it to a flash drive) and mail it.