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Using FamilySearch in FTM 2017 for Windows

How do I use FamilySearch features in Family Tree Maker 2017 for Windows?

The article discusses the following:

FamilySearch is the largest genealogy organization in the world, operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Millions of people use FamilySearch records, resources, and services each year to learn more about their family history. FamilySearch was historically known as the Genealogical Society of Utah, which was founded in 1894.

The FamilySearch Family Tree is intended to provide “One complete, accurate record for each person who has lived on the earth.” This is a single tree, not a collection of private user trees, and is collaborative. The tree is constantly growing as more and more user contributions are made.

With Family Tree Maker 2017 you can get automatic match suggestions for FamilySearch Family Tree records, search the tree’s 1 billion+ names directly from within the program, and merge records you find straight into your own tree.
 

Logging in to FamilySearch

To receive information from FamilySearch, you must log in to the site from within Family Tree Maker.

1. Click the FamilySearch icon in the top-right corner of the Family Tree Maker window, and then choose Log In from the pop-up menu.

2. Enter your FamilySearch username and password in the box that appears and click Sign In.

If you don't have a FamilySearch account, click the “Don't have a FamilySearch account?” link in the login dialog to open the FamilySearch website in your browser and create a free account.  If you are unable to log in to your FamilySearch account, you may need to check your username or reset your password using the links under the "Sign In" and "Cancel" buttons.
 

FamilySearch Hints

When you are logged in to Family Search, Family Tree Maker can automatically search the FamilySearch Family Tree for information that might match people in your tree. Whenever a possible match is found, you’ll see a blue square icon next to the person on the People workspace. You can then click the icon to view the data from the FamilySearch Tree and merge it into your tree in Family Tree Maker if you think it is relevant.

1. Click the FamilySearch icon in the top-right corner of the Family Tree Maker window and make sure there is a check mark next to the Show Hints from FamilySearch option in the pop-up menu (if there isn’t, click the option).

2. Go to the Tree tab on the People workspace.

3. Browse through the people in your tree. If you see a blue square icon next to a person, it means possible matches have been found in the FamilySearch Family Tree.

4. Hold the mouse pointer over the icon to see how many possible matches there are.

5. Click the icon to open the Web Search workspace with a full list of the suggested matches.

6. Select a search result to see the person's data in the Search Results Detail area. If you decide you want to merge the person’s data into your tree, click Merge to open the Web Merge Wizard.
 

Searching FamilySearch

You can search FamilySearch FamilyTree for ancestors directly from within the program, without waiting for FamilySearch hints to appear. This will produce a list of people who match the data you specify. You can review these possible matches and merge information that you find relevant into your Family Tree Maker tree.

1. Click the FamilySearch icon in the top-right corner of the Family Tree Maker window, and make sure there is a check mark next to the Show Hints from FamilySearch option in the drop-down list (if there isn’t, click the option).

2. Go to the Web Search workspace.

3. Click FamilySearch.org in the Search Locations list.

4. In the right part of the window, enter information about the individual you want to find.

5. Click Find. The search results appear.

6. Select a search result to see the person's data in the Search Results Detail area.

7. If you decide you want to merge the person’s data into your tree, click Merge to open the Web Merge Wizard.

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