Resolving Performance Issues in FTM 2017 and 2019 for Windows

If Family Tree Maker is running more slowly than expected, here are a few steps you can take to increase the software's performance.

This article discusses the following:

• Verify you meet the minimum system requirements
• Compact your file
• Merge duplicate individuals or sources
• Work Offline
• Disable fastfields

Verify you meet the minimum system requirements

If your computer doesn’t meet the minimum system requirements for Family Tree Maker, the program will not work well. As with all programs, a faster processor, more RAM, and more free disk space will enhance performance.

• System Requirements for FTM 2017
• System Requirements for FTM 2019

Compact your file

Family Tree Maker's Compact File tool will re-index your file, remove unnecessary data, and optimize your tree's performance. Instructions on this process can be found by clicking here.

 

Merge duplicate individuals or source citations

Merging duplicate individuals or source citations can reduce the overall size of your file and make your file more efficient.

Click here for instructions on merging duplicate individuals.

Information about merging duplicate source citations can be found here.


Work Offline

Temporarily disabling Internet access in Family Tree Maker can speed up your experience greatly, especially if you have large files.

With Family Tree Maker open, click the File menu and select Go Offline

• 
• If Go Online is displayed, this means Family Tree Maker is set to be offline.

If you don't want to disable Internet access entirely, you might want to turn off Family Tree Maker's automatic Ancestry and FamilySearch hint features. To do this:

1. Click the Tools menu and select Options.

   

2. In the window that appears, uncheck the boxes for Show hints from Ancestry and Show hints from FamilySearch then click OK.

   

Disable fastfields

Disabling fastfields in large databases can also speed things up.

To disable Fastfields:

1. Click the Tools menu and select Options.

   

2. In the window that opens, please uncheck all checkboxes under the Use fastfields for section and click OK.

   

If these suggestions don't seem to help, consider breaking your tree into several smaller, more manageable trees. Instructions for splitting your file can be found clicking here.