Backing Up a File in Family Tree Maker for Mac 3.1 and Earlier

How do I backup a tree file in Family Tree Maker for Mac?

1. Open the tree you want to back up in Family Tree Maker.

2. Click the File menu and choose Backup. The Backup the Tree dialog opens.

3. The Backup Filename is automatically listed as the name of your tree with today’s date following it. If you want your backup to be saved with a different name, you can edit the current name or enter a new one in this field.

Select what data you want to be included in your backup file.

Select the location where you want to save your backup file (you can always manually move it to a different location later on if needed).

Note: Historical events are not part of a tree file. They are saved as properties of Family Tree Maker so they can be used with all of your tree files. Adding them to the backup saves them in case of computer failure or if you are moving your tree to a different computer. You can also use a backup file to share the historical events you have created with a different user. On restoring a backup, the backed up historical events are added to the historical events already in the program.

Allow restored file to resume syncing: This option is available only in Family Tree Maker 2017.

- Media files: Includes all media files that are linked to the tree, even if they are not copied to the tree's default media folder. If you use this setting, make sure that all linked media files are currently accessible (i.e., remote files are on an attached drive). Historical events: Backs up all of the historical events that you have created or edited for inclusion in timelines.

Select Removable media to save your backup file to a blank CD/or DVD, external hard drive, or another removable device like a USB flash drive.
Default location of trees is the folder your working file is currently saved to. By default, this will be in a folder called Family Tree Maker in the Documents folder.
Choosing Custom directory allows you to save this file to a folder on your computer of your choice. You can select a different folder by clicking the Change button.

4. Click Backup. A message tells you when the file has been backed up successfully.