Exporting a file in Family Tree Maker for Mac

Exporting your tree lets you save a copy of your file for various purposes, such as sharing with family members. The steps to export your file are outlined below.

1. Click on the File menu and select Export.

   

2. The Export file window will open. From the upper half, you select the option for the individuals you want to include in this exported file.

   

   • Entire file will copy all individuals you have in this file into the new file we are exporting.
   • Selected Individuals allows you to choose what individuals you want to export. For more information regarding exporting selected individuals, please click here.
3. You’ll now need to decide what format you want your file to be in, the Output Format. Clicking on the drop down menu, you are presented with different options, explained below.

   

   • Family Tree Maker saves the file in Family Tree Maker format for the version you are using as a .ftmd. These files can only be opened with the same or newer version of Family Tree Maker for Mac.
   • GEDCOM 5.5 (standard) saves your file in GEDCOM format. GEDCOM is a universal file format that can be opened in any genealogy software. For more information about GEDCOM files, click here.
   • GEDCOM for FTM 16 saves your file as a GEDCOM specifically for Family Tree Maker 16.
4. After selecting the output format, you will then need to choose what options you want for this file as well. These options are explained below.

   

   • Checking Privatize Living People will change the name of anyone considered by the software as living to Living Surname in the exported file. Facts and Shared Facts for living individuals are also not exported.
   • Include private facts exports this file with all facts, private or not. Private facts will still be marked private if the file is exported as a Family Tree Maker file. GEDCOM files don’t retain this formatting. The facts will show as any other fact.
   • Include private notes exports this file with all notes, private or not. Just like private facts, private notes will still be marked private if the file is exported as a Family Tree Maker file. GEDCOM files don’t retain this formatting. The notes will show as any other note.
   • The Include media files option allows you to include media files, such as photos, with your file when you export it. This option is not available for GEDCOMs.
   • Include tasks saves your file with all tasks you may have for your tree. This option is not available for GEDCOM files.
   • Include charts, reports, and books allows you to includes any items you have saved in the Publishing workspace. Charts, reports, and books can only be included when saving as the Family Tree Maker format. This option is not available for saving as past versions of Family Tree Maker or GEDCOMs.
   • Include only items linked to selected individuals is only available when exporting selected individuals. It allows you to export your file with just items, such as sources, associated with the filtered individuals. Unchecking it will include all sources and media for the file, whether they are associated with the filtered individuals or not.
5. We’re now ready to export the file. Clicking Export will open the Export to… window. Using this window, navigate to the location you want to save this file. Once there, type a name in for your new file, and click Save.

   

6. The file will now be exported. When it finishes, you should receive a window stating the file was exported successfully. Click OK.