Looking for more information about Family Book Creator? Here are answers to the most common questions, with links to key resources and additional information.
Q: What is Family Book Creator?
A: Family Book Creator is an official plugin for Family Tree Maker that uses your family tree to generate a professional quality family history book on your home computer. For a more detailed look at its features, click here to go to the plugin website.
The newest edition, Family Book Creator 2024, was released in February 2025. Click here for an overview of the new features.
Q: How can I upgrade from a previous edition to Family Book Creator 2024?
A: Family Book Creator 2024 is a separate new edition of the plugin with its own license key. FBC users who purchased a license for FBC in 2024 or 2025 are entitled to upgrade to FBC 2024 for free. This means that serial numbers issued after 1 January 2024 are already valid serial numbers for FBC 2024!
If you ordered your current FBC serial number before January 2024, you need to order a new license for FBC 2024 or continue to use FBC 2019. There may be a discount available through our Gift Collection - click here if you are a US customer, or click here if you live outside the United States.
Q: I'm new to Family Book Creator, where can I buy it?
A: If you're ready to make your purchase, you can purchase it through our Gift Collection. Click here if you are a US customer, or click here if you live outside the United States.
Or if you'd prefer to give it a try first, there is a limited trial available if you click here to go to the plugin download page.
Q: What languages are available in Family Book Creator?
A: The interface for Family Book Creator is in English by default, but can be changed to Swedish or German using the User Interface Language dropdown option on the General tab when you're using the plugin.
You can select from multiple languages for the book output itself, including Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Spanish, and Swedish. Select from the Output language dropdown on the General tab within the plugin. Please note that only the language of the generated text elements changes. Family Book Creator does not translate user-entered information such as description fields and notes.
Q: What editions of Family Tree Maker are supported by Family Book Creator?
A: Family Book Creator 2024 is compatible with FTM 2017, 2019 and 2024 for Windows, and with FTM 2019 and 2024 for Mac. For full compatibility information, please click here for a reference article.
Previous editions of Family Book Creator are compatible with FTM 2010, 2012, FTM 2014, FTM 2014.1, FTM 2017 and FTM 2019 for Windows.
Q: What is the latest version (build) of Family Book Creator?
A: The latest version of Family Book Creator for Windows is Build 2507, and the latest for Mac is Build 2447. For a full list of enhancements, fixes and changes, click here for the official Change History for Windows, or click here for Mac.
The installation packages can be used for the first-time installation or to update an existing Family Book Creator installation. Click here to download the latest version of the installer package and updated Family Book Creator User Guide.
Q: What are the minimum system requirements for Family Book Creator?
A: Windows:
- System: Windows 7 and later, including Windows 11
- Free hard disk space: 600 MB (80 MB for Family Tree Maker versions 2012 through 2014.1)
- CD drive: For installation only
- Family Tree Maker: FTM 2012, FTM 2014, FTM 2014.1, FTM 2017, FTM 2019 or FTM 2024 installed
Mac:
- System: macOS Sierra (10.12) and later, including macOS Seqouia (15.3)
- Free hard disk space: 300 MB
- CD drive: For installation only
- Family Tree Maker: FTM 2019 or 2024
Q: How do I install and activate Family Book Creator?
A: Click here to sign up for the Family Book Creator newsletter and you will receive a link to the download area by email. If you have already signed up for the newsletter, click here instead.
Once you download and run the installer, open Family Tree Maker, open a family tree you'd like to use with the plugin, then go to the Tools menu, through Plugins to Export With Plugin, and click on Family Book Creator. (see example below)
You will be prompted to enter the Name, Place, Email and Serial Number from the order confirmation email you received when you originally purchased the software. If you run into any issues activating your license, please click here for detailed instructions and make sure to enter the serial number exactly as provided.
Q: Where can I go for more information?
A: Click here for a Quick Start Guide that takes you step-by-step through creating a family book. You can also click here for a list of Frequently Asked Questions.
Q: How can I submit feedback or feature requests for Family Book Creator?
A: If you'd like to share your experience with Family Book Creator or thoughts on what more you'd like to see from the plugin, click here for our feedback submission form.