FTM 2019 and FTM 2024 can open any Family Tree Maker tree file — no matter how old. Either directly or with the help of free Family Tree Maker conversion tools, the latest two editions can open tree files created by any version of Family Tree Maker, all the way back to version 1.0 which was published more than 35 years ago in 1989.
If you are using an older edition of Family Tree Maker, we would encourage you to consider upgrading to FTM 2024. Apart from being able to import your tree file from your older edition directly, there are many new improvements and features to assist with your family history. We offer an upgrade discount for anyone who owns a previous edition - simply sign up for our newsletter at www.familytreemaker.com and you'll get an email back shortly with more information.
When using FTM 2017 or a previous edition, there may be rare cases where family tree files from older editions do not import directly. In such cases it may be necessary to convert the files to a newer format first. The following file types may need to be converted before importing them:
- .FTW and .FBK files created in Family Tree Maker versions 1–4
- .FBC, .AFT, and .GED (prior to version 5.5) files
If you are having difficulty importing any older family tree files into any edition of Family Tree Maker and want assistance, we're glad to help via live chat. Click here to get to any agent, available 24/7 and free of charge.
If you prefer to try to convert the family tree file yourself, this article will help you use Family Tree Maker 2005 Starter Edition to convert your file to a supported format so that it can be imported.
Instructions for Converting Older Files
To convert these files, you should use Family Tree Maker 2005 Starter Edition. Note that FTM 2005 Starter Edition can only be installed on a computer with the Windows operating system. Also, FTM 2005 Starter Edition is a 14-day free trial. Once the 14-day free trial is over, the Starter Edition can no longer be used. We recommend installing it after you have received your new Family Tree Maker software and are ready to convert your files.
To download Family Tree Maker 2005 Starter Edition, click here.
As the conversion process will update your file to be a Family Tree Maker 2005 file, we recommend creating a separate backup file from your current version of FTM before starting the conversion process.
After downloading and installing Family Tree Maker 2005 Starter Edition, open your family tree file by following the instructions below:
Converting .FTW files (from FTM 1–4)
- Make sure Family Tree Maker 2005 Starter Edition is installed on your Windows PC.
- Open Family Tree Maker 2005 Starter Edition, and then click the Open Existing button or choose Open from the File menu.
- In the Open Family File window that appears, locate the .FTW file that you want to convert, select it, and click Open.
- After Family Tree Maker 2005 Starter Edition opens the .FTW file, close the application. Your file has been automatically converted. You can now import this file into the latest version of Family Tree Maker.
- If you have no other need for Family Tree Maker 2005 Starter Edition, you can uninstall it from your computer.
Converting .FBK files (from FTM 1–4), .FBC, .AFT and .GED (prior to version 5.5) files
- Make sure Family Tree Maker 2005 Starter Edition is installed on your Windows PC.
- Open Family Tree Maker 2005 Starter Edition, and then click the Open Existing button or choose Open from the File menu.
- In the Open Family File window that appears, locate the file that you want to convert, select it, and click Open.
- The program will display the New Family File window. This is because the conversion of files in .FBK, .FBC, .AFT, or .GED format requires the creation of a new working file. In the File name field, type a name for the new converted file that will allow you to distinguish it from your other ones, and then click the Save button.
- Family Tree Maker 2005 Starter Edition will convert your file and open it when the conversion is complete. Close the application and import your converted file into the latest version of Family Tree Maker.
Note: If you are converting an .FBC file from a version of Family Tree Maker later than 2005 Starter Edition, when the conversion is complete you will receive an alert message saying, “The file you are trying to load is from a newer version of Family Tree Maker 2005 Starter Edition and cannot be loaded. To upgrade your version, please visit our website at http://www.genealogy.com.” However, you can simply close this message — the .FTW file you saved in step 4 can still be imported into your new version of Family Tree Maker.