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FTM 2024 FAQ

Family Tree Maker 2024 was launched on May 10, 2025.  If you have questions about the release, you've come to the right place!

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Purchasing FTM 2024

Family Packs and Plugins

Getting Ready for FTM 2024

 

 

PURCHASING FTM 2024

 

Q: Can I still get a discount on an upgrade to FTM 2024 now that it's shipping?

A: You can find the best available upgrade discount by clicking here.

 

Q: Do I need to buy a DVD or USB version, or just the download?

A: The backup DVD and USB are optional add-ons and not strictly necessary - they're useful if you prefer to install from physical media, or to have on hand to easily reinstall if you need to.  The USB also contains about 14 GB of free space for file transfer and/or storage.

 

Q: When can we expect DVDs and USB drives to be shipping?

A: We start production the day after release and expect to be shipping from our facilities in the US, UK and Australia in June 2025.

 

Q: Where can I get the Family Tree Maker Connect mobile app?

A: Both the Android and iOS versions of FTM Connect 2.0 are now available!  See Using the Family Tree Maker Connect App for more details.  You can click here to find it on Google Play or click here to find it in the iOS app store.

 

Q: When will AlbumWALK be available and will we need an updated version of FTM 2024 to use it?

A: AlbumWALK is part of Family Tree Maker’s growing ecosystem of mobile apps. The AlbumWALK player is already embedded in FTM 2024 so an update is probably not going to be needed. Releasing AlbumWALK is the highest priority on our To Do list, but as with all our products the release date is “when it’s ready.” Which means when it’s well tested, safe, secure and will surprise and delight anyone who uses it.

 

Q: Will there be an updated Companion Guide for FTM 2024 and will a printed version be available? 

A: Yes! And you can pre-order a printed copy of the Companion Guide fully updated for FTM 2024 when you pick up your download links in the FTM 2024 Update Center. You can also order a copy through the Gift Collection on www.familytreemaker.com.

 

Q: When should we expect to receive the printed FTM 2024 Companion Guide?

A: We're going to press the week of the release in the US, UK, and Australia, and we expect it to be shipping worldwide in June 2025.

 

Q: So what took so long?

A: In short, we took on a much more ambitious project in making FTM 2024 than we had imagined.  When we estimated making our new Connect workspace - which makes it easy to enlist your relatives to fact check your tree and help with your family history research - well, we were off in our estimates "by a country mile".  That and our commitment to never ship a product until it's ready all added up to a much later release than we had planned.

 

 

FAMILY PACKS AND PLUGINS

 

Q: Do I need a Family Pack license?

A: Only if a) there's more than one computer in your home, AND b) there's more than one FTM 2024 user there.  So for example, if you are the only FTM 2024 user in your home, you can have it on both your desktop computer and your laptop and do not need a Family Pack license.

 

Q: I already have a Family Pack license for a previous edition.  Do I need to buy a new one for FTM 2024?

A: Yes, assuming you want to install and use FTM 2024 on all of the computers in your home.

 

Q: Are Charting Companion and Family Book Creator updated to work with FTM 2024?

A: The latest release of Family Book Creator 2019 is compatible with FTM 2024. If you have an issue while using the plugin, go to the Help menu and select Check for Updates in FBC 2019, then follow the instructions on-screen.

The current release of Charting Companion 8 is compatible with FTM 2024.  If you have an issue while using the plugin, please click here for an FAQ with more information.

 

 

GETTING READY FOR FTM 2024

 

Q: Is there anything I should do to get ready before installing FTM 2024?

A: If you're using TreeVault, you're all set.  If not, it's a good best practice before any update or upgrade to a new edition to make fresh full backups of your trees first.  For more detailed instructions, please click here.

 

Q: Do I need to have a previous version installed in order to upgrade to FTM 2024?

A: No; whether you are using Family Tree Maker for the first time, or upgrading from a previous edition, FTM 2024 is a standalone program that does not require a previous version in order to be installed.

 

Q: After download and installing FTM 2024, am I safe to remove my previous version?

A: Yes; FTM 2024 is a standalone program that does not require anything from previous editions.  Uninstalling a previous edition of Family Tree Maker will not affect the tree files stored on your computer.

 

Q: How do I transfer my tree files into FTM 2024?

A: If you are upgrading to FTM 2024 from a Software MacKiev edition (FTM 2019 or 2017), then you should see your list of trees in the Plan workspace when you first open the program (alternatively click Select Tree -> Tree Browser).  Otherwise, you can Import an Existing Tree on the Plan workspace, or can go to File > Restore to open up a backup.

 

Q: How do I set up TreeVault in FTM 2024?

A: Setting up TreeVault in FTM 2024 is easy if you have been using TreeVault in FTM 2019.  Just open your Source tree in FTM 2024 and it will be converted and automatically linked to your Antenna tree.

If this is your first time using TreeVault, click here for information on how to get started.

 

Q: How can I learn to use the new features of FTM 2024?

A: There is a new Companion Guide in digital PDF format in the Help menu within FTM 2024. We’ve added a special symbol to identify new features and enhancements in this edition so you can spot them right away. You can also search this support site by topic or keyword, and the most commonly used articles are those listed on the home page.

 

Q: What are the system requirements for FTM 2024?  Are there versions available for tablets and phones?

A: FTM 2024 is a desktop application for Windows and Mac computers, with minimum system requirements shown below.  We have also created a separate Family Tree Maker Connect mobile app to use in conjunction with TreeVault Cloud Services, which allows you to view your FTM 2024 tree anywhere, at any time.

System Requirements for Windows:

• Operating System: Windows 10 (x64) or later, including Windows 11
• Hard Disk: 900 MB available disk space
• Memory: 2 GB of RAM (4 GB recommended)
• Display: 1024 x 768 resolution

System Requirements for Mac:

• Operating System: macOS Big Sur (11) or later, including macOS Sequoia (15.0)
• Hard Disk: 950 MB available disk space
• Memory: 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended)
• Display: 1280 x 800 screen resolution

 

Q: What are the system requirements for Family Tree Maker Connect 2.0?

A: Family Tree Maker Connect 2.0 requires iOS 15 or later and supports Android 7.0 and up.

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