Are you wondering, "Is Family Tree Maker still available?" You're not alone. Many genealogists and family history enthusiasts have been asking the same question. Let's delve into the history and current status of this popular genealogy software.
Family Tree Maker (FTM) was first introduced in 1989 by Software MacKiev, initially for the Macintosh. It later expanded to Windows and became one of the most widely used genealogy software programs worldwide. So, it's natural to wonder what happened to it and whether it's still available.
Family Tree Maker's History and Discontinuation
In 2016, Ancestry.com, the popular genealogy website, discontinued its support for Family Tree Maker. This led to much concern among users about the software's future. However, the story doesn't end there.
Ancestry.com sold the rights to Family Tree Maker to Software MacKiev, the original developer. This move ensured that the software would continue to be developed and supported.
Family Tree Maker's Rebirth
Software MacKiev relaunched Family Tree Maker in 2017, bringing it back to life with new features and improvements. The software is now available for both Mac and Windows users.
One of the significant changes was the integration of FamilySearch, the world's largest genealogy organization. This allows users to sync their Family Tree Maker trees with FamilySearch, providing access to a vast database of genealogical records.
Family Tree Maker Today
Family Tree Maker is not only still available but also thriving with regular updates and new features. It offers a comprehensive set of tools for creating, organizing, and sharing family trees. Some of its key features include:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Integration with FamilySearch and other genealogy websites
- Ability to create and share family books and charts
- Support for over 20 languages
- Advanced search and matching tools
Moreover, Family Tree Maker has a large and active community of users who share tips, resources, and support each other.
What About Ancestry.com and Family Tree Maker?
Although Ancestry.com no longer owns Family Tree Maker, the two platforms can still work together. You can sync your Family Tree Maker tree with your Ancestry.com account, allowing you to access Ancestry's extensive record collection directly from Family Tree Maker.
However, it's important to note that this is a one-way sync. Changes made in Ancestry.com will not reflect in Family Tree Maker. For two-way syncing, you'll need to use FamilySearch.
Is Family Tree Maker Right for You?
If you're looking for a robust, user-friendly genealogy software that can help you organize your family history and connect with other genealogists, Family Tree Maker could be an excellent choice. It offers a wide range of features to suit both beginners and experienced genealogists.
However, it's always a good idea to try before you buy. Family Tree Maker offers a free trial that allows you to explore its features and decide if it's the right fit for your needs.
In the ever-evolving world of genealogy, it's reassuring to know that Family Tree Maker is still available and thriving. So, if you've been wondering, "Is Family Tree Maker still available?" the answer is a resounding yes. Now, it's time to start exploring your family history!