Family Tree Maker - Up To Version 16 Review by Tom Cannon,  Apr 7, 2013

I have already gone through unpteen versions and now it looks like I will not be able to take Verion 7.0 to Windows 8. The least expensive alternative is to stick with what you have. Purchase a used lap top and use it just for FTM and never update again.

Biggest Pro: up to Version 7.0, good software
Biggest Con: cost of continued up-dates as well as learning curves on newer version are prohibitive.

Family Tree Maker - Up To Version 16 Review by Janet Muff,  Mar 17, 2013

I have worked with FTM for many years, and the latest version I have been using is FTM16, which I love. I should say up front that I have a large, complex database (over 86,000 individuals and over 300,000 source references) as I have been researching the early families of an entire county in Vermont. Thus my data is not a single family tree but a web of inter-relationships among many families over many generations. Yet I have never had a problem with FTM 16. I can add data with a single click. I can link and unlink. I can make corrections easily. It is simple and straightforward. No fancy bells and whistles. Just wonderful data management. But I have been uneasy as my database has grown, and twice in the past many years, when I have had occasion to contact Ancestry, I have asked whether there was a limit to the capacity of this program, either in megabytes or number of individuals. I have been told that the capacity was “unlimited.” That’s a direct quote.

But recently the program has slowed a bit (meaning it takes 6 or 7 seconds to open a field so that I can enter additional data). As it is no longer supported by the Ancestry.com help line, I had to submit my questions/concerns via email. The situation was not resolved and after several back-and-forths, I was asked to send my database to Ancestry for further evaluation, which I did grudgingly.

The database came back “partitioned,” which is a misnomer. True partitioning would have removed a section of the database to another file and reduced the existing file. This would have given me two files to work from - the new file and the old file minus the section that had been removed. But Ancestry’s idea of partitioning was to copy about 29,000 individuals into a separate file, leaving the original file intact and having the same difficulty with slowness. This was not helpful. I was advised to purchase the new 2012 version of FTM.

Let me also say that I have upgraded twice in the past many years, to the 2008 version and to the 2010 version and did not like how they functioned. So, I returned to my tried and true Version 16. To me the new versions felt like ornate Victorian chairs as compared with the simple Shaker chair I’d been using. Complex though my database may be, I want the operation to be smooth, simple and efficient.

Nevertheless, I was worried that I might be reaching the capacity of Version 16, so I purchased the 2012 Version and loaded my data (a several-hour process) into the new program. Then, I set to work learning the new format. Knowing that I have never met an upgrade I liked, I steeled myself to perservere despite the inner revolt that ensued.

Then tonight I discovered that my database is too large even for the 2012 version, which crashed repeatedly when I tried to make a minor addition to an existing burial source. That source references over 3200 separate bits of information because it pertains to a large number of gravestones. But as I feel compelled to document the origins of my data, I use the source whenever it applies. The 2012 version could not handle this situation. It took 55 seconds just to open the field which would allow me to enter information. And as soon as I entered the brief gravestone inscription and clicked, “OK,” the program crashed. I tried four more times, always with the same result.

For test purposes, I returned to my Version 16 file, opened it to the appropriate individual, and clicked on the icon to add the burial information. (It took 7 seconds to open vs the 55 seconds for FTM 2012.) I typed in the gravestone inscription, clicked, “OK,” and was on my way! No fuss and no muss.

As I’ve already said, I love this program and am heartbroken that Ancestry does not see what a gem they have. And I don’t understand why they can’t produce two versions - the streamlined 16 and the one with bells and whistles that will make you “the star of your family reunion.”

I will add one more bit of information. My computer consultant and I spoke with the support staff at Ancestry earlier today to ask whether there was a limit to the capacity of the 2012 version. We told the representative that we had been having a slowing problem with Version 16. “Oh, the limit of that program is 80,000 people!” she said. No one had told me this. Not when I’d spoken with other support staff over the years. And not in this lates slowing sitution, when the technicians had my actual database in hand and could see the number of individuals, the number of sources, and the total size (198 MB). And the answer to my question about the capacity of Version 2012: “It’s unlimited,” she said. If you believe that, perhaps I can sell you a bridge in the Mojave desert.

I don’t know what I will do now. Certainly I can’t continue with the 2012 version as it is already overwhelmed. Neither can I truly partition the existing database because, while it will allow me to copy a tree to another database, it will not let me delete a whole segment from the existing database. To delete the necessary 30-40,000 individuals, I would have to do them one by one.

Biggest Pro: Simple, streamlined, easy to use, reliable.
Biggest Con: Can’t be partitioned.

Family Tree Maker - Up To Version 16 Review by Greg Dawson,  Feb 14, 2013

I have used FTM Version 16 for a number of years (obviously since before 2008). I have to admit I am not a professional geneologist, but Ver 16 has been perfect for me. Now fast forward to 2012 when my old laptop disintegrated and I was forced to buy a new one, which of course has MS Windows 7 on it. Now most of FTM Ver 16 still works except for the book creation which I deem a critical part. Apparently Ancestory.Com isn’t interested in fixing it, but insists on selling upgrades, which apparently do not come up to the standard of Ver 16. I’m afraid Ancestory.Com is to interested in selling access to geneology bases to do right by FTM.

Biggest Pro: Ease of use
Biggest Con: Isn’t compatible with Windows ver 7.

Family Tree Maker - Up To Version 16 Review by Carol Dickinson,  Jan 16, 2013

I have been a loyal Treemaker user since version 3 when it was still owned and operated by Banner Blue back in about 1995. It was by far the BEST program on the market for years My kid hacked it and made a mess. I had to send a copy to Banner Blue, they fixed it and sent it back.

It remained a fabulous program when purchased by Broderbund. We had an online user discussion group about using the software, things we wanted improved, wish lists of features, fixes we figured out. Broderbund had a guy they paid just to hang around with that group, and together we built upgrades that worked better, faster and with fewer challenges.

Then it was purchased by Parsons. It didn’t get any better after that, but it wasn’t awful. I got behind on an upgrade one year because I was sick for a long time. And they switched to the versions which are ID’d by dates. It was not possible to upgrade to those unless you first moved everything into version 16, and then upgraded. Well that took a while. By the time I was ready, 2012 was the current version and 16 wasn’t supported anymore according to Ancestry.com who own it now.

I was having challenges with working it to upgrade and I was advised by Treemaker techs to upgrade to Windows 7, which I did. Then EVERYTHING LOCKED UP and I LOST 35 YEARS of work and a decade of data entry. Only AFTER THAT happened did Ancestry techs advise me that 16 wasn’t compatible with windows 7 and all my data was irretrievably locked up. I had by that time spent about 40 hours on the phone with tech support.

SO I had to start over with 2012. In the 14 months since I did that, I had to reload the 2012 software 3 times before it worked. The online download did not work. Using the CD I had to do it 3 times before it worked.

Biggest Pro: Really easy data entry and migration from page to page, great report formats.
Biggest Con: NOT COMPATIBLE WITH WINDOWS 7. Will lock up your data FOREVER. These versions are no longer supported. And you can’t move the data to the new formats or use the online features.

Family Tree Maker - Up To Version 16 Review by Carol Dickinson,  Jan 16, 2013

I have been a loyal Treemaker user since version 3 when it was still owned and operated by Banner Blue back in about 1995. It was by far the BEST program on the market for years My kid hacked it and made a mess. I had to send a copy to Banner Blue, they fixed it and sent it back.

It remained a fabulous program when purchased by Broderbund. We had an online user discussion group about using the software, things we wanted improved, wish lists of features, fixes we figured out. Broderbund had a guy they paid just to hang around with that group, and together we built upgrades that worked better, faster and with fewer challenges.

Then it was purchased by Parsons. It didn’t get any better after that, but it wasn’t awful. I got behind on an upgrade one year because I was sick for a long time. And they switched to the versions which are ID’d by dates. It was not possible to upgrade to those unless you first moved everything into version 16, and then upgraded. Well that took a while. By the time I was ready, 2012 was the current version and 16 wasn’t supported anymore according to Ancestry.com who own it now.

I was having challenges with working it to upgrade and I was advised by Treemaker techs to upgrade to Windows 7, which I did. Then EVERYTHING LOCKED UP and I LOST 35 YEARS of work and a decade of data entry. Only AFTER THAT happened did Ancestry techs advise me that 16 wasn’t compatible with windows 7 and all my data was irretrievably locked up. I had by that time spent about 40 hours on the phone with tech support.

SO I had to start over with 2012. In the 14 months since I did that, I had to reload the 2012 software 3 times before it worked. The online download did not work. Using the CD I had to do it 3 times before it worked.

Biggest Pro: Really easy data entry and migration from page to page, great report formats.
Biggest Con: NOT COMPATIBLE WITH WINDOWS 7. Will lock up your data FOREVER. These versions are no longer supported. And you can’t move the data to the new formats or use the online features.

Family Tree Maker - Up To Version 16 Review by New Forest Dweller,  Dec 2, 2012

Although I have installed all the upgrades since starting on FTM v2.0, nothing has improved since v13. FTM 2006 is clearly laid out, simple to use, easy to modify and not heavy on resource. I still use v13 even though I do get some imperfections on Windows 7. How about making this version fully supported and give us the option of not having to install the “bloatware” later versions.

Biggest Pro: Clarity of layout
Biggest Con: Can’t think of one

Family Tree Maker - Up To Version 16 Review by Al Falkman,  Oct 28, 2012

I have been using FTM since Banner Blue first came out with Family Tree Maker. (I think it was called Family Tree for Windows at that time). I won’t mention how may years ago that was, It might give away my age… And I have looked foward to each new version and the added features that they bring. I currently have both FTM v16 and FTM 2011 on my computer. Even tho 2011 & 2012 closely matches the format for Ancestry, and has more features. I still find it easier and more direct to use v.16 to do all my input with. That done, I will bring up FTM 2011 and import the data from v.16. That way I can use the features of FTM 2011.

Biggest Pro: Data entry ease
Biggest Con: Not having the features of the later versions.

Family Tree Maker - Up To Version 16 Review by Don Michel,  Oct 25, 2012

I have been using FTM V 16 for several years now and find it is quite adequate for m ost of the things I want to do. I do have the Master Genealogist which I use to import data from FTM for the purpose of publishing work to the Internet without the limitation of somebody else’s idea of how my data should look (template style as in Geni or MyHeritage). One tip is to keep your old computer running as newer 64 bit machines (most anything running later than early Windows 7) will not run FTM V 16 at all. So stick with 32 bit machines running Vista, XP, or early Windows 7 with the necessary patches to restore full functionality and you should do well.
I particularly like the data entry of V 16 and the flexibilbity of notes and scrapbooks in this FTM. Should you have questions, you may contact me at don1936@gmail, if you like.

Biggest Pro: Data entry techniques
Biggest Con: Incompatabilty with newer machines

Family Tree Maker - Up To Version 16 Review by Craig,  Sep 3, 2012

I have had earlier versions, and updated to 2011 on XP, which went fine. After a dead motherboard, I re-installed on Win7, and it works fine. I have not used any other genealogy program, so am unable to compare, but FTM is fairly simple to use, so I have no complaints.

Biggest Pro: Ease of use
Biggest Con: I have no experience with other programs, so cannot compare.

Family Tree Maker - Up To Version 16 Review by geno500,  Sep 3, 2012

Hi I have been using Version 2 dating from 1995 this is a great family tree product as you can see your whole tree on the screen and so see what any given line needs getting updated,it is of course very basic it has none of the frills such as lots of charts and such but you do not need them,all you want is to record your tree,but I decided I should get a newer programme and so purchased V10,I am at a complete loss as to know how to work this programme it has detached wives from husbands and in some case shows no children,I am now looking for a version 3 which I hope will be like version 2 with a few upgrades,if you buy this programme look for one when ESP was not taken over Avanquest and then Ancestry

Biggest Pro: Early versions superb and easy to use
Biggest Con: latest version to complicated if you are a computer nerd you may be okay.

Family Tree Maker - Up To Version 16 Review by J P Snow,  Sep 2, 2012

The most recent version of FTM that I have is Version 7. I would like to upgrade, especially since I am running XP on my PC and WIN7 on my laptop; however, from the reviews of the 2011 and 2012 versions, I would prefer to upgrade to a somewhat earlier version. Is there a consensus among reviewers of the best version to buy that is compatible with Version 7, has no significant problems, and would run on both Windows versions.

Thank you in advance for any and all enlightening information!

Judith

Family Tree Maker - Up To Version 16 Review by Marie,  Jul 4, 2012

I just loaded FTM 2012 and what a waste of money, what a piece of crap! I had used FTM for years since v. 2. I quit working on my family history for a long while, just returned to it and wanted the latest FTM software. Fortunately my new computer with Windows 7 will run my last upgrade, v. 11. I will see if I can find version 16.

I wish I had found this website and read all the complaints before buying. It’s a whole different program with a huge learning curve. pfff for my mother’s relative it make her a relative of my father’s wife. How stupid. And ancestry who now, evidently, own FTM is so cheap they can’t even provide a manual, unless I buy it

Family Tree Maker - Up To Version 16 Review by iowaz,  Jun 11, 2012

FTM 2011 stinks!!!! Why the $%#@ did they make it un-useable !! Now after nearly two decades something else will have to be found with the hope of transferring 60k names and hundreds of thousands of entry facts. I am not a happy camper with the ignorance of Ancestry.

Biggest Pro: Vertion 16 is certainly the most functional.
Biggest Con: Cannot swear enough about 2011 and beyond.

Family Tree Maker - Up To Version 16 Review by Dave,  Jun 3, 2012

Gave me all which I asked for.

Biggest Pro: Company was responsive

Family Tree Maker - Up To Version 16 Review by Rick Wolfe,  Mar 25, 2012

I have used almost every version of Family Tree Maker up to the latest, FTM 2011. In all honesty, the latest versions are almost unusable. The learning curve is steep, not friendly at all and not what I had expected. If I have my druthers, I am going back to version 16 and use it on a Vista machine. 32 bits is fine .
My biggest regret with the later versions is that they are labor intensive to get to a specific bit of information, and then transferring that information is no longer in the ‘cut and paste’ mode. If the folks at FTM want to keep me as a customer, and many others too, I can only hope that they return to the simpler systems, and the sooner the better.

Biggest Pro: Easy to use, and you see an entire family at one time
Biggest Con: Gets slower as you add people, and the storage file is huge, esp with pictures.

Family Tree Maker - Up To Version 16 Review by Jill Groce,  Dec 28, 2011

This program was—and is—perfect, at least for me. It has a clean interface that works intuitively, it doesn’t clutter up the workings with bells and whistles, and it has all the important menus and options. It directs me through a path, not a maze. Its Ancestry.com connection shows the family’s basic information on the right and the chosen website’s on the left. I can see at a glance if an entry is worth examining.

Its register reports, aka genealogy reports, are readable. They’re like text, not like awkward-sounding computer output.

I can’t say enough good things about FTM 16, nor enough bad things about the FTM 2011 I was forced to buy in order to meet my clients’ needs.

Biggest Pro: Ease of use, clean interface, prioritized functionality, designed for information and not computer programming specs.
Biggest Con: Sourcing, footnotes, bibliography.

Family Tree Maker - Up To Version 16 Review by L. Murphy,  Dec 13, 2011

I can’t rate your product at this time. I have spent the last two days trying to get the index of individuals to print the generation number. Other than this, I think the program is very nice. Could someone please tell me how to accomplish this? Thank you.
murplau@yahoo.com

Biggest Pro: It informs one of all their errors - also the relationship chart is neat.
Biggest Con: need better tutorial disk.

Family Tree Maker - Up To Version 16 Review by L. Murphy,  Dec 13, 2011

I can’t rate your product at this time. I have spent the last two days trying to get the index of individuals to print the generation number. Other than this, I think the program is very nice. Could someone please tell me how to accomplish this? Thank you.
murplau@yahoo.com

Biggest Pro: It informs one of all their errors - also the relationship chart is neat.

Family Tree Maker - Up To Version 16 Review by Jo,  Nov 29, 2011

I have been a FTM user for years. I am currently still with FTM 2006, which is one fantastic program. I am now trying out FTM 2012 on a trial basis, but, I know it is going back! Working with the program for only a few days, I have already experienced much frustration and am tracking the numberous errors that I am finding in their program! For example, they still do not have the “All Relationships” correct in the kinship report. My husbands one aunt is 1.) Aunt 2.)Wife of Uncle. This is a situation where his fathers sister married his mothers brother. The new program only states that she is his aunt. This is only one of many errors that I am finding. Their bookmaking program is still not up to par with the 2006 version, besides the program TAKING FOREVER to do anything! It will be going back to Ancestry shortly! I will continue to use an old computer so that I can stay with FTM Version 2006 as long as possible or until I can find another genealogy program to equal FTM 206!

Biggest Pro: Fantastic bookmaking portion of the program
Biggest Con: Program updates discontinued and not compatible with new 64 bit computers.

Family Tree Maker - Up To Version 16 Review by Dell Quint,  Nov 12, 2011

I have been working with FTM for a very long time and taking advantage of the off site backup that Ancestry offers. The latest version I had installed was Version 16. I recently lost everything on my conputer and had to replace it. Since I downloaded it from Ancestry I had no software backup and the new versions are so different the offsite backup no longer works. I have 100’s of hours of work just setting offsite and I can’t retrieve it. Does anyone have a Ver. 16 software disc they are willing to sell or loan so I can get back on track.

Biggest Pro: Easy to operate and fits my basic needs.
Biggest Con: Newer versions obsoleted all my work.