After testing a few desktop genealogy applications for how well they handled GEDCOM files, it occurred to me that I should write an article about my testing philosophy and methodology, as well as some of the problems with complying with the GEDCOM standard. Take a moment to ponder that: this series was motivated by the problem of genealogy software like Family Tree Maker (FTM) not complying with the GEDCOM standard. But there may be unintended consequences, both for users and software publishers, of following the standard. [Read more…] about The Perils of Following the GEDCOM Standard (Updated 28 Apr 2016)
GenealogyTools Receives GeneaBlog Award for 2015
Tamura Jones, an expert on genealogy software, has awarded GenealogyTools.com his “Most Timely Practical Advice Series” award for our “Replacing Family Tree Maker” series. As the series author, I’m extremely pleased for our work to be recognized, [Read more…] about GenealogyTools Receives GeneaBlog Award for 2015
Why You Might Consider Combining Your Family Tree Maker Media Files into One Folder
While preparing my review of MacFamily Tree 7, I ran across an article on their website, “Switch from Family Tree Maker to MacFamilyTree and import your family tree.” The section headed “Attention: Media file import” caught my attention. I don’t agree with Synium’s statement, “Unfortunately the developers of Family Tree Maker made the very poor choice of not importing media files but just linking them. Just Family Tree Maker knows where these files are and there are just links to those media files.” I disagree on several counts: [Read more…] about Why You Might Consider Combining Your Family Tree Maker Media Files into One Folder
Ancestry.com Retires Family Tree Maker: What Now?
We’ve all heard the news by now: Ancestry.com is retiring Family Tree Maker (FTM) after 26 years, at least 6 different owners, and 22 major versions for Windows (plus 4 for Mac). No, the sky isn’t falling. This is a business decision on Ancestry’s part, and in the long run, I think it will be a win-win situation for both Ancestry and genealogists. Let’s face it: FTM has travelled a rocky road since the major update in 2008, and then again in 2012 when they added the TreeSync feature. TreeSync was in fact the only reason I stuck with FTM, despite the bugs and constant crashes until it finally stabilized with version 3 for Mac. I’ve read with envy the glowing reviews for some of the Windows apps like RootsMagic and Family Historian, but using Windows apps on a Mac is just not convenient, ideal, or Mac-like. And besides, while some of them can sync with FamilySearch.org or MyHeritage.com, they can’t sync with Ancestry.com. Up until now.
[Read more…] about Ancestry.com Retires Family Tree Maker: What Now?
Family Tree Maker for Mac 3 Update
I opened Family Tree Maker (FTM) for Mac 3 today and found an update waiting for me. The version number was 22.2.3 (I had 22.2.1, so I guess I missed one). Here are the update notes:
This update includes the following new features and enhancements:
Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite specific bug fixes
Duplicate person alert
Manage (add, edit, delete) historical facts
Application Name change to “Family Tree Maker 3”
Task List Report – New Custom options
Print Plan workspace tasks as filtered/sorted in display
Fan Chart – New options (full circle, semi-circle, quarter, etc.)
Pedigree chart – New option to include spouses of primary individual
Relationship chart – Option to use short place names
Outline descendant report – Option to list only direct-line descendants
Option to omit home country in charts/reports
Allow bookmarking of spouse
LDS ordinance display in the family view
LDS ordinance – Include initiatory and confirmation
Numerous other bug fixes
I’m happy to see that Ancestry.com is still developing and improving FTM3. I have found it much more stable than the previous version, but it’s still missing a few features that the Windows version has, and there are a few minor irritations yet. I wonder if the name change signifies anything? After all, version 3 files are cross-platform compatible.
When I clicked the button to update, I noticed that FTM3 closed and backed up automatically, as usual. If you do the update (which you probably should if you plan to upgrade to Yosemite), you should also make sure you have a current backup. I was then asked if I wanted to retain the current file and convert a copy (Figure 1).
I picked this option, even though I had a backup, because auto-backups are overwritten every time you close FTM. A few seconds later my file was converted and my tree opened. Immediately the media started processing again (Figure 2).
This seems to happen almost every time I open my tree whether new media completed processing the last time or not. Processing seemed to take longer than usual this time, and when it was finished, I received a message that 134 media had not completed due to a process error (Figure 3).
I clicked the link and they tried to process again, but I was still left with the error. So I closed and reopened FTM3, the media processed again, and this time I got the “Media Complete” message (Figure 4). Hopefully this will work for you, too, if you receive the process error.
OK, I’m off to try out some of the new features and will write more about them at a later date. Please leave a comment if you have any issues with the update (in addition to contacting Ancestry Support, of course).