Family Tree Maker’s Newest Twig

If you’re one of the millions who use the popular Family Tree Maker (FTM) genealogy software, you may have been perplexed by its lack of seemingly basic usability features common to other programs. You’ll be pleased to learn that FTM’s most recent upgrade addresses some of those issues.

FTM 11 lets you keep two family files open simultaneously — and copy and paste information between them. A print-preview feature prevents headaches when printing family books. And a streamlined merging process simplifies blending two files.

Other improvements focus on family books. Instead of copying and pasting notes as text items, just click and drag to add writing. Sharing your book is easier, too: Export it as a PDF file to embed fonts and images for recipients who don’t have FTM.

FTM’s software-and-database-subscription deals haven’t changed since Ancestry.com’s parent company, MyFamily.com, bought FTM producer Genealogy.com <www.genealogy.com> in April. Prices range from $69.99 to $199.99. Upgrades, which don’t include subscriptions, are $19.99 from FTM 10 and $29.99 from older versions. You can still get the software alone for $29.99. F™ 11 is PC-only and requires Windows 98 or higher. Look for a full review of FTM 11 in the February 2004 Family Tree Magazine.