Genealogy research has become more global than ever. Families are spread across different countries, and historical records often appear in many languages. Because of this, many users want to know: Does Family Tree Maker support multiple languages? The answer is yes—but with some important details you should understand before using the feature.
Family Tree Maker software is designed to help users build, manage, and preserve their family history. To make this easier, it provides support for different languages, character sets, and international formats.
Does Family Tree Maker Offer Multi-Language Support?
Yes, Family Tree Maker supports multiple languages, especially when it comes to entering names, places, notes, and facts. You can type information in languages such as:
- English
- Spanish
- French
- German
- Italian
- Chinese
- Japanese
- Hindi and other Indian languages
- Russian
- Arabic
- Many more Unicode-supported languages
This is possible because Family Tree Maker software is Unicode-compliant, meaning it can read, store, and display characters from most global languages without issues.
What Parts of Family Tree Maker Support Different Languages?
1. Data Entry
You can enter names, captions, place names, and notes in almost any language.
For example, you can record:
- Ancestors’ names in their native script
- Place names in regional languages
- Historical documents in original text
2. Notes and Stories
Family Tree Maker allows long-form notes and stories. This is useful when adding:
- Regional folklore
- Family diaries in local languages
- Translated and original versions of records
3. Charts and Reports
Charts and reports generated by FTM can also display multilingual text. If you type it correctly, it will appear exactly the same in the printed or exported output.
4. Importing and Exporting Trees
When you import or export files (like GEDCOMs), your multilingual data stays intact because of Unicode support.
Are There Any Language Limitations?
While Family Tree Maker supports multiple languages for data entry, the software interface itself is mainly available in English. This means buttons, menus, and settings are not translated into all languages.
However, many users still find it easy to operate because:
- The layout is simple
- Icons are intuitive
- Tutorials and online guides are widely available
Also, for place names, the software may auto-standardize them to internationally recognized spellings.
Tips for Using Multiple Languages in Family Tree Maker
1. Check Your Font Settings
Use Unicode fonts to avoid character display issues, especially for Asian or Middle Eastern languages.
2. Keep Original and Translated Versions
For historical documents, store the original text and a translated version in separate notes.
3. Use Consistent Place Names
If a place has different spellings in different languages, choose one standard version for clarity.
4. Verify Import Compatibility
When importing older trees from non-Unicode programs, check for missing characters.
Why Multi-Language Support Matters for Genealogy
Families migrate, change countries, adopt new cultures, and speak different languages through generations. Multi-language support helps you:
- Preserve your heritage accurately
- Maintain original spellings of names
- Record stories authentically
- Build a global family tree without losing details
This makes your research richer and more meaningful.
Conclusion
Family Tree Maker software does support multiple languages through its Unicode-based system. Whether you want to document your Indian heritage, European roots, or ancestors from different parts of the world, FTM allows you to enter and preserve information in their native languages. This makes genealogy more personal, accurate, and culturally connected.
If you’re looking to build a rich and authentic family tree, start using Family Tree Maker today and explore its multilingual features to their fullest.