Building and preserving your family history is a wonderful experience. But what if some of your relatives don’t use Family Tree Maker software? Can you still share your family tree with them?
The good news is yes, you can — and there are several simple ways to make your tree accessible to everyone.
In this article, you’ll learn all the practical methods to share your family tree with people who do not use FTM, along with tips to choose the best format.
Why Sharing Your Family Tree Matters
Not everyone in your family is tech-savvy. Some prefer printed charts, while others simply don’t use genealogy software. Sharing your research helps:
- Keep family history alive
- Involve relatives in your project
- Gather new information or missing details
- Preserve your records for future generations
Ways to Share Your Family Tree with Non-FTM Users
1. Export Your Family Tree as a GEDCOM File
GEDCOM (.ged) is a universal genealogy file format. Almost any genealogy tool can open it — even if someone isn’t using Family Tree Maker software.
Benefits:
- Works on all genealogy platforms
- Easy to share through email or cloud storage
- Retains your family data structure
However, note that some media like photos or notes may not appear exactly the same in another program.
2. Create a Family Tree Chart or Report (PDF Format)
FTM allows you to create beautiful charts and reports. These can be exported as PDFs, which makes sharing easy.
Great for relatives who prefer:
- Printable documents
- Visual charts
- Easy-to-read summaries
PDFs look the same on any device, so they are ideal for non-FTM users.
3. Use Family Tree Maker’s Publishing Tools
Family Tree Maker software includes features that let you generate books, timelines, stories, and charts.
You can export these files in formats like:
- RTF
- Graphic images
These formats can be shared through email or messaging apps without requiring FTM.
4. Upload Your Tree to Ancestry (Optional)
If you sync your tree with Ancestry, you can invite relatives to view it online.
You can choose their access level:
- Guest (view only)
- Contributor (suggest edits)
- Editor (make changes)
This is a great way to collaborate with family members, even if they don’t use any genealogy software.
5. Use Cloud Storage to Share Files
If your tree has many photos or large files, simply upload them to:
- Google Drive
- Dropbox
- OneDrive
Then share the link with your relatives. They can view or download the files without installing FTM.
Tips for Sharing Your Family Tree Safely
- Remove sensitive information like Social Security numbers
- Keep private details hidden for living individuals
- Use password-protected files if needed
- Always keep a backup of your original FTM tree
Which Method Should You Choose?
Here is a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Method | Best For | Easy for Non-FTM Users? |
|---|---|---|
| GEDCOM | Genealogy collaboration | ⭐⭐ |
| PDF Charts/Reports | Viewing or printing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ancestry Sharing | Online collaboration | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cloud Storage | Large media files | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
If your goal is simple viewing, choose PDF. If you want collaboration, choose GEDCOM or Ancestry.
Conclusion
You don’t need to worry if your relatives don’t use Family Tree Maker software. Whether you export a GEDCOM file, share a PDF chart, or publish your tree online, there are plenty of easy ways to make your family history accessible to everyone.
If you found this guide helpful, explore more tips on improving your genealogy research and making the most of your FTM experience.
Ready to share your family tree? Start with the method that suits your family best!