Creating a family tree is more than just connecting names and dates—it’s about visualizing your family history and understanding relationships across generations. Family Tree Maker (FTM) makes this process easier by offering powerful tools to generate charts and reports that turn your genealogical data into meaningful insights.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Family Tree Maker’s charts and reports — how they work, what they show, and how to make the most of them.
What is Family Tree Maker?
Family Tree Maker (FTM) is one of the most popular genealogy software programs used to organize family history data, create visual trees, and generate detailed reports.
It helps users:
- Record family information (names, dates, relationships)
- Import data from Ancestry or other genealogy platforms
- Visualize family trees through customizable charts
- Create printable and shareable reports
Why Charts and Reports Matter in Family Tree Maker
Charts and reports are not just decorative—they are essential tools for analyzing, presenting, and preserving family history.
They help you:
- Visualize complex family relationships clearly
- Identify missing data or inconsistencies
- Share your research with relatives in an easy-to-understand format
- Print professional-quality documents for books or presentations
Types of Charts in Family Tree Maker
Family Tree Maker offers several types of charts to help you represent your data visually. Each chart provides a different perspective of your ancestry or descendants.
1. Pedigree Chart
- Shows direct ancestors of a selected person.
- Ideal for viewing multiple generations in one glance.
- Displays relationships like parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.
2. Descendant Chart
- Starts from a single ancestor and shows all descendants.
- Perfect for understanding how a family line has expanded over generations.
3. Family View Chart
- Displays a person’s immediate family (parents, spouse, and children).
- Useful for editing and verifying relationships.
4. Relationship Chart
- Illustrates how two individuals are related within a tree.
- Helps you confirm distant connections or cousin relationships.
5. Fan Chart
- A colorful, circular layout that shows ancestors in expanding “fan” levels.
- Great for presentations and quick overviews.
6. Hourglass Chart
- Combines both ancestors and descendants of one person.
- Provides a balanced view of family history from both directions.
Types of Reports in Family Tree Maker
Reports provide a more text-based summary of your genealogical data. They can be customized, printed, or exported to share with others.
1. Person Report
- A detailed record of one individual’s life events.
- Includes birth, marriage, children, occupation, and death information.
2. Family Group Sheet
- Summarizes one family unit: parents and their children.
- Great for verifying details and sharing with other researchers.
3. Narrative Report
- Converts your family data into a story-like format.
- Includes generations, relationships, and timelines in readable prose.
4. Ahnentafel Report
- A classic genealogical numbering system listing direct ancestors.
- Useful for serious genealogists organizing large family histories.
5. Custom Reports
- Fully customizable fields and layouts.
- Lets you focus on specific data like migration patterns or occupations.
How to Create Charts and Reports in Family Tree Maker
Follow these simple steps:
- Open Your Tree – Launch Family Tree Maker and select your family file.
- Choose Chart or Report – Go to the Publish workspace.
- Select a Template – Choose from the pre-designed chart or report templates.
- Customize It – Adjust colors, fonts, photos, and data fields.
- Preview and Save – Review your layout, then save or print your chart/report.
Pro Tip: Use the Filter option to include or exclude specific people, events, or facts to keep your output relevant and focused.
Tips to Optimize Your Charts and Reports
- Use High-Quality Photos: Add family photos to make charts visually engaging.
- Include Key Dates: Always include birth, marriage, and death dates for clarity.
- Color Coding: Different colors for branches make trees easier to read.
- Regular Updates: Keep your data current by syncing with Ancestry.com or online records.
- Export for Sharing: Save reports in PDF or image formats for easy emailing or printing.
Common Chart and Report Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding too much data on one page.
- Forgetting to verify relationships before publishing.
- Ignoring customization tools—using plain templates reduces visual appeal.
- Not backing up your files regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I print charts directly from Family Tree Maker?
Yes, you can print directly or export charts as PDFs or image files for professional printing.
2. Can I share reports with relatives who don’t use FTM?
Absolutely! You can export reports in PDF, RTF, or HTML formats to share with anyone.
3. How do I add photos or backgrounds to my charts?
Use the customization settings in the Publish workspace to add images, watermarks, or background colors.
4. Can I sync my charts with Ancestry.com?
Yes, if your tree is linked to an Ancestry account, updates sync automatically.
Conclusion
The Family Tree Maker Companion Guide helps users unlock the full potential of their genealogical data. By mastering charts and reports, you not only visualize your ancestry but also create professional, meaningful documents that preserve your heritage for generations.
Whether you’re a hobbyist or a dedicated genealogist, learning how to create and customize Family Tree Maker’s charts and reports can make your research both insightful and visually stunning.