If you love researching your ancestors, you’ve probably wondered how big your family tree can grow. One of the most common questions users ask is: How many people can you add to Family Tree Maker?
The good news is that the Family Tree Maker software is designed to handle massive trees—much bigger than what most users will ever need.
In this article, we’ll break down the limits, performance tips, and best practices for building a large and accurate family tree.
Is There a Limit to How Many People You Can Add?
Technically, no.
Family Tree Maker does not set a strict limit on the number of people you can add to your tree. Many users manage trees with:
- 10,000+ individuals
- 20,000+ individuals
- Some advanced researchers even build trees with over 100,000 people
The capacity depends mostly on your computer’s memory, storage, and processing power, not the software itself.
The Family Tree Maker software is designed to scale with your research, so whether you have a small family line or a huge generational project, the software can support it.
What Affects Tree Size and Performance?
While you can add thousands of people, performance depends on a few key factors:
1. Computer Specifications
- RAM (8 GB or more recommended)
- Processor speed
- Hard drive space
A powerful system ensures smooth navigation even with very large trees.
2. Media Files
Photos, documents, and videos take up space. A tree with 5,000 people but 20,000 images will be heavier than a tree with 20,000 names and no media.
3. Syncing and Backups
If you sync with Ancestry or use multiple devices, large trees may take longer to upload and download.
Tips for Managing Large Trees in Family Tree Maker
1. Organize Media Carefully
- Compress large image files
- Use folders and descriptive names
- Avoid duplicates
2. Regularly Back Up Your Tree
Large trees can take hours or years to build—never risk losing your hard work.
3. Use Color Coding and Filters
These help keep big trees easy to navigate and understand.
4. Merge Duplicate Individuals
This keeps your tree clean and improves accuracy.
Why Build a Large Tree?
A large, well-researched tree helps you:
- Discover hidden ancestral connections
- Build stronger DNA matches
- Preserve family history for future generations
- Create a complete genealogical picture
The Family Tree Maker software gives you the tools to expand as much as you want.
Conclusion
So, how many people can you add to Family Tree Maker?
The simple answer: As many as your computer can handle. With good organization and regular backups, you can build a powerful and detailed family tree without worrying about limits.
If you’re ready to grow your research, open your Family Tree Maker software and start adding new names today!