If you use Family Tree Maker (FTM) to build your family history, backing up your files is one of the most important steps to protect your research. Whether you are storing precious genealogy records, media files, photos, or family documents, losing your FTM data due to a computer crash or accidental deletion can be heartbreaking.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to backup and restore your Family Tree Maker files safely—step by step.
Why Backup Your Family Tree Maker Files?
Backing up FTM files gives you protection against:
- Computer crashes or hard drive failure
- Virus or ransomware attacks
- Software corruption
- Accidental file deletion
- Moving data to a new computer
- Switching between FTM versions
By backing up regularly, you ensure that your hard work and family memories stay safe.
Types of Backup in Family Tree Maker
Family Tree Maker offers two backup options:
| Backup Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Backup | Saves entire tree including media, photos, and attached files |
| Backup Without Media | Saves only the tree file (.ftm) without media |
For complete protection, it’s best to always create a full backup.
How to Backup Family Tree Maker Files (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create a backup in FTM:
✅ Step 1: Open Your Tree
Open Family Tree Maker and load the tree you want to back up.
✅ Step 2: Go to Backup Option
- Click File in the menu bar
- Select Backup
✅ Step 3: Choose Backup Options
A window will appear with options:
- ✅ Include media files
- ✅ Include web links
- ✅ Include tasks, favorite people, and settings
Make sure to check all options for full safety.
✅ Step 4: Select Location
Choose where you want to save the backup:
- External hard drive
- USB drive
- Cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox)
- Local computer folder
✅ Step 5: Save Backup File
Click Save. Your backup file will have a .ftmb extension.
Best Practices for Safe Backups
To ensure your family history is always safe:
- ✅ Save multiple backup copies
- ✅ Store backups on different devices
- ✅ Use cloud storage for extra security
- ✅ Name backups clearly with dates (example:
SmithFamilyTree_Backup_Jan2025.ftmb) - ✅ Backup after major updates to your tree
How to Restore Family Tree Maker Files
Need to transfer your tree to another computer or recover lost data? Here’s how to restore it.
✅ Step 1: Open Family Tree Maker
Launch the software on the computer where you want to restore the data.
✅ Step 2: Go to Restore Option
- Click File
- Select Restore
✅ Step 3: Select Backup File
Browse your storage and select the .ftmb backup file you previously saved.
✅ Step 4: Restore Data
Choose a destination folder and click Restore. Family Tree Maker will rebuild your tree along with media files.
Common Errors and Fixes During Restore
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Missing media files | Ensure backup was full with media |
| Incorrect file type | Use .ftmb backup file |
| File won’t open | Update FTM to latest version |
| Restore failed message | Copy backup to local drive first |
Bonus: How to Backup FTM to Ancestry
If your tree is synced with Ancestry, you can use TreeSync or FTM Connect:
- Open FTM
- Sign in to Ancestry
- Sync to online tree using Sync Now
This adds an extra layer of backup in the cloud.
Final Tips for Data Safety
- Backup monthly or after major updates
- Use cloud + external drive backup combination
- Keep passwords secure
- Test your backups occasionally
Conclusion
Backing up your Family Tree Maker files isn’t just a smart step—it’s essential for protecting your family legacy. Whether you’re a beginner or a genealogy expert, following these simple backup and restore steps will keep your research safe, secure, and recoverable at any time.
If you need help with Family Tree Maker backup problems or want expert support, feel free to ask—I’m happy to guide you step by step.