If you use Family Tree Maker (FTM) for genealogy research, syncing your tree with Ancestry.com can help you keep your family history updated and accessible across devices. Whether you want to share your tree online, back up your data, or collaborate with relatives, syncing makes everything easier.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to sync Family Tree Maker with Ancestry step by step, even if you are a beginner.
✅ What Does Sync Mean in Family Tree Maker?
Syncing allows you to connect your Family Tree Maker software with your online Ancestry tree. Once linked:
- Any changes you make in FTM will update on Ancestry.
- Any edits on Ancestry will sync back to FTM.
- You can access your data offline from FTM and online on Ancestry.
FTM 2019 uses TreeSync/FamilySync technology for this purpose.
✅ Requirements Before You Start
Before syncing, make sure you have:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Software | Family Tree Maker 2017 or 2019 |
| Subscription | An active Ancestry account is required |
| Internet | Stable internet connection |
| Ancestry Tree | Create a tree in FTM or Ancestry |
| Login | Same email in FTM & Ancestry recommended |
🔧 How to Sync Family Tree Maker with Ancestry (Step-by-Step)
🔹 Step 1: Open Family Tree Maker
Launch the Family Tree Maker software on your computer and open the tree you want to sync.
🔹 Step 2: Log In to Ancestry
- Click Plan from the FTM top menu.
- Under the Ancestry section, click Log In.
- Enter your Ancestry username and password.
🔹 Step 3: Upload or Download Your Tree
You have two options:
Option A: Upload FTM Tree to Ancestry
- Click Upload and Link to Ancestry.
- Choose Public or Private tree settings.
- Click Upload and allow time for syncing.
Option B: Download Ancestry Tree to FTM
- In the Plan workspace, click New Tree → Download Tree from Ancestry.
- Select the tree from your Ancestry account.
- Click Download Tree.
🔹 Step 4: Enable TreeSync/FamilySync
Once linked, click Sync Now to enable the connection between FTM and Ancestry.
🔄 How to Sync Changes Later
After setup, syncing is simple:
- Click Sync Now at the top right of the FTM window.
- Review changes in the Sync Change Log.
- Confirm updates to finish syncing.
✅ Tip: Sync often to avoid data conflicts.
⚠️ Syncing Troubles? Common Errors and Fixes
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Sync button disabled | Reconnect your Ancestry account |
| Slow sync or timeout | Check internet speed or reduce media size |
| Duplicate people | Use Merge Duplicate People in FTM |
| Failed sync | Compact and backup tree → Try again |
🔒 Best Practices for Safe Syncing
To avoid losing your data:
- Backup your FTM tree regularly
- Use Compact File Tool before syncing
- Avoid editing on Ancestry and FTM at the same time
- Sync small changes often instead of large updates
✅ Final Thoughts
Syncing Family Tree Maker with Ancestry is a smart way to manage your genealogy data safely across offline and online platforms. Once your trees are connected, you can enjoy smoother research, collaboration, and long-term family history storage.
❓ FAQs About Syncing FTM with Ancestry
1. Do I need an Ancestry subscription to sync?
Yes, you need a valid Ancestry account to upload, download, and sync.
2. Can I sync multiple trees?
Yes, but each tree must be linked one at a time.
3. Why is TreeSync not working?
Update to Family Tree Maker 2019 as older versions are no longer supported.