What are the Different File Types Used in Family Tree Maker?

If you ask longtime genealogy hobbyists what scares them the most, many will not say missing records or incomplete branches. They will talk about losing years of saved family tree data because of a damaged file, a failed computer, or an incorrect backup. That is why understanding how to transfer Family Tree Maker files matters a lot.

A surprising number of users do not realize that Family Tree Maker works with multiple file formats. One file is used for the active tree, another for backups, and another format is used when sharing genealogy data with different programs. The confusion usually begins when someone upgrades a laptop, restores an old tree, or tries moving files from one device to another.

Many people searching online for Family Tree Maker Help are actually dealing with these exact situations. Users might see file extensions like .FTM, .FTMB, .FTW, .FBK, .FBC or .GED. They may have multiple GED files and be unsure which one should be opened, restored, or transferred.

But the things are not as complicated as they first appear. You have to first understand the use of different files and what tasks they can accomplish. Let’s find out about different file types used by Family Tree Maker, how GEDCOM exports work, and why proper file handling is important if you want to keep your genealogy research safe over time.

What is the Main File Type Used by Family Tree Maker?

A lot of Family Tree Maker users assume everything is stored inside one single file. That is not true. The software works with different file formats depending on whether you are editing a tree, restoring a backup, or exporting data somewhere else.

The primary file type used by modern versions of Family Tree Maker is the .FTM file.

This is the main working database file of your family tree. Whenever you open your genealogy project in Family Tree Maker, the software reads the information from .FTM file.

The file contains:

• Family relationships
• Names and dates
• Notes and research details
• Source citations
• Charts and reports
• Links to photos and media

What Is an .FTMB File?

Family Tree Maker also creates backup files using the .FTMB extension. Unlike the regular .FTM file, the .FTMB file is designed for backup and restoration purposes.

A backup file may include a complete family tree database, photos and attached media, historical records and settings and tree preferences.

This becomes useful when moving to a new computer, recovering from file corruption, reinstalling Family Tree Maker or creating safety backups before updates.

One useful feature of Family Tree Maker is its ability to create backup files that help users restore genealogy projects more safely during transfers or system changes. 

Some users also confuse the .FTMB file with older backup formats used in previous Family Tree Maker versions. Older editions of the software often created backup files using extensions like .FBK and .FBC. 

If you are restoring an older genealogy project, you may come across these file types while searching through old CDs, USB drives, or archived computer folders. 

Older Family Tree Maker File Types

If you are working with older editions of Family Tree Maker, you might be using file formats like .FTW and .FBK, .FBC and .FTMB.

Modern versions of Family Tree Maker can often import older files, but compatibility may vary depending on the age of the project. This is one reason many users search for a family tree maker file converter when trying to recover or migrate older genealogy records.

Older Family Tree Maker users often have multiple backup files stored over the years, especially if they upgraded through different software versions. 

Modern Family Tree Maker versions can usually import many older files, but sometimes conversion or restoration steps may still be needed depending on how old the backup is.

What Is a GEDCOM File?

If you spend enough time working with genealogy software, you will eventually come across GEDCOM files. GEDCOM stands for Genealogical Data Communication. It is a standard file format used for transferring family tree information between genealogy programs.

This format is used to:

• Move trees to another genealogy program
• Share family history research
• Upload records online
• Create portable copies of their data

Many people searching for ways to convert Family Tree Maker files to GEDCOM are usually trying to switch software or send family tree information to relatives.

However, a GEDCOM file does not fully behave like a complete Family Tree Maker backup.

It mainly transfers names, relationships, events, notes and sources.

Photos and documents are often linked rather than fully embedded. That is why users sometimes open a GEDCOM file in another program and suddenly notice missing photographs or broken media links. This is also the reason many experienced users prefer creating a proper backup before exporting GEDCOM files.

Why Do Users Look for a Family Tree Maker File Converter? 

A family tree maker file converter is generally used when someone needs to open older genealogy files, move trees between software programs, recover unsupported formats, export genealogy data and restore legacy Family Tree Maker projects.

Sometimes people also discover old genealogy archives stored in CDs, external harddrives or USB storage devices. In such cases, conversion tools or migration support may be required.

Tips for Transferring Your FTM Tree Files

A family tree may appear perfectly fine on one computer and then suddenly open with missing images or incomplete records on another device. The issue is usually related to how the files were moved. In such cases do the following:

Use the Backup File Whenever Possible

Instead of transferring only the .FTM file, it is usually safer to move the .FTMB backup file. That is because backup files may also include media references, photos, documents and tree settings

Keep Media Folders Together

Many Family Tree Maker trees depend heavily on linked media. If you store the image folders somewhere else and only copy the main database file, photographs may stop appearing properly.

Check Everything After Transfer

After transferring your FTM tree files, take a few minutes to review family relationships, photographs, notes, sources and dates.

Users usually skip this step and notice missing data much later.

Create a Backup Before Making Major Changes

It is important to create a backup before updating the software, exporting GEDCOM files, moving to another computer or syncing online trees. 

Common Problems Users Usually Run Into

Most file-related problems in Family Tree Maker are common and usually occur when someone moves, copies, or restores the wrong files.

Some common issues include:

• Missing photos or media files
• Copying only the .FTM file without the backup
• Older files refusing to open properly
• Broken media links after file transfers
• Corrupted tree files after interrupted transfers or shutdowns

Most of these problems can usually be avoided by creating proper backups before updates, transfers, or GEDCOM exports.

How Family Tree Maker Helps Supports Users? 

Most people don’t pay attention to file types until something suddenly stops opening the way it should.

Someone upgrades their laptop and the tree opens without photos. Another user restores an old backup and realizes they copied the wrong file. Sometimes people find an older Family Tree Maker file on an external hard drive after years and have no idea whether it should be restored, imported, or converted first.

This confusion usually happens because Family Tree Maker works with more than one file type.

The .FTM file is different from the .FTMB backup file. A GEDCOM file works differently again. Older versions may also contain .FTW or .FBK files, which is where things become even more confusing for users trying to recover old genealogy projects.

Many users contact Family Tree Maker Helps when they face issues while restoring backups, opening older files, or transferring genealogy records between systems. 

Final Thoughts

Family Tree Maker does not rely on one file format; different files are used for different purposes. The .FTM file is the main working family tree file. The .FTMB file is used for backups and restoration. GEDCOM files are usually used when someone wants to move genealogy data between programs or share family tree information with other researchers.

Older versions of the software may also contain .FTW or .FBK files, which is why some users look for a family tree maker file converter while opening older genealogy projects.

Most problems happen when users move the wrong file or forget backup and media folders during transfers. Once you understand which file does what, transferring your FTM tree files becomes far less confusing.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What file type does Family Tree Maker mainly use?

Answer: Modern versions of Family Tree Maker mainly use the .FTM file for the active family tree project.

What is the difference between .FTM and .FTMB?

Answer: The .FTM file is the working tree file. The .FTMB file is mainly used as a backup copy.

Can I convert a Family Tree Maker file to GEDCOM?

Answer: Yes, Family Tree Maker allows GEDCOM exports for sharing or moving genealogy data between programs.

Why do some users need a family tree maker file converter?

Answer: A Family Tree Maker file converter is used to move data between genealogy software programs.

Why are photos sometimes missing after transferring tree files?

Answer: It happens because the media folders were not copied along with the main tree or backup file.

Disclaimer:

Family Tree Maker is designed for Windows and Mac operating systems only. The software is not available for Linux systems. Users attempting to run Family Tree Maker on Linux through third-party tools may experience installation problems and performance issues.