How to learn how to import old or unsupported files in FTM 2017 or FTM 2019 on Mac?                                                                                                         

Well, then if you are wondering how to handle Family Tree Maker File Converter to import old or unsupported files in FTM  you should know that FTM 2017 and 2019 for Mac, does not support certain old file types. Therefore if you cannot import a family tree file created in an older Family Tree Maker version then you should choose to convert the file to a supported format. The list below is some file types that cannot be imported directly to FTM 2017 and 2019 for Mac.

  • .FTW & FBK files that were created in Family Tree Maker versions 1–4
  • .FBC, AFT, and GED (before version 5.5) files made in Windows versions of FTM
  • FTM or FTMB files that are made in FTM 2008­–2012 for Windows

Here in this blog, you know how to use Family Tree Maker 2005 Starter Edition or the ‘FTM File Migration Utility’ to convert your files to a supported format. Hence you can then import your files into FTM 2017 for Mac and easily open Family Tree Maker Files.

IMPORTANT: You should know that FTW or FBK files from FTM versions 5 to 16 can be imported directly into FTM 2017 and 2019 for Mac and it does not need any prior conversion. The files that are created in FTM for Mac versions 1, 2, 3, and 3.1 can be opened using FTM 2017 and 2019 for Mac without prior conversion.

How to convert FTW and FBK files from FTM 1 – 4 and FBC, AFT, and GED before version 5.5 files:

To be able to convert these files you would need to use FTM 2005 Starter Edition. You should also keep in mind that FTM 2005 Starter Edition can only be installed on a computer that has the Windows operating system, additionally; it is a 14-day free trial. Hence the 14-day trial is over the Starter Edition can no longer be used. Therefore as recommended you should install it after you receive the new FTM software and are already to convert files.

If you would like to download Family Tree Maker 2005 Starter Edition then you can click here.

When converting the files has updated your file to be a Family Tree Maker 2005 file then you will first need to create another backup for your files from the current FTM before you begin with the conversion process.

Follow the steps mentioned below once you have downloaded and installed FTM 2005 Starter Edition then you can open your family tree

How to convert.FTW files from FTM versions 1 – 4?

  • First of all, you got to make sure that FTM 2005 Starter Edition is installed on Windows PC.
  • Next, you will need to open FTM 2005 Starter Edition and then you should click on the ‘Open Existing’ button or you could also choose ‘Open’ from the ‘File’ menu.
  • And now in the ‘open Family File’ window that appears you will need to locate the.FTW file that you would like to convert, you just need to select it and then click on the ‘Open’ button.
  • When FTM 2005 Starter Edition opens the FTW file then you will need to close the application. And now you will have your file converted automatically. You can go ahead and import this file into the latest version of FTM.
  • Finally, if you do not have any other need for FTM 2005 then you can just uninstall it from your computer.

Convert FBK files from FTM 1 – 4, FBC, AFT and GED prior version 5.5 files in Windows of FTM versions:

  • You need to first make sure that FTM 2005 Starter Edition has been installed on your Windows PC.
  • And then you need to open FTM 2005 Starter Edition. You then need to click on the ‘Open Existing’ option or just choose the ‘Open’ button from the ‘File’ menu.
  • After doing so, in the ‘Open Family File’ window that appears you must locate the file you want to convert, then you should select it and click on the ‘Open’ button.
  • Next, the program will also display the New Family File window – this is because the conversion of files in FBK, FBC, AFT or GED format requires the creation of a new working file. Now in the ‘File Name’ field, you will need to type a name for the newly converted file, this will allow you to distinguish it from your other ones and then you just need to click on ‘Save’.
  • At last, FTM 2005 Starter Edition will convert the file as well as open it when the conversion is completed. You now need to close the application and then import your converted files into the latest version of FTM.

NOTE: Now when you convert an FBC file from an FTM later version instead of 2005 Starter Edition then when the conversion is completed you will receive an alert message on your screen telling you that ‘The file you are trying to load is from a new version of FTM 2005 and hence you cannot load it. Therefore to upgrade your version you should visit our website Genealogy Software. But if you want you can just close this message as the FTW file that you had saved can still be imported to your new FTM.

How to convert Family Tree Maker 2008-2012 files?                                         

If you want to open a file that was created with FTM 2008-2012 in FTM 2017 for Mac then you would need to convert it using the ‘FTM File Migration Utility’ which you will need to install on Windows first.

To be able to download, install and work with File Migration Utility you can click here.

If a file was created with FTM 2008 or 2009 specifically then you should first make three file conversions with File Migration Utility.

  • Firstly, you will need to convert your file from Windows to Macintosh (choose FTM 2010 Output from the given pop-up menu).
  • After that, you should convert the file created in the first step from Macintosh to Windows (you can choose FTM 2011 Output).
  • Lastly, you can convert the files created in the second step from Windows to Macintosh again (you should choose FTM 2010 Output).

FAQS

How do I open an FTM file on a Mac?

You just need to double-click on the icon in the ‘Applications’ folder. This contains a list of all the applications that you have on your Mac. To open it you will need to click anywhere on your desktop and click on the ‘Go’ menu at the top right.

How do I open an old Family Tree Maker file?

Firstly, you got to click on the ‘Plan’ button on the main toolbar and then click on the ‘New Tree’ tab. next, you should click on ‘Import a tree from an existing file, and then click on ‘Browse’. You can now browse to the location of the family tree file, highlight it and click to open it.

How do I open an old FTW file?

You would need to launch the ftw file on your PC by double-clicking on it. And if your file is set up correctly then the application that will open your .ftw file. If not so then you can download or purchase the correct application.

What programs can open FTM files?

FTM files can be created with FTM 2014 and they can also be opened directly in FTM for Mac 3. But these files would first need to be converted with the Migration Utility to have them open in earlier editions of FTM for Mac.

Final Verdict 

You should be all set and good to manage the old and unsupported files in FTM for Mac. But in case you face any problem or you need further assistance then you can directly call the Customer Support Number. And the diligent technicians will surely guide you with the solutions needed immediately.

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