Please note that Family Tree Maker (by Ancestry.com) has been discontinued and is no longer available. You can read our old review of Family Tree Maker (by Ancestry.com) below, or check out the rest of the Genealogy Software we've reviewed.
Dissatisfied user 05 September 2012 Reviewer: Frustrated family historian from Ontario Canada
238 of 439 people found this review helpful
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I have used Family Tree maker for several years as a data base to host all of the information regarding my family history. Initially I thought this was an excellent program to use. However I am now quickly changing my mind.
First, when you are inputting the data about a particular individual, you also have the option of doing online research with Ancestry.ca about this individual in question. Ancestry can quickly find specific information about the person. However Family Tree maker is NOT able to import any original images into the program. Instead you must have two separate screens on the go - Ancestry.ca with your Internet browser and Family Tree Maker open at the same time.You are required to use your Internet browser to download and save the original image. Then upload that image into FTM.
Secondly, using the FTM to crate a book is nothing short of a NIGHTMARE! The collection of individual notes about each is create as a PDF file from your choice of various reports ie, Descendants Report and then imported into the "Book publishing" Mode. Unfortunately as a pdf format you are not able to manipulate any text, say to add pictures to accompanying test, as you can in a common word document. The only way to do that would be to retype ALL note that had been previously typed about the individuals.
Finally after running the spell checker 3 times to correct errors, the original mistakes were still printed on my PDF file! While the "Note" option for each individual has a spell checker, it is ghosted out on my copy of FTM 2012. Now I have about 35 pages of corrections to do manually.
Sign me one FRUSTRATED person.
In summary, I would not recommend Family Tree Maker (by Ancestry.com) to a friend.
