Family Tree Maker for Mac is a helpful tool that assists in arranging and managing your family history. Exporting and importing GEDCOM files is one of the essential functions in it, which is used in exchanging genealogy information from one program to another. To save your work, share with other people, or transfer to some other genealogy software, knowledge about dealing with GEDCOM files within FTM for Mac is critical.
Steps to Export a GEDCOM File to Family Tree Maker
Exporting a GEDCOM file from Family Tree Maker Mac is quite easy. Use these steps to successfully export a file:
- Open Your Family Tree: Open Family Tree Maker and the tree that you want to export.
- Access the File Menu: Click “File” from the menu bar and choose “Export.” It will open the Export Options window.
- Choose GEDCOM Format: In the “Output Format” section, select “GEDCOM” from the dropdown menu.
- Adjust Export Settings: Customize the data to include, such as notes, sources, and media links. If sharing the file, consider excluding sensitive or private information.
- Save the File: Click “OK” or “Save,” then choose the destination folder for your GEDCOM file. Assign a recognizable file name and click “Save.”
Your GEDCOM file is now ready to be shared, backed up, or transferred to another genealogy program.
Steps to Import a GEDCOM File into Family Tree Maker
Importing a GEDCOM file into Family Tree Maker for Mac enables you to incorporate data from other sources. Here’s how to do it:
- Open Family Tree Maker: Open the FTM software on your Mac.
- Select Import Option: Click on “File” in the menu bar and choose “Import.”
- Find the GEDCOM File: A file dialogue window will appear. Go to where the GEDCOM file you wish to import is saved and choose it.
- Confirm Import Settings: The import will pop up a new window asking whether you want to confirm the settings. If special characters are contained in the file, you can be asked to choose the character encoding.
- Begin the Import Process: Choose “OK” or “Open” to proceed with importing. FTM will construct a new tree based on the imported information.
Best Practice for GEDCOM Files
To have an uninterrupted process and keep data valid, use the following best practice:
- Check Imported Data: Post-import, go through the newly created tree slowly to verify its correctness, the presence of incomplete data, and consistency in form.
- Make Copies: Always backup your family tree prior to importing a GEDCOM file to avoid any loss of information.
- Simplify Sharing: When sharing a GEDCOM file with others, strip out private information such as living people’s personal data.
- Check Compatibility: Although GEDCOM is an industry standard, some information, including media and custom fields, won’t always migrate between genealogy software perfectly.
Concluding It
The import and export of GEDCOM files in Family Tree Maker for Mac is an essential genealogist’s tool. Whether you want to share with other researchers, move data between programs, or protect your research. It allow you to easily move and share family history information. By following the above steps and maintaining best practices, you can effectively manage your genealogical data without any inconvenience.
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