Family Tree Maker is a powerful tool for building and preserving your family history. Over time, as you add, delete, and update records, your tree file can become overloaded, which may slow down the software or even cause performance issues. That’s why compacting your file regularly is an essential part of maintaining your FTM tree.
What is Compacting a File?
Compacting a file in FTM 2017, 2019, or 2024 helps clean and reorganize the database. Every time you make changes, whether you are adding new people, deleting outdated entries, or moving media files, unused spaces remain in the file. These can slow down the program and increase the file size unnecessarily. The Compact File tool fixes this by reducing the file size and improving performance. Think of it like tidying up a cluttered room; it helps your tree run smoother and faster.
When Should You Compact Your File?
Regularly compacting your file is a smart way to keep your tree running smoothly:-
- After adding or deleting many records
- After importing large amounts of data
- If you notice FTM running slowly
- As part of your regular file maintenance
How to Compact a File in FTM 2017, 2019, or 2024?
Using the Compact File tool is a simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Open the Compact File Tool
Go to the Tools menu and select Compact File.
Step 2: Select Your Tree File
If you don’t have a file open, FTM will ask you to select the file you want to compact. Browse to the correct file, click on it, and then select Open.
Step 3: Enable Extended Analysis
- In the Compact File dialog box, make sure the option Perform extended analysis is checked. This feature deeply examines your tree for potential errors and fixes them during the compacting process. It may take a bit longer but is highly recommended.
- Click the Compact button to start the process.
Step 4: Complete the Process
The system will compact your file, which may take several minutes depending on its size. Once finished, FTM will show a message indicating how much the file size has been reduced. Click OK to finish.
Important Note:- In earlier versions, it was suggested to repeat the compacting process multiple times until the file size stopped shrinking. This is no longer necessary in FTM 2017, 2019, and 2024. You can repeat it if you like, but doing so typically won’t provide any additional benefit.
Why Compacting Matters?
Compacting keeps your family tree organized, efficient, and less prone to issues. It’s a quick maintenance task that can significantly improve your user experience with Family Tree Maker. By regularly using the Compact File feature, you ensure that your genealogy work remains safe, manageable, and easy to navigate for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your Family Tree Maker files healthy is just as important as building your family tree. Compacting your file is a simple but powerful step that protects your hard work and keeps your software running smoothly. Make compacting a regular part of your workflow to enjoy a faster, safer, and more efficient family tree building experience. With just a few clicks, you can maintain the quality and stability of your cherished family history.
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