Managing your family tree isn’t always adding new data—you also have to clean up the old or false entries. Having imported a GEDCOM file or added duplicate individuals in error, you will sometimes need to delete several people in Family Tree Maker (FTM) software. While FTM does not yet have an option for mass deletion with a single click, you can remove multiple entries individually in a secure and methodical manner.
In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to remove several persons from Family Tree Maker without hurting your precious information.
Why Delete Multiple Persons in FTM?
There are some frequent circumstances to remove several people from your tree:
- You added a family tree that has individuals you do not require.
- There are repeating entries for one individual.
- There is incorrect data that needs correcting.
Keeping your family tree tidy keeps it easy to work with and prevents confusion when researching.
Steps to Delete Multiple Persons in Family Tree Maker
Follow these simple steps to safely delete multiple people from your FTM tree:
1. Backup Your Tree
Before making any changes, always save a backup of your tree.
- Go to the File menu, click on Backup, and save a copy.
- This way, if something goes wrong, you can restore your original tree.
2. Find the People You Want to Delete
Open your tree and look for the people you want to delete.
- Use the Index Panel or Family View to find them.
- You can also use the search bar to quickly locate names.
3. Delete One Person at a Time
Unfortunately, FTM doesn’t let you delete many people at once. You’ll have to delete them one by one:
- Click on an individual’s name.
- Right-click and select Delete Person from the menu.
- Confirm the delete in the pop-up box.
- Do this for every individual you wish to delete.
4. Use Filters to Help
You can simplify the process by utilizing filters to assist you in the People Workspace:
- Use Filter In or Filter Out to see only specific entries, such as duplicates or individuals sharing the same last name.
- This makes you find unwanted entries more quickly.
5. Check Your Tree Again
When you delete individuals, spend a couple of minutes working through your tree.
- Ensure important relationships are intact.
- Ensure no useful information was inadvertently removed.
Final Thoughts
Although Family Tree Maker does not have a one-click feature to delete many people at a time, you can still make the process smooth by manual deletion and useful filters. Do not forget to always back up your tree prior to making significant changes. Maintaining your tree clean not only enhances its accuracy but also your overall genealogy experience.
If you need assistance or would like clarification regarding the deletion of multiple individuals within FTM, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Family Tree Makers support staff. We’re here to assist you!
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