How can I improve the performance of Family Tree Maker?

Family Tree Maker (FTM) is a powerful tool for tracing your ancestry, but sluggish performance can derail your research. How can I improve the performance of Family Tree Maker? Whether you’re managing massive family trees or dealing with slow load times, these actionable strategies will help you optimize FTM for smoother, faster operation.

Update to the Latest Version

Always ensure you’re running the latest version of Family Tree Maker. Developers regularly release updates to fix bugs, improve stability, and enhance compatibility with modern systems. Check for updates via the software’s Help > Check for Updates menu.

Compact and Repair Your Files

Over time, FTM files can become bloated or corrupted. Use the built-in File > Compact File tool to shrink your tree’s size and eliminate unnecessary data. For corrupted files, run Tools > File Troubleshooter to repair errors. Always back up your data first!

Optimize Media Storage

High-resolution photos and documents slow down FTM. Try these fixes:

• Store media externally: Link files from cloud storage (e.g., Dropbox) or an external drive.
• Reduce file sizes: Use tools like Photoshop or free compressors (e.g., TinyPNG) to shrink image sizes.
• Audit attachments: Remove duplicates via Tools > Media Usage.

Split Large Family Trees

Massive trees with thousands of entries strain system resources. If lag persists:

• Split your tree into smaller, linked files (e.g., by surname or geographic region).
• Use Export/Import to create focused sub-trees.

Upgrade Your Hardware

FTM thrives on robust hardware:

• RAM: Upgrade to 8GB or higher for multitasking.
• Storage: Switch to an SSD for faster data access.
• Close background apps: Free up memory by shutting down browsers or resource-heavy programs.

Adjust Sync Settings

Syncing with Ancestry.com in real-time can cause delays. Temporarily disable sync while working offline. Re-enable it later to update your tree.

Tweak Software Settings

• Simplify views: Display fewer generations in charts.
• Clear cache: Delete temporary files via Tools > Application Settings.
• Disable animations: Turn off visual effects in FTM’s preferences.

Exclude FTM from Antivirus Scans

Real-time antivirus scans can slow file access. Add FTM’s installation folder and data files to your antivirus exclusion list.

FAQs: Fixing Family Tree Maker Performance

Q: Why is Family Tree Maker so slow?
A: Large media files, outdated software, or insufficient RAM are common culprits.

Q: Can I run FTM on a budget laptop?
A: Yes, but prioritize SSD storage, 8GB RAM, and optimized media files.

Q: How often should I compact my FTM files?
A: Do this monthly if you edit frequently, or before major updates.

If you are still facing the issue then contact ftm support staff.