If you’re seeing red Xs or blank thumbnails in Family Tree Maker 2019, your media files—photos, documents, or recordings—may have become unlinked. Don’t worry! This guide will walk you through how to Relink Media in Family Tree Maker 2019, helping you restore missing files and avoid future issues.
Why Does Media Go Missing in FTM 2019?
Here are the most common reasons your media files get disconnected:
- You moved or renamed files outside of Family Tree Maker.
- You’re working from a new device or hard drive without copying the media folder.
- You reorganized folders without updating FTM.
- You restored a backup but didn’t include media files.
Note: FTM doesn’t automatically track files you move outside the software so any manual changes can lead to broken links.
How to Relink Media in Family Tree Maker 2019?
Follow these steps to restore your missing media files:
- Open Your Family Tree
Launch Family Tree Maker and open the tree that’s showing missing media.
- Navigate to the Media Workspace
Click on the Media tab (usually at the top of the window). This displays all the files connected to your tree.
- Spot the Broken Links
Look for:
- A red “X” icon.
- A blank or gray preview thumbnail.
These are your unlinked files.
- Relink the File
Right-click on the broken media item and choose “Relink Media”.
- A file explorer will pop up.
- Browse to the correct file on your computer
- Select it, and click Open
Once linked, the media should reappear immediately.
- Confirm It Worked
Double-check that:
- The media file now displays properly
- It’s linked to the right person, event, or source
Best Practices to Prevent Broken Media Links
Avoid relinking issues in the future by following these pro tips:
Keep Media in One Place
Create a dedicated folder like “Family Tree Media” and keep all documents and photos there. Don’t move them after linking.
Use Relative Paths (if supported)
Relative paths make your files easier to transfer between computers without breaking links.
Always Backup Both Tree & Media
When backing up your FTM file, make sure the media files are included (check the box!). It’s a good idea to back up to cloud storage or an external drive.
Also Read: Learn to Fix a Broken Media Link in Family Tree Maker 2019 Software
What If the File Still Won’t Relink Media in Family Tree Maker 2019?
Try these troubleshooting steps:
- Make sure the file still exists (not deleted or renamed).
- Double-check the file name and format.
- If you sync with Ancestry, confirm the file is uploaded there.
- Still no luck? Manually re-add the file using Add Media, and attach it to the correct person or event.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your media files properly linked in Family Tree Maker 2019 ensures your family story stays rich, visual, and complete. By understanding how links break—and using the Relink Media in Family Tree Maker 2019 feature to fix them—you’ll avoid future headaches and keep your research preserved and accessible.
Regular backups + smart folder organization = a smoother FTM experience.
Need More Help?
If you’re still stuck or unsure:
📞 Call Support: +1-888-427-8070
