A merge brings together the data from two separate family trees—people, facts, sources, and media—into one organized file. This helps streamline your research and avoid duplication. It’s a useful process when you want to merge two Family Tree Maker files.
Why Merge Family Tree Maker Files?
When you merge two Family Tree Maker files, it helps you consolidate your research, whether you’re combining data from different sources or adding contributions from relatives. This means everything remains categorized in one place, minimizes duplication, and preserves your genealogical records better.
How to Merge Two Family Tree Maker Files?
In this blog, you will learn the detailed procedure to merge trees, eliminate duplicates, and save your family history. Additionally, some tips are mentioned in order to make your learning experience smoother.
To merge FTM files, make sure to remember these steps:
- Back up both files
- Open your primary tree
- Import the secondary tree
- Match and merge individuals
- Resolve duplicates
- Save and review the final tree
Step-by-Step: Merging Two FTM Files
Step 1: Backup Your Files
How to Backup:
To merge two Family Tree Maker files, always begin by making backups of both FTM files. This will allow you to restore your data in case something wrong happens.
- Open Family Tree Maker.
- Go to File > Backup.
- Save each file to a secure location, clearly named (e.g., JohnsonTree_Backup_Apr2025).
Tip: Store backups on external drive or cloud storage for extra safety.
Step 2: Open the Primary Tree
Open the Family Tree Maker file you want to use as your main tree. This is where the second file will be merged into.
- Launch FTM
- Go to File > Open
- Select your primary family tree file
Step 3: Import the Secondary File
To bring in your second tree:
- Go to File > Import as New Tree.
- Select the appropriate file type (.ftm or .ftmb).
- Click Open.
- Find and open your secondary FTM file.
- This will create a new, separate tree in your file list.
Naming tip: Use a temporary name like “SmithTree_ToMerge” to keep things organized.
Step 4: Match & Merge Individuals
Now it’s time to connect individuals that appear in both trees.
What to Do:
- FTM may auto-suggest possible matches
- Review each one carefully
- Only merge people when:
- Names match
- Dates and places line up
- Relationships are consistent
Note: Don’t merge people with similar names unless you’re sure they are the same person. Mistakes here can be hard to fix later.
Step 5: Review for Duplicates
Even after matching, some duplicates may remain.
Find and Resolve:
Go to Tools > Find Duplicate Individuals.
Review FTM’s suggestions.
Confirm and merge matches manually, checking:
- Birth/death dates
- Locations
- Spouses and children
Note: Pay close attention to middle names and alternate spellings — they often signal duplicate entries.
Step 6: Save & Final Review
Once you’re confident the trees are fully merged:
Save your updated tree under a new name (e.g., JohnsonSmith_Combined_Apr2025).
Run a Data Error Report to catch any issues:
- Go to Tools > Data Errors Report
- Review:
- Notes
- Sources
- Media files
- Relationships
Pro Tip: Use color coding or labels to mark newly merged individuals for easier tracking.
Why Merging Makes Sense?
- Centralizes your research into one easy-to-manage file.
- Eliminates duplication, saving time and effort.
- Supports collaboration with family members.
- Keeps your records clean, consistent, and organized for generations.
With one master tree, your family history becomes more accessible, easier to maintain, and ready for growth.
Conclusion
To add a smart way to streamline your research and avoid scattered or duplicated information, you can merge two family tree maker files, which is more convenient and easy option. It not only simplifies how you manage your data but also helps you uncover new connections. With everything in one place, your family history becomes more accessible, easier to maintain, and better prepared for sharing or future growth.
Need Help?
If you run into technical issues or need help verifying duplicate entries, support is available.
📞 Family Tree Support phone number: +1-888-427-8070
💬 You can also reach out to us through Live Chat support.
