No, Family Tree Maker is not free — it is a paid desktop application, but a fully functional 30-day free trial is available, and the companion mobile apps are free to download. After the trial, you must purchase a license (currently around $80 for the Standard edition, with a Deluxe edition around $100) to continue using the desktop software. This article explains what the trial includes, what the free companion apps offer, and how Family Tree Maker compares to genuinely free alternatives like Ancestry’s web-based tree or FamilySearch’s free platform.
What Family Tree Maker Is
Family Tree Maker (FTM) is one of the oldest genealogy software programs, first released in 1989 and now published by Software MacKiev. It is a desktop application for Windows and macOS that lets you build, organize, and store your family tree locally on your computer. Unlike web-only services, FTM stores your data on your hard drive, giving you full ownership of your research. It integrates with Ancestry.com, allowing you to sync your online tree with your desktop tree, and it also supports FamilySearch, the free genealogy website run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Free Trial: What You Get
Software MacKiev offers a 30-day free trial of the full Family Tree Maker program. During the trial, you have access to all features, including:
- Creating unlimited trees with unlimited people
- Adding photos, documents, and source citations
- Generating charts, reports, and timelines
- Syncing with Ancestry.com and FamilySearch
- Using the companion mobile apps (iOS and Android) for free
The trial is fully functional, so you can evaluate the software before buying. After 30 days, the program stops working until you enter a license key. There is no free version that remains usable indefinitely, and the trial cannot be extended by re-installing or using a different email address — the software tracks the trial period on your computer.
Free Companion Apps and Web Viewer
While the desktop program is paid, Family Tree Maker offers free companion apps for iOS and Android. These apps let you view your tree, add photos and notes, and edit basic information from your phone or tablet. However, the apps are not a full replacement for the desktop program — they are designed to complement it. You must have a Family Tree Maker desktop file to sync with the apps; you cannot create a new tree from scratch in the mobile app alone. Additionally, Software MacKiev provides a free “Family Tree Maker Web Viewer” that lets you share your tree online with family members, but it is read-only — viewers can see the tree but cannot edit it.
Genuinely Free Alternatives
If you are looking for a completely free genealogy program, several robust options exist. The most popular is FamilySearch Family Tree, which is entirely free and web-based. It is a collaborative tree, meaning multiple users can work on the same individuals, and it has a massive database of historical records. Another strong option is Ancestry.com’s free tree — you can build a tree and add up to 1,000 people without paying, but you must have an Ancestry subscription to access most historical records. For a desktop program, Gramps is a free, open-source genealogy application for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is powerful but has a steeper learning curve than Family Tree Maker. Other free options include MyHeritage’s free tree (limited to 250 people) and RootsMagic Essentials, a free version of the paid RootsMagic software with limited features.
How to Choose: Paid vs. Free
Choosing between Family Tree Maker and a free alternative depends on your needs. Consider these factors:
- Data ownership: Family Tree Maker stores your data locally, so you own it completely. Free web-based services may have terms that give them rights to your content, though most allow you to export your data.
- Record access: If you want to attach historical records (census, birth, marriage, death) to your tree, you will likely need a subscription to a service like Ancestry or MyHeritage, regardless of the software you use. Family Tree Maker syncs with Ancestry, making record attachment seamless.
- Ease of use: Family Tree Maker is user-friendly with a modern interface. Gramps is more complex but offers advanced features for serious researchers.
- Collaboration: FamilySearch and Ancestry trees are collaborative, meaning relatives can view and edit. Family Tree Maker is single-user, though you can share via the web viewer.
- Cost over time: Family Tree Maker is a one-time purchase, not a subscription. Free services may have hidden costs, such as subscriptions for record access or premium features.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
A frequent misconception is that Family Tree Maker is free because it used to be bundled with Ancestry subscriptions. In 2015, Ancestry discontinued the software, and Software MacKiev took over development. Since then, it has been sold separately. Another common issue is that users confuse the free trial with a free version — the trial is time-limited, not a freemium model. Additionally, some users report that the sync feature with Ancestry can be slow or occasionally fail, especially with very large trees. It is also worth noting that Family Tree Maker does not have a built-in DNA tool; you must use a third-party service like AncestryDNA or 23andMe, and then you can upload DNA results to some services, but not directly to FTM.
Costs and Licensing
Family Tree Maker is available in two editions. The Standard edition costs around $80 and includes the desktop software for either Windows or macOS. The Deluxe edition costs around $100 and adds a printed user guide and a free upgrade to the next major version. There is no subscription fee, and you can install the software on up to three computers (Windows and Mac versions are separate licenses). Upgrades to future major versions are paid, but minor updates are free. The trial version is the same as the full version, so you can test it thoroughly before purchasing.
Safety and Data Privacy
When using any genealogy software, consider data privacy. Family Tree Maker stores your data locally, which is generally safer than cloud-only services. However, if you sync with Ancestry.com, your tree data is uploaded to Ancestry’s servers. Ancestry has a privacy policy that allows you to control who sees your tree, but you should be aware that the company may use your data for research or marketing, as outlined in their terms. If you are concerned about privacy, you can use Family Tree Maker without syncing to online services, keeping your data entirely offline. Always back up your tree file regularly, either to an external drive or a cloud storage service like Dropbox, to prevent data loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Family Tree Maker really free for 30 days?
Yes, the official trial is 30 days and includes all features. You can download it from the Software MacKiev website. After the trial, you must purchase a license to continue using the program.
Can I use Family Tree Maker without an Ancestry subscription?
Yes, you can use Family Tree Maker as a standalone program without any subscription. You can manually enter all information. However, to access Ancestry’s historical records or sync your tree with Ancestry, you need an active Ancestry subscription.
What is the difference between Family Tree Maker and Ancestry’s online tree?
Family Tree Maker is desktop software that stores data locally, while Ancestry’s online tree is web-based and stored on Ancestry’s servers. FTM offers more advanced charting and reporting, and you can work offline. Ancestry’s tree is collaborative and integrates directly with record searches, but it requires a subscription for full features.
Can I import a tree from Ancestry or FamilySearch into Family Tree Maker?
Yes, you can import a GEDCOM file (a standard genealogy file format) from any service into Family Tree Maker. Additionally, FTM has direct sync with Ancestry, and you can also import from FamilySearch using the built-in sync feature.
Is Family Tree Maker worth the money compared to free software?
If you value a polished, user-friendly interface, reliable sync with Ancestry, and extensive charting options, it may be worth the one-time cost. If you are a casual researcher or want to avoid any expense, free alternatives like FamilySearch or Gramps can meet your needs, though they may have limitations in ease of use or features.
Related
- Cattle Ear Tags Custom: Options, Rules, and Costs
- Cattle Jobs in Texas: Hiring, Pay & How to Find Work
- Cattle Kate Western Wear: What It Is & More
How pages are sourced and corrected: Sources and editorial policy.