Family Tree Maker 2017 is a desktop genealogy program for Windows and Mac. This guide covers its main features, comparison with the earlier FTM 2014.1 edition, system requirements, installation steps, updates and common questions for family historians.
FTM 2017 is a desktop family-history application for building, organizing, researching and documenting family trees on Windows and Mac.
MacKiev's official FAQ states that FTM 2017 was launched on July 16, 2017. It introduced important improvements around Ancestry syncing, FamilySearch research, color coding and photo repair, while bringing the Windows and Mac editions to the same feature level.
FamilySync was a central part of the release. It improved syncing speed and reliability and introduced many-to-one syncing, allowing multiple Family Tree Maker trees to link to one Ancestry tree.
The following features are based on MacKiev's official FTM 2017 release and update documentation.
FamilySync improved syncing speed, reliability and the ability to identify and troubleshoot sync issues. It also introduced many-to-one syncing, so multiple FTM trees could link to one Ancestry tree.
The Sync Weather Report gives a quick status for syncing. Green indicates no known issues, orange signals caution with an explanatory message, and red indicates the system is down.
FTM 2017 added FamilySearch integration with automatic match suggestions, in-program searches and the ability to merge records found through FamilySearch into your family tree.
Color coding can be used to identify family lines and research groups. MacKiev says up to eight colors can be applied to one person, helping researchers trace direct lines, descendants and other categories.
FTM 2017 introduced the Photo Darkroom series with a Faded Photo Repair Tool designed to improve the appearance of old, faded black-and-white photographs.
FTM 2017 retained Ancestry-connected search and merge functionality. MacKiev notes that these Ancestry connection services were retired from older editions when FTM 2017 was released.
MacKiev described FTM 2017 as the first edition in which Mac and Windows users could enjoy the same features and functionality, with files transferable between the two platforms.
Later FTM 2017 updates included important data-security improvements, compatibility fixes and stability work. Version 23.3 was designated by MacKiev as a required update for FTM 2017 users.
A small comparison of capabilities highlighted by MacKiev when FTM 2017 was introduced. Older editions lost Ancestry-connected services after those services were retired.
| Feature | FTM 2014.1 | FTM 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Ancestry sync | Not available after the older Ancestry services were retired | FamilySync supported |
| Many-to-one sync | Not available | Multiple FTM trees can link to one Ancestry tree |
| FamilySearch integration | Not part of the FTM 2017 integration described by MacKiev | Integrated search, matches and merge |
| Sync Weather | Not available | Green / Orange / Red status |
| Color coding | Earlier color tools | Enhanced color coding with up to eight colors per person |
| Photo Darkroom | Not part of the FTM 2017 release feature set | Faded Photo Repair Tool |
| Mac & Windows functionality | Different edition history | Same feature set across Mac and Windows |
These requirements are from MacKiev's current FTM 2017 system-requirements article. Online features require Internet access.
MacKiev's version/build documentation lists FTM 2017 version 23.3, Build 570 as the latest FTM 2017 version. MacKiev also describes the 23.3 update as a required update containing important data-security, Ancestry and FamilySearch compatibility improvements.
These are brief steps based on MacKiev's official Windows and Mac installation instructions.
Before installation, make a full backup using File > Backup. Keep the backup on an external drive or cloud storage. If an older FTM version is installed, do not remove it immediately.
Open the email containing your FTM 2017 download link. On Windows, the downloaded installer is named FTM2017.exe. On Mac, the download is FTM2017Mac.dmg.
Double-click the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. Review and accept the license agreement, select the country edition when prompted, and keep the default installation location unless you have a specific reason to change it.
On Windows, click Install and then Finish. On Mac, click Install Software when prompted for authorization and then Close when the installer completes.
Start FTM 2017. An upgrade from a MacKiev edition may show your trees in the Plan workspace. Otherwise, use Import an Existing Tree or File > Restore to open a tree or backup.
On Windows, choose Help > About Family Tree Maker. On Mac, choose the Family Tree Maker 2017 menu and then About. The current MacKiev listing shows 23.3 Build 570.
Ten practical questions about FTM 2017, compatibility, installation and updates.
Family Tree Maker 2017 is a desktop genealogy application for Windows and Mac. Its major release features include FamilySync, Sync Weather, FamilySearch integration, enhanced color coding and Photo Darkroom tools.
MacKiev's official FAQ states that Family Tree Maker 2017 was launched on July 16, 2017.
MacKiev's version-check documentation lists FTM 2017 version 23.3, Build 570, as the latest FTM 2017 version.
Yes. MacKiev's current system requirements list Windows 7 or later, including Windows 11.
Windows 7 or later, 900 MB available disk space, 2 GB RAM with 4 GB recommended, and a 1024 × 768 display are listed by MacKiev.
MacKiev lists OS X 10.9 or later, including macOS Sequoia 15, 900 MB available disk space, 2 GB RAM with 4 GB recommended, and a 1280 × 800 display.
Yes. FamilySync supports syncing a Family Tree Maker tree with an Ancestry tree. MacKiev also introduced many-to-one syncing, allowing multiple FTM trees to link to one Ancestry tree.
Yes. FTM 2017 added FamilySearch integration, including match suggestions, searches and the ability to merge records into your tree.
Yes. MacKiev recommends making a full backup with File > Backup before installing FTM 2017 and keeping a copy on external or cloud storage.
No. MacKiev's FTM 2017 FAQ states that the edition was available for Windows PC and Mac and did not have tablet or phone app versions.
If you need help with installation, older Family Tree Maker files, Ancestry syncing, FamilySearch research, backups, missing media, transferring a tree or general troubleshooting, describe the issue and the Windows or Mac version you are using.
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