Family Tree Maker File Migration Utility
This article discusses the following:
The Family Tree Maker File Migration Utility converts Family Tree Maker 2008 - 2012 PC Windows files so they can be opened on a Mac and vice versa. Please note that this application can be run only on a PC.
Within this article we provide instructions on installing this tool both from the Family Tree Maker for Mac disc, as well as directly from this article.
- FTW and FBK files from past versions of Family Tree Maker versions 5-16 do not need to be converted and can be imported directly into Family Tree Maker 2010 for Mac. For instructions importing these types of files, click here.
- FBC files and files from versions prior to version 4 need to be converted on a PC using our 2005 SE software. More information regarding this can be found by clicking here.
- FTM and FTMB files coming from the 2014 version will load directly into the Mac 3 version, but needs to be converted if going in to a Mac 2. The Mac 3 and the 2014 version are compatible.
To convert your files, you'll need:
- A compatible Family Tree Maker file. You can only convert files created with the following versions: Family Tree Maker 2008 - 2011 or Family Tree Maker 2010 for Mac.
- The Family Tree Maker File Migration tool installed on a PC.
- The ability to transfer files between a Mac and a PC (this might be a network connection, flash drive, CD or DVD, or FTP site).
Installing the File Migration Utility
Installing from the Family Tree Maker for Mac disc
- Insert the Family Tree Maker for Mac installation CD into the PC’s CD-ROM drive.
- Click on the Start menu in the bottom left and select My Computer (Computer on Windows Vista & 7) from the right.

- Double click the icon for the FTM 2010 for Mac CD.

- Double click and open the folder File Migration Utility (Win).

- Double-click the FTMFileMigrationSetup icon.

- Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to complete installation.
Downloading and installing the File Migration Utility directly from this article
- Download the File Migration Utility by clicking here.
- Double-click the FileMigrationUtilitySetup.

- Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to complete installation. Once installation is complete, the conversion tool will launch automatically.
With the File Migration Utility open:
- Select a conversion option. You can convert a Windows file to a Mac file or a Mac file to a Windows file.

- Click the Browse button to locate the Family Tree Maker file you want to convert. You can choose between .ftm & .ftmb files or .ftmm & .ftmd files depending on the option you selected.
- You can enter a name for the tree in the Output tree field and also select a location for the new tree.
- If you want to include media items linked to the tree, make sure the Include media files checkbox is selected.
Note: If you are converting a .ftm or .ftmm file, the utility will search for the tree’s Media folder. If the tool locates the folder, your media items will be included in the new tree. If you’ve moved the Media folder, the utility may not be able to locate it. To ensure that your new tree contains your media items, you might want to convert a .ftmb or .ftmd backup file instead of a .ftm or .ftmm file (backup files already include your media items).
- Click Create File. A message tells you when the conversion is complete. Click Close.
Uninstalling the File Migration Utility
With the File Migration Utility closed:
- Click the Start menu and select Control Panel.

- Open Add or Remove Programs.

- Windows Vista & 7 Users – open Programs and Features.
-

- Select FTM File Migration Utility and click the Remove button.
- Windows Vista & 7 Users – click Uninstall from the top.
- When prompted, click the Yes button to remove the FTM File Migration Utility from your computer.
- When the uninstall completes, click Finish and then close the Control Panel window.
Can I run this tool on my Mac?
This application can be run only on a PC.
Does this tool convert Mac files too?
Yes. You can use this tool to convert files from Family Tree Maker 2010 for Mac so they can be opened in Family Tree Maker 2010, 2011, or 2012 (for Windows).
Will I lose any data in my tree when I convert it?
Because of formatting changes, Family tree Maker 2011 files that are converted into Mac files will not include saved charts, reports, and books.