Family Tree Maker (FTM) has been the best software for genealogists for decades, evolving continuously to meet the needs of users. With the launch of Family Tree Maker 2024, everyone is wondering how it differs from previous versions such as FTM 2019, FTM 2017, FTM 2014, and even older ones like FTM 2012 and FTM 2010. Let’s dive into a clear comparison of FTM 2024 vs. previous versions to help you decide whether upgrading is the right move.
Key Feature Comparison
| Feature | FTM 2024 | FTM 2019 | FTM 2017 | FTM 2014/2012/2010 |
| Ancestry Hints, Search, and Merge | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| FamilySearch Hints, Search, and Merge | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Turn Back Time (1000-step rollback) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Smart Filters | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| TreeVault Cloud Services | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Emergency Tree Restore Service | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Family Tree Maker Connect App | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Historical Weather Insights | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Next of Kin Service | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Photo Darkroom (Photo Restoration) | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| AI-Powered Record Matching | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| DNA Integration Dashboard | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Real-Time Cloud Sync | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Modern Drag-and-Drop Interface | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Enhanced Offline Access and Security | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
What’s New in Family Tree Maker 2024?
AI-Powered Record Matching:- Family Tree Maker 2024 uses AI to find ancestor matches more quickly and accurately. It scans databases such as Ancestry and MyHeritage, learns from your edits, and makes searching much smarter than the old manual ways.
Real-Time Universal Cloud Sync:- No more syncing by hand! FTM 2024 syncs your tree immediately across desktop, tablet, and mobile. Version history is saved, too, so you can undo any change with ease—something FTM 2019 and previous versions lacked.
DNA Integration Dashboard:- Family Tree Maker 2024 now includes a DNA dashboard that integrates results from AncestryDNA and 23andMe. You can simply view ethnicity, cousin matches, and migration patterns, adding depth to your family history.
Improved Media Management:- Smart Albums in FTM 2024 sort your photos, documents, and videos automatically by person, date, or location. And with a new timeline view, you can see your media together with significant events from history, bringing your family stories to life.
Enhanced Security and Offline Capabilities:- FTM 2024 protects your tree with encrypted backup and two-factor authentication. And you can also work offline without fear of losing your data—something previous versions didn’t entirely allow.
Conclusion
Family Tree Maker 2024 brings some big improvements over the older versions. With faster searches using AI, real-time syncing, DNA tools, and stronger security, it makes family history research easier and better. If you’re still using FTM 2019, FTM 2017, or an older version, upgrading to FTM 2024 is a smart choice for keeping your research safe and up-to-date.
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