Family Tree Maker 2008

Family Tree Maker 2008 is a complete departure from past versions of the popular family history program, so it's worth reviewing its features as a separate programme. Several new features and functions have been built on a completely redesigned platform. The new interface is very intuitive however if you are used to the older versions of Family Tree Maker it might take you some time to get used to the new look.

The data entry and management options are very robust. Family index, pedigree view, and family view, as well as individual’s data are displayed all on one screen. It is a handy feature, however, it is expected that you view your screen under quite a large resolution, so all the information doesn't feel crammed on the screen. Laptop users will probably benefit from the extra space on the widescreen monitor. You can customize the way your work with Family Tree Maker 2008 by changing the sizes of each area to fit your needs, so if you want to concentrate on the family view you can drag the bars on its edges and enlarge it at the expense of the size of other areas. Family Tree Maker then remembers these settings the next time you open your family tree.

Family Tree Maker 2008 offers direct import from previous versions of Family Tree Maker, as well as The Master Genealogist (TMG), Personal Ancestral File (PAF), and Legacy Family Tree. GEDCOM import is quick, however if you have a large file with over 50,000 individuals, the software runs slowly.

Family Tree Maker 2008 Screenshot

Family Tree Maker software was known for its excellent publishing capabilities, however, this new version really disappoints in this department. Many popular charts/reports are not yet available, and book publishing is only available via online integration with AncestryPress. So if you intend to use your genealogy software for printing out family trees, charts and reports, you'll have to use some other programme for it.

Family Tree Maker 2008 offers excellent integration with Ancestry.com, Rootsweb.com and Genealogy.com, a handy feature if you are a regular user of these websites. FTM 2008 takes up a lot of space and memory compared to previous versions of Family Tree Maker so if your computer doesn't have high specifications you might find that it running Family Tree Maker slows it down.

To share your research you have to publish your tree to Ancestry. While this is a handy feature and many people now do use Ancestry's family trees, you can't create website to be able to host it independently.

Deluxe edition costs £39.99. Platinum edition costs £59.99