Unlock Your Family History with Family Tree Maker 2019

Unlock Your Family History with Family Tree Maker 2019

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Importing an Existing Tree
3. Understanding the Gencom File Format
4. Identifying the Character Set and Version
5. Determining the Source of the Gencom File
6. Handling Different Character Formats in Gencom 5.5 Files
7. The Difference Between ASCII and UTF-8
8. Exporting a Gencom File in UTF-8 Format
9. Importing a Gencom File into Family Tree Maker
10. Speed of Importing and Potential Crashes
11. Reporting Individuals and Families
12. Source Reporting and Duplicates
13. Source Groups in Family Tree Maker
14. Handling HTML Characters in Gencom Files
15. Potential Data Loss during Import
16. Conclusion

Importing an Existing Tree

One of the key features of Family Tree Maker is the ability to import an existing tree. In order to do this, you can choose from different options within the program. Whether you're importing from a specific version, a file path, or a legacy family tree, Family Tree Maker makes it easy to bring in your genealogical data.

Understanding the Gencom File Format

Before diving into the importing process, it's important to understand the Gencom file format. The Gencom file acts as a container for your genealogical data, organizing it into records and sub-elements. These records provide valuable information such as the character set being used and the version of the Gencom file.

Identifying the Character Set and Version

Within the Gencom file, the second row indicates the character set being used, whether it's UTF-8, ASCII, or something else. Additionally, the file specifies the version of the Gencom file, which can help identify the source and compatibility with different programs. Paying attention to these details ensures a smooth importing process.

Determining the Source of the Gencom File

Family Tree Maker has a clever way of identifying the source of the Gencom file. By analyzing the content within the file, Family Tree Maker can determine if it was exported from Ancestry.com Family Trees or any other genealogy software. This feature saves you time and eliminates the need for manual selection.

Handling Different Character Formats in Gencom 5.5 Files

Gencom 5.5 files sometimes use different character formats. While the file may indicate version 5.5, it could actually be a different version, such as 5.51. There is also a possibility that various programs have supported UTF-8, allowing for the usage of foreign characters. It's important to consider these aspects when exporting and importing Gencom files.

The Difference Between ASCII and UTF-8

The fundamental difference between ASCII and UTF-8 lies in their capacity to handle foreign characters. While ASCII is limited to basic English characters, UTF-8 has the ability to accommodate special characters from different languages. If your family tree includes individuals from diverse backgrounds, exporting your Gencom file in UTF-8 format is advisable.

Exporting a Gencom File in UTF-8 Format

Exporting your Gencom file in UTF-8 format ensures the preservation of any special characters in your family tree. This step is particularly important if you have non-English family members or ancestors. By using UTF-8, you can accurately represent their names and other relevant information in your genealogical records.

Importing a Gencom File into Family Tree Maker

Now, let's proceed with the actual import process in Family Tree Maker. While Family Tree Maker generally performs well in importing Gencom files, it is worth noting that it might be slower compared to some other genealogy software. However, the speed of the import process usually doesn't significantly impact the overall user experience.

Speed of Importing and Potential Crashes

During the import process, Family Tree Maker might encounter occasional crashes, although this is not a common occurrence. While importing a Gencom file, the program may become unresponsive or close unexpectedly. These crashes could be due to various factors such as conflicting software or insufficient system resources. It is recommended to close unnecessary programs and ensure sufficient system memory to prevent potential crashes.

Reporting Individuals and Families

Once the import is complete, Family Tree Maker provides a summary of the imported data. This summary includes the number of individuals and families in the imported Gencom file. The accuracy of these numbers is crucial for further analysis and research within the software.

Source Reporting and Duplicates

Family Tree Maker handles source reporting differently compared to other genealogy software. While some programs may only count unique sources, Family Tree Maker might count citations as separate sources. It's important to review the source list carefully to identify any potential duplicates or inconsistencies in the reporting.

Source Groups in Family Tree Maker

Family Tree Maker introduces a concept called "source groups" to organize and categorize similar sources. By creating source groups, you can efficiently manage and navigate through your sources. This feature enhances the usability of the software, making it easier to reference and analyze your genealogical data.

Handling HTML Characters in Gencom Files

If you used software like Evidentia to format your source citations with HTML characters, Family Tree Maker might not handle them correctly during the import process. It's recommended to verify the formatting of your citations and make any necessary adjustments in Family Tree Maker to ensure accurate representation of the sources.

Potential Data Loss during Import

It's essential to note that during the import process, there is always the possibility of data loss. While Family Tree Maker generally handles imports well, there may be instances where certain data points or relationships may not be accurately transferred. It's crucial to double-check the imported data and cross-reference it with the original to ensure data integrity.

Conclusion

Importing a Gencom file into Family Tree Maker offers a convenient way to bring in your existing genealogical data. By understanding the file format, character sets, and versioning, you can ensure a smooth importing process. While occasional crashes and potential data loss may occur, Family Tree Maker remains a reliable and versatile tool for managing and exploring your family history.

Highlights:

1. Family Tree Maker provides easy ways to import existing trees.
2. Understanding the Gencom file format is essential for successful imports.
3. Pay attention to the character set and version of the Gencom file.
4. Family Tree Maker intelligently determines the source of the Gencom file.
5. Handling different character formats and choosing UTF-8 is important for global family trees.
6. Family Tree Maker may encounter occasional crashes during the import process.
7. The software provides accurate reporting of individuals and families.
8. Source reporting and source group management enhance data organization.
9. Be cautious of potential data loss during the import process.
10. Family Tree Maker is a reliable tool for managing and exploring genealogical data.

FAQ:

Q: Can I import a Gencom file from any version of Family Tree Maker? A: Yes, Family Tree Maker allows you to import Gencom files from various versions, starting from version 5.

Q: How does Family Tree Maker handle sources with HTML characters during import? A: Family Tree Maker may not handle HTML characters correctly during the import process. It's recommended to review and adjust the formatting of source citations in the software.

Q: What should I do if my Gencom file crashes during the import process? A: If Family Tree Maker crashes during the import process, it's advisable to close unnecessary programs and ensure sufficient system resources. Restarting the import process might also resolve the issue.

Q: Does Family Tree Maker accurately report the number of sources in the Gencom file? A: Family Tree Maker may count citations as separate sources, potentially resulting in a higher number than the actual unique sources. Review the source list to identify any duplicates or inconsistencies in reporting.

Q: Is data loss common during the import process in Family Tree Maker? A: While Family Tree Maker generally handles imports well, there is always a possibility of data loss. It's recommended to double-check the imported data and cross-reference it with the original file to ensure data integrity.