Exploring Family Tree Maker 2024 – An Interview with Rick Crume
Podcast: Family Tree Magazine Podcast
Host: Andrew Cook (Editor, Family Tree Magazine)
Guest: Rick Crume (Genealogy Tech Expert & Contributing Editor)
Date: January 1, 2026
Episode Overview
This episode delves into the latest release of Family Tree Maker 2024, a leading genealogy software, discussing its key features, recent updates, strengths, weaknesses, and how it fits within the broader landscape of genealogy tools. Tech expert Rick Crume joins Editor Andrew Cook to share insights on building, organizing, and sharing your family history using both desktop and online solutions.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Genealogy Software vs. Online Family Trees
[03:14 – 07:54]
-
Similarities:
- Both options allow entry of family names, dates, relationships, and sources.
- Ability to link media (photos, documents) and create basic reports.
- Provide research tools and record hints.
-
Differences & Desktop Advantages:
- Desktop programs, like Family Tree Maker (FTM), feature more comprehensive options for charts, reports, and customization.
- Data control: Keep all research in a central, master file under user control.
- Retain access to attached records even after ending online subscriptions (e.g., Ancestry.com).
- Desktop programs are often a one-time purchase, unlike subscription-based online services.
Quote:
“If you attach records from Ancestry.com to your Ancestry member tree, you will lose access to those records if you ever let your Ancestry.com subscription lapse…you can synchronize your Ancestry member tree with your Family Tree Maker tree...so you can view them even if you no longer have an Ancestry subscription.”
— Rick Crume [06:12]
2. What Sets Family Tree Maker Apart?
[08:02 – 12:01]
- FTM dominates the market for desktop genealogy software, praised for its:
- Full-featured, customizable charts (pedigree, descendant, fan charts, etc.).
- One-click synchronization with Ancestry Member Trees.
- Integration (though more limited) with FamilySearch family trees.
- Extensive help resources, including a thorough 325-page digital manual.
- Strong focus on report creation for research sharing or gift purposes.
Quote:
“Family Tree Maker really does excel at creating attractive customizable charts...you can add themed backgrounds, a border and embellishments...that make kind of nice gifts.”
— Rick Crume [09:31]
- Synchronization keeps data updated whether edits are made online or in the desktop program.
3. Family Tree Maker 2024: What’s New?
[12:01 – 16:24]
- Version Details: Announced as “2024,” but released in May 2025 due to delays.
- Major New Features:
- Faster Launch Times: Program now opens more quickly.
- Expanded Turn Back Time: Undo changes up to 5,000 edits (was 1,000 previously).
- Connect Workspace: Enables tree sharing with relatives via a free mobile app; relatives can view the tree and add sticky notes.
- ‘Easy on the Eyes’: Option to enlarge text in the People workspace for easier data entry and navigation.
- Photo Repair Tools: Includes dust/scratch removal for old photographs.
- Cross-Platform: Fully compatible with both Mac and PC.
Quote:
“The new Connect Workspace lets you share your family tree with your relatives, so they can view your tree on a free mobile app. And they can also attach sticky notes to the tree so they show up on your Family Tree Maker tree.”
— Rick Crume [13:31]
4. Understanding FTM’s Workspaces
[16:26 – 22:41]
Family Tree Maker is organized into eight main workspaces, each with specific functions:
- Plan: Build, import, sync trees, and restore backups.
- People: Add/edit profiles, key facts, and relationships.
- Places: Track ancestral locations, visualize associations.
- Media: Manage attached photos, documents, audio, and video.
- Sources: Organize and manage source citations with customizable templates.
- Publish: Create charts, books, and full genealogy reports.
- Web Search: Find records on Ancestry and FamilySearch directly.
- Connect (New): Collaborate and share trees via the mobile app.
Quote:
“You can really put everything together in a published book that incorporates all of the information you've found, along with pictures and source documentation with an index and table of contents. So really a full featured book.”
— Rick Crume [20:42]
5. Strengths and Weaknesses of Family Tree Maker
[24:41 – 30:43]
Strengths:
- Robust feature set for organization, documentation, media attachment, and report creation.
- Professional customization for serious researchers.
- Excellent documentation and help tools.
- Seamless integration with leading online tree platforms (Ancestry, some FamilySearch features).
Weaknesses:
- Sheer feature set can overwhelm beginners; best suited to committed hobbyists or professionals.
- Extensive manual may be daunting for casual users.
- Online family trees (e.g., Ancestry, FamilySearch) are easier for simple, shareable family histories.
- Some media handling and sharing features are more streamlined in FamilySearch and Ancestry.
- Extra steps required to share or update information compared to cloud-based trees.
Quote:
“If you have just a passing interest in genealogy...a simpler program might be a better option. For example, you could create an Ancestry member tree for free...or use the FamilySearch family tree, which is completely free.”
— Rick Crume [26:01]
6. Comparisons and Alternatives
[30:43 – 32:00]
-
Other desktop genealogy programs mentioned:
- RootsMagic: Similar features and cross-platform.
- MacFamilyTree: Mac only.
- Legacy Family Tree: PC only.
- Family Tree Builder: Free, closely tied to MyHeritage.
-
FamilySearch praised for:
- Exceptional media/album features for documents and photos.
- A single profile system minimizing data duplication (unlike Ancestry).
7. Sharing & Collaborating with Family
[32:00 – 33:27]
- FamilySearch is especially effective for sharing unique documents/photos:
- Albums can be easily shared via links.
- All content is available for free to registered users.
- Contrasts with the more insular, “siloed” nature of desktop software.
Quote:
“Since the goal of the FamilySearch family tree is to have just a single profile for each person, that means that there's usually just one place to look for information…”
— Rick Crume [32:53]
8. Where to Find Rick Crume’s Resources
[34:54 – 36:59]
- InsideGenealogy.com: Rick’s website, featuring genealogy checklists.
- Free version covers FamilySearch resources.
- Paid version adds more sites (Ancestry, etc.).
- Helps organize research and includes direct links to collections, both free and paid.
Quote:
“The main feature is a genealogy checklist…It is a checklist of key sources that you should check, and it has links to online databases, so you can check them off as you use them.”
— Rick Crume [35:00]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
“Family Tree Maker has single click synchronization with your Ancestry member tree. So it's very easy to keep your Ancestry member tree and your Family Tree Maker synchronized and up to date with each other.”
— Rick Crume [10:27] -
“Having a lot of features is a strength, but it can also be a weakness. It can be a little overwhelming. The program is geared for people who are fairly serious about researching their family history.”
— Rick Crume [25:00] -
“Family Tree Maker 2024...lets you invite guests to your tree, and you can also take your research on the go with the mobile app…They can actually attach sticky notes to your tree.”
— Rick Crume [21:45] -
“FamilySearch family tree is an especially good option...for one of a kind documents...it’s free, it has an excellent system for organizing and sharing.”
— Rick Crume [32:02]
Segment Timestamps
| Segment | Timestamps | |---------------------------------------|-----------------| | Software vs. Online Trees | 03:14 – 07:54 | | What Makes FTM Unique | 08:02 – 12:01 | | New in Family Tree Maker 2024 | 12:01 – 16:24 | | FTM's Workspaces Explained | 16:26 – 22:41 | | FTM's Strengths & Weaknesses | 24:41 – 30:43 | | Software Alternatives | 30:43 – 32:00 | | Sharing Family History Online | 32:00 – 33:27 | | Rick Crume’s Website and Checklists | 34:54 – 36:59 |
Final Thoughts
This episode serves as an in-depth guide to Family Tree Maker 2024: its latest features, how it fits into the genealogy landscape, and practical advice on who it’s best for. The conversation balances the strengths of robust desktop software with the convenience and collaborative nature of online family trees, advising listeners to choose based on their dedication to research and sharing needs.
For resources, links, and Rick Crume’s genealogy checklist, visit InsideGenealogy.com and see the Family Tree Magazine website for full show notes.