.FTW File Extension

.FTW File Extension

Family Tree Maker File

Developer Ancestry.com
Popularity

Average rating 2.7 / 5. Vote count: 14

Category Data Files
Format .FTW
Cross Platform Update Soon

What is an FTW file?

To understand what .FTW files are, we first need to know that they are commonly associated with Family Tree Maker, a popular genealogy software developed by Ancestry.com.

Family Tree Maker is used by individuals and families to create, organize, and maintain their family trees, preserving their genealogical history.

.FTW files are specifically used to store genealogical data created within Family Tree Maker. These files contain a wealth of information about family relationships, historical records, photos, and other vital data related to a user’s family tree.

The .FTW file extension indicates that the file contains data in a format that is compatible with Family Tree Maker software.

More Information.

The history of .FTW files is intertwined with the evolution of Family Tree Maker. The software was initially launched in the late 1980s and quickly gained popularity due to its user-friendly interface and powerful features for creating and managing family trees.

As Family Tree Maker continued to evolve, so did the .FTW file format.The initial purpose of .FTW files was to serve as a convenient and standardized way to save and share genealogical data within the Family Tree Maker ecosystem.

Users could create detailed family trees, add historical records, attach photos, and save all this information in a single .FTW file.

This made it easy to collaborate with others, transfer data between different versions of the software, and backup valuable genealogical research.

Origin Of This File.

The origin of .FTW files can be traced back to the development of Family Tree Maker. Ancestry.com introduced this software to cater to the needs of genealogy enthusiasts, historians, and individuals interested in discovering their family history.

To enable users to easily save and share their genealogical research, Ancestry.com introduced the .FTW file format as a proprietary format for Family Tree Maker.

File Structure Technical Specification.

Understanding the file structure and technical specifications of .FTW files can provide valuable insights into how they store genealogical data. While the exact technical details of .FTW files may vary over different versions of Family Tree Maker, they typically consist of the following components:

  1. Header Information: The file begins with a header that contains metadata about the .FTW file, such as the version of Family Tree Maker used to create it and other relevant information.
  2. Data Blocks: These blocks store the actual genealogical data, including information about individuals, relationships, events, and sources. Each data block is organized in a structured format, making it easy for the software to retrieve and display the information.
  3. Multimedia References: .FTW files often include references to multimedia files, such as images and documents, which are linked to individuals and events within the family tree.
  4. Index and Search Data: To facilitate quick searches and navigation, .FTW files may contain index and search data, allowing users to locate specific individuals or events within the family tree efficiently.
  5. User-Defined Fields: Family Tree Maker allows users to define custom fields for storing additional information not covered by standard genealogical data fields. .FTW files can include these user-defined fields, enhancing their flexibility.

How to Convert the File?

To convert .FTW files for sharing or using different genealogy software, follow these steps:

Export Data from Family Tree Maker:

  1. Open the .FTW file in Family Tree Maker on Windows.
  2. Go to the “File” menu and choose “Export” or “Save As.”
  3. Select the GEDCOM (.GED) format for compatibility.
  4. Customize export settings if needed, like privacy options.
  5. Specify a destination folder and filename.
  6. Click “Save” or “Export” to create the GEDCOM file.

Open the Exported GEDCOM File:

  1. Import the GEDCOM file into your desired genealogy software.
  2. Follow your software’s instructions for importing GEDCOM data.

Verify Data Accuracy:

  1. Review imported data for accuracy, checking profiles, relationships, events, and multimedia.
  2. Ensure all dates, places, and details are correct.

Save in the New Software Format:

  1. Save the data in the new software’s native format for compatibility.

Backup Your Data:

  1. Regularly back up your genealogical data in both .FTW and new software formats to prevent data loss or corruption.

Advantages And Disadvantages.

Advantages:

  1. Compatibility: .FTW files are specifically designed for use with Family Tree Maker, making them highly compatible with the software. This ensures that all genealogical data is accurately preserved when opened in the same software.
  2. Comprehensive Data Storage: .FTW files can store a wide range of genealogical information, including individual profiles, family relationships, historical records, multimedia attachments, and more. This comprehensive data storage is essential for genealogy enthusiasts.
  3. User-Friendly: Family Tree Maker’s user-friendly interface and the use of .FTW files make it accessible to both beginners and experienced genealogists, allowing them to easily document and explore their family history.

Disadvantages:

  1. Proprietary Format: .FTW files are proprietary to Family Tree Maker, which means they can only be opened and edited using this specific software. This restricts the flexibility of sharing data with individuals who do not use Family Tree Maker.
  2. Compatibility Issues: .FTW files may encounter compatibility issues when transferred between different versions of Family Tree Maker or when attempting to open them with other genealogy software. It’s essential to ensure software compatibility when sharing or migrating data.
  3. Limited Collaboration: Due to their proprietary nature, .FTW files may hinder collaboration among genealogists using different software. Collaborative efforts may require data export and import, which can be complex and prone to data loss.

How to Open FTW?

Open In Windows

.FTW files can be directly opened in Family Tree Maker on Windows. Simply double-click the .FTW file, and it should open in the software if it is installed.

Open In Linux

Running Family Tree Maker natively on Linux can be challenging as the software is designed for Windows. You can try using emulation software like Wine to run Windows programs on Linux. Keep in mind that compatibility and performance may vary.

Open In MAC

You can run Family Tree Maker on macOS using emulation software, virtual machines (e.g., VirtualBox), or by dual-booting your Mac with Windows.

Once Family Tree Maker is installed on Windows within these environments, you can open .FTW files as you would on a Windows PC.

Open In Android

Family Tree Maker is not available as a native app on Android devices. To access .FTW files on Android, consider exporting your genealogical data to a format that Android genealogy apps support, such as GEDCOM (.GED). Then, use a genealogy app like Ancestry or MyHeritage on Android to open and view your data.

Open In IOS

Family Tree Maker is not available as a native app on iOS devices. To view .FTW files on iOS, export your genealogical data to a compatible format like GEDCOM (.GED).

You can then use genealogy apps like Ancestry, MyHeritage, or any GEDCOM-compatible app on your iOS device to access your data.

Open in Others

If you’re using an operating system not mentioned above or prefer web-based solutions, some online genealogy services and websites may offer import options for .FTW files.

Convert your .FTW file to a compatible format like GEDCOM, upload it to the platform, and explore your genealogical data from there.

Verified by allfileinfo.com

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