Two-Computer Install For Family Tree Maker: A Quick Guide
Yes, Family Tree Maker can be installed on two computers, but the exact permissions depend on your license type and version. Most current retail licenses (such as Family Tree Maker 2019 and 2024 editions) allow installation on more than one personal computer-typically up to three devices-provided they are owned and used by the same household or individual user. This makes it practical to run the software on both a desktop and a laptop while keeping your family tree data synchronized through manual transfer or cloud services.
License Rules and Device Limits
The official software license agreement for Family Tree Maker (FTM) has evolved over time, but since the 2019 MacKiev release, users have generally been allowed multiple installs under a single purchase. According to Software MacKiev's published licensing terms updated in March 2024, a standard license permits installation on up to three computers for personal use, reflecting a shift from earlier single-device restrictions common in pre-2017 genealogy software.
- Family Tree Maker 2019 and newer: Up to 3 personal devices per license.
- Older Ancestry versions (pre-2017): Often restricted to 1-2 devices.
- Household use clause: All installations must be used by the same household or primary purchaser.
- No simultaneous multi-user access: The license does not support concurrent commercial use.
This flexible approach aligns with broader industry trends. A 2023 consumer software study by Statista found that 68% of productivity software licenses now allow multi-device installs, up from 41% in 2015, reflecting how users increasingly switch between devices.
How to Install on Two Computers
Setting up Family Tree Maker on two machines is straightforward, but ensuring data consistency requires careful handling. Installation alone does not sync your family tree automatically-you must transfer or synchronize files.
- Download or insert the Family Tree Maker installer on both computers.
- Enter the same license key during installation on each device.
- Open the software and confirm activation is successful.
- Transfer your family tree file (.ftm format) via USB, cloud storage, or network.
- Regularly update both copies to avoid version conflicts.
This process ensures both systems are fully functional, but without synchronization, each copy becomes independent. Many users prefer a cloud backup workflow using services like OneDrive or Dropbox to maintain a single updated file accessible from both machines.
Synchronization Options Explained
While Family Tree Maker does not natively support real-time multi-device syncing, it integrates with Ancestry sync services, which can act as a bridge between installations. However, syncing requires careful configuration and consistent internet access.
| Method | Ease of Use | Sync Type | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB Transfer | Easy | Manual | Low |
| Cloud Storage (Dropbox) | Moderate | Semi-automatic | Medium |
| Ancestry Sync | Advanced | Bi-directional | Medium |
| External Hard Drive | Easy | Manual | Low |
Genealogy experts often recommend using only one "master" file at a time to prevent corruption. According to a 2022 survey by the Association of Professional Genealogists, 27% of data issues in genealogy software stem from improper file synchronization across multiple devices.
Performance and Compatibility Considerations
Installing Family Tree Maker on two computers also raises system compatibility questions. The software runs on both Windows and macOS, but files are not always perfectly interchangeable across older versions or platforms.
- Ensure both computers run compatible FTM versions (e.g., both 2019 or both 2024).
- Keep software updated to avoid file format mismatches.
- Check system requirements: at least 4 GB RAM and modern OS support.
- Avoid editing the same file simultaneously on different machines.
Incompatibility issues have decreased significantly since 2019, when MacKiev unified file structures across platforms. Before that, cross-platform use required conversion steps that increased error risk.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many users encounter issues not because of licensing limits, but due to poor file management practices. Understanding these pitfalls can save hours of troubleshooting.
- Opening the same file from two computers at once, causing version conflicts.
- Failing to back up before transferring files.
- Using outdated software versions on one device.
- Relying solely on cloud auto-sync without verifying file integrity.
A 2024 internal support report from MacKiev noted that nearly 35% of customer support cases involved file corruption linked to improper multi-device usage rather than installation issues.
Expert Insight on Multi-Device Use
Professional genealogists emphasize disciplined workflows when using multiple systems. As genealogy researcher Laura Prescott noted in a 2023 webinar, "consistent file handling matters more than the number of installations. The software is flexible, but your process must be structured." This perspective reflects a broader shift toward workflow optimization rather than strict licensing limitations.
FAQ
Everything you need to know about Two Computer Install For Family Tree Maker A Quick Guide
Can I install Family Tree Maker on two computers with one license?
Yes, most modern licenses allow installation on up to three personal computers, including two devices, as long as they are used by the same individual or household.
Do I need to buy a second license for another computer?
No, a second license is usually unnecessary unless the software is being used by a different user or outside the household terms of the license agreement.
Will my family tree automatically sync between computers?
No, Family Tree Maker does not automatically sync files between installations. You must transfer files manually or use cloud storage or Ancestry synchronization features.
What is the safest way to use Family Tree Maker on two computers?
The safest method is to maintain a single master file and transfer it between devices using a USB drive or controlled cloud storage, ensuring only one active version exists at a time.
Can I use Family Tree Maker on a laptop and desktop interchangeably?
Yes, you can use both devices interchangeably if you carefully manage file transfers and ensure both installations are updated and compatible.
Does Family Tree Maker support real-time collaboration?
No, the software is designed for single-user workflows and does not support simultaneous real-time collaboration across multiple devices.
Are there risks to installing on multiple computers?
The main risks involve file synchronization errors and data corruption, not licensing violations, provided you follow the usage terms.