This comparison is written by Generation Archives, so we're not a neutral party. We've described Family Tree Maker using its publisher's own pages and linked them so you can check. Prices and versions change, so confirm on Software MacKiev's site.
Generation Archives vs Family Tree Maker: desktop research software or a free tree in your browser?
Family Tree Maker is long-running genealogy software from Software MacKiev that you install on a Mac or Windows computer and buy as a license. Generation Archives is a free family tree that runs in your browser and on your phone, with nothing to install. Both can hold a whole family, and both work with GEDCOM, so you don't have to choose forever.
The short version
- Choose Family Tree Maker for in-depth research on your own computer: hints from Ancestry and FamilySearch, syncing with an Ancestry tree, and a wide range of charts and reports.
- Choose Generation Archives for a free tree you can open anywhere in a browser, with photos tagged to each person, drag-anywhere layouts, and private sharing with invited relatives.
- Use both. Keep researching in Family Tree Maker and export a GEDCOM file to share a clean, photo-friendly tree with family.
Where Family Tree Maker shines
Family Tree Maker has been around since 1989 and is built for serious research. It syncs with an Ancestry online tree, shows hints from Ancestry and FamilySearch, and includes many charts (pedigree, descendant, bowtie, fan) and dozens of reports. It also has photo repair tools and a companion app, FTM Connect, so relatives can view a tree you share with them.
Where Generation Archives fits
Generation Archives has nothing to install and no license to buy. The app is free to use. Media uploads are limited: new accounts get 100 MB-years of free upload credit, and hosting beyond that is $1 per GB per year. Linking photos you already store elsewhere is free. Trees are private by default, visible only to you and invited relatives unless you share a public link. You can arrange people anywhere, keep several named layouts, and add any number of parents per person.
Side by side
| Family Tree Maker | Generation Archives | |
|---|---|---|
| Runs on | Installed desktop software for Mac and Windows | Browser and phone, nothing to install |
| Cost | Paid license (see Software MacKiev for current prices) | Free to use. Media hosting beyond 100 MB-years of free upload credit is $1 per GB per year |
| Research tools | Ancestry and FamilySearch hints, Ancestry tree sync | None. Generation Archives is not a records service |
| Charts and output | Many charts and reports | PDF, PNG or JPEG image of the tree canvas |
| Sharing | Ancestry tree sharing and the FTM Connect app | Invite relatives, or share a public link |
| Layout | Chart and tree views | Drag-anywhere, auto-arrange, several named layouts |
| Import and export | GEDCOM | Import: GEDCOM 5.5.1, GEDCOM 7.0, GEDZIP and Family Echo HTML. Export: GEDCOM 5.5.1, GEDCOM 7.0, GEDZIP, and PDF, PNG or JPEG (an image of the tree) |
Moving a tree from Family Tree Maker
- In Family Tree Maker, export your tree as a GEDCOM file.
- In Generation Archives, open Import / export and import it.
- Add photos. GEDCOM files don't contain pictures, so upload them or link photos you already store elsewhere.
- Auto-arrange, then drag people where you want them and save a named layout.
Frequently asked questions
Is Generation Archives free?
Yes. The app is free to use; it isn't a trial. Media uploads are limited: new accounts get 100 MB-years of free upload credit, and hosting beyond that is $1 per GB per year.
Do I need to install anything?
No. Generation Archives runs in your browser and on your phone.
Can I keep using Family Tree Maker too?
Yes. Many people keep their research software and use Generation Archives as the shareable family version. GEDCOM moves people and relationships between them.
Will my photos come across from Family Tree Maker?
Not in a GEDCOM file, which holds people and relationships but not pictures. You can upload photos or link ones you already store elsewhere.
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