How to export a GEDCOM file from Family Tree Maker

2 min readUpdated 19 October 2026

Short answerIn Family Tree Maker, choose File, then Export. Select Entire file, or Selected individuals for part of the tree, pick a GEDCOM option from the Output format list, set the privacy and media options, then click OK, check the character set, and save the .ged file. Leave Privatize living people off when moving your own tree.

  1. Choose File, then Export

    With your tree open, choose Export from the File menu.

  2. Choose who to export

    Select Entire file, or Selected individuals and add the people you want in the Filter Individuals window.

  3. Pick GEDCOM

    Choose a GEDCOM option from the Output format list.

  4. Set the content options

    Decide on Privatize living people, Include private facts, Include private notes and Include media files.

  5. Save

    Click OK, check the Destination and Character set in the Export to GEDCOM window, click OK again, then name the file and click Save.

What the options really do

  • Privatize living people leaves out living people's first and middle names and their facts; only surnames and relationships remain.
  • Include private facts and notes are off unless you tick them.
  • Include media files exports links to media, not the media itself.

These labels come from MacKiev's support article for Family Tree Maker; newer versions may word them slightly differently.

Bringing it into Family Trees

Import the .ged at familytreesapp.com/family/import. Family Tree Maker writes adopted, step and foster links as _FREL and _MREL, and Family Trees keeps them, so blended families arrive as they were. See importing a GEDCOM into Family Trees.

Questions

Will my Family Tree Maker media come across?

Not inside the GEDCOM. The file can hold links to media on your computer, but the pictures themselves need to be added again in Family Trees.

Why are living people's names missing after export?

Privatize living people was switched on. It drops living people's first and middle names and facts. Export again with it off if you are moving your own tree.

Can I export only some people from Family Tree Maker?

Yes. Choose Selected individuals and add people in the Filter Individuals window, for example one person's ancestors.

Sources

Links go to other sites. Checked 19 October 2026.

Questions? Email support@familytreesapp.com and a person will reply.