How to Merge Duplicate Individuals in Your Tree

Duplicate individuals can clutter your family history and cause confusion in genealogical records. Whether you've imported multiple GEDCOM files or added relatives manually, it's not uncommon to end up with duplicate names in your tree. If you're using Family Tree Maker software, resolving these duplicates is simple and efficient.

In this article, we'll guide you step-by-step on how to merge duplicate individuals in your tree using FTM 2024 and explain why keeping your software updated is essential.

Why Duplicate Individuals Appear in Family Trees

Duplicates usually occur due to:

  • Importing the same GEDCOM file multiple times.

  • Manually entering family members with similar names and dates.

  • Merging trees from different relatives without reviewing overlap.

Regardless of the cause, cleaning up duplicates helps maintain accuracy and makes your family tree easier to manage.

How to Merge Duplicates in Family Tree Maker Software

Here’s how to merge duplicate individuals using Family Tree Maker software:

Step 1: Launch FTM 2024

First, open your updated version of FTM 2024. If you haven’t already, you can Download Family Tree Maker or Upgrade Family Tree Maker 2024 from the official site.

Step 2: Go to the "People" Workspace

Click on the People tab in the top menu. This displays your tree in either pedigree or family view.

Step 3: Use the "Find Duplicate People" Tool

Navigate to Tools > Resolve Duplicate People. This tool will scan your tree and present a list of individuals who may be duplicates based on matching names, birthdates, and other data.

Step 4: Review Suggested Matches

Carefully compare each pair. Family Tree Maker provides side-by-side comparisons of names, dates, places, and family connections to help you make informed decisions.

Step 5: Merge Carefully

Click Merge only when you are confident both individuals represent the same person. FTM will prompt you to choose which data to keep in case of conflicts (e.g., two different birthplaces). You can preserve the alternate information as facts or notes.

Step 6: Backup Before You Merge

Before performing mass merges, always backup your tree file. This ensures you can revert if you make a mistake.

Benefits of Merging Duplicates in FTM 2024

  • Improved Accuracy: Ensures your tree reflects true relationships and clean lineage.

  • Better Tree Syncing: Helps in seamless syncing with Ancestry and FamilySearch.

  • Less Confusion: Makes it easier to navigate and understand your ancestral history.

  • Faster Performance: A clean tree file runs more efficiently on your system.

Get Help with Merging – Family Tree Maker Support

If you encounter issues or need help resolving duplicates, official Family Tree Maker support is always available. Whether you're using FTM 2019 or have recently made the switch to FTM 2024, support specialists can guide you through complex merge scenarios and troubleshooting.

Final Thoughts

Merging duplicate individuals is a key part of maintaining a healthy and organized family tree. With the latest features in FTM 2024, the process is more intuitive and safer than ever. Don’t forget to Download Family Tree Maker if you haven’t already or Upgrade Family Tree Maker 2024 to enjoy improved tools and seamless performance.

For expert guidance and continued assistance, always reach out to Family Tree Maker support—they're there to help you preserve your family history the right way.

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