2022 Class 3 Building a Template Tree

• Finish Accessing Resources
• FTM Overview
• Build the Template Tree
• Video on Using the Template Tree
• Folder of starter icons
• Run through the build process for real

The last power point demonstrates building a template tree.  For convenience, here is the summary of the steps:

1. Start FTM- make sure you are not starting on an existing tree but are starting a new one. (Plan.New Tree.  Enter what you know)
2. Enter a real name or a fictitious name you will always recognize. This person will be deleted from your .ftm tree when you start building a new tree
3. Basic tree setup:
   • Decide on tree naming convention
   • Fill in Menu.Tools.UserInformation
   • Complete Menu.Tools.Options
4. Add your standard sources: Menu.Edit.Manage Sources
5. Edit and add history events: Menu.Edit.Manage Historical Events
6. Add standard Repositories: Menu.Edit.Manage Repositories
7. Edit and add Facts: Menu.Edit.Manage Facts
8. Add standard Media: Workspace.Media
• Decide on naming conventions for media
9. Add your personal categories
10. Add Favorite Search Locations
11. Save file in a special folder as is (Menu.File.Save or Save As)
12. Use the FTM.Menu.File.Backup function to back up the tree as and .ftmb file.  Make sure you have the Backup Location right- it has to be the same folder  in which you created the Template file.

To use the Template:

1. When you are ready to start a new tree, and it is not a tree or a portion of the tree you already have that you are going to export...
2. Use File Explorer or Finder to create a new folder in your genealogy database folder and name it so you will recognize the folder as containing the tree you are going to build.  (clumsy sentence, but that's the rule)
3. Open the _Template folder and copy the folder inside it (Should be called _Template Media) and the .ftm file.
4. Open the folder you created in 2 above. 
5. Paste the _Template Media folder and the .ftm file into the folder
6. Open the .ftm file by clicking on it.  FTM should open the _Template file.
7. Click on the small arrow next to the file name in the top left corner of the FTM window (eg, _Template).  A list of the files you have opened in FTM will appear, with the _Template file at the top.
8. Click on the arrow head to the right of that name.  There will be a Rename option.
9. Click on that option.  Rename the tree to whatever you want the name to be.
10. (Never rename the any .ftm file or Media folder outside FTM; always us this Rename function)
11. Add some individuals to the tree, starting with the home person for the new tree- OR- import an existing tree by whatever means you want.
12. Delete the placeholder people that came with the template.
13. If you imported a .ftm tree or a tree from Ancestry, clean up the Facts and Places using the Manage functions under FTM.Menu.Edit.