Family Tree Maker (FTM) is one of the most popular genealogy software programs available, and its color coding feature is a powerful tool for visualizing and organizing family history data. With so much information involved in tracing lineage — from names and birthdates to relationships and historical documents — it can be easy to become overwhelmed. That’s where color coding comes in, offering a simple but highly effective way to add visual clarity to even the most complex family trees.
Why Use Color Coding in Family Tree Maker?
Color coding in FTM helps users categorize and differentiate individuals and family branches with ease. Whether you're working with hundreds or thousands of people in your tree, color-coding allows you to immediately recognize patterns, relationships, and gaps in your data. It reduces cognitive load and saves valuable time spent searching through generations of names that often repeat — like multiple Johns, Marys, or Williams within the same extended family.
Moreover, color coding enhances collaboration with other genealogists and makes printed charts or on-screen views more digestible during family presentations or research discussions.
Basic Color Coding Approaches
FTM offers the ability to assign one of eight color tags to individuals. Although the number of color options is limited, strategic use makes them extremely versatile.
1. Four-Grandparent System (Classic Approach)
This method assigns a unique color to each of the four grandparent lines:
- Blue for paternal grandfather's line
- Green for paternal grandmother's line
- Red for maternal grandfather's line
- Yellow for maternal grandmother's line
This structure enables users to trace each individual back through one of the four major lines with a simple glance. It's a straightforward and intuitive strategy for beginners and experts alike.
2. Gender or Relationship-Based Coding
Colors can be used to distinguish between male and female individuals, or between direct ancestors and collateral relatives (aunts, uncles, cousins). For example:
- Pink for female ancestors
- Light blue for male ancestors
- Gray for collateral lines
This strategy helps spotlight direct ancestral lines while still keeping extended family visible but separate.
3. Geographical Coding
For users who are researching ancestry from different regions, color coding by geographical location is extremely useful. For example:
- Orange for ancestors from Germany
- Teal for those from Ireland
- Purple for those from the American South
This makes migration patterns and cultural heritage more visible across your tree.
4. Research Status Tracking
Colors can also be used to track the progress of your research. For example:
- Green for well-documented individuals with multiple sources
- Yellow for individuals with partial information
- Red for unverified or suspected errors
- Gray for people to revisit later
This method turns your family tree into a dynamic research map, keeping your focus on areas that need attention.
Combining Color Coding Strategies
One of the best features of Family Tree Maker’s color coding system is that you can apply multiple color tags to a single person. This means you can combine strategies — such as assigning both a grandparent line color and a research status color. For example, a person could be colored blue (paternal grandfather's line) and yellow (partially documented), providing layered insights at a glance.
Tips for Effective Color Coding
Stay Consistent: Choose a system and stick with it. Inconsistent usage can lead to confusion.
Keep a Legend or Key: Especially when using multiple strategies, maintain a reference key for what each color represents.
Review and Update Regularly: As your research evolves, so should your color coding. Adjust tags as more information becomes available or priorities change.
Final Thoughts
Color coding is not just a cosmetic feature in Family Tree Maker; it’s a strategic tool that adds clarity, enhances workflow, and elevates your genealogy experience. Whether you’re building a tree for fun, for a research project, or for sharing with family, using thoughtful color coding strategies will help you manage your data and uncover insights that might otherwise go unnoticed.
If you’re also using online tools like AncestryDNA, starting with a simple AncestryDNA sign in can seamlessly connect your genetic data with your family tree, allowing color-coded branches to reflect DNA matches or research leads. In the colorful tapestry of family history, sometimes a little visual organization can make all the difference.
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