Are you having trouble finding the Missing Media tool in Family Tree Maker (FTM) on Mac? Don’t panic—this is a problem many users encounter. The Missing Media tool is a valuable feature that assists you in finding and repairing broken or missing media links, such as photos, documents, or audio files, in your family tree. If this tool is not appearing or you don’t know how to use it, this blog will walk you through it step by step.
No matter if you are new to FamilyTreeMaker or have been at it for decades, having your media all linked correctly is crucial for correct and comprehensive family records. Let us walk you through the procedures so you can locate and utilize the Missing Media tool effectively.
What is the Missing Media Tool?
Missing Media tool searches through your family tree to locate missing media files that are no longer properly linked. This may have occurred if you’ve relocated folders or files on your computer. The tool alerts you to what files are missing so you can repair the links and maintain an error-free family tree and one that is in order.
Step-by-Step to Find the Missing Media Tool in FTM for Mac
1. Look at the Tools Menu
The most common way to find Missing Media tools is by using the Tools menu.
- Open Family Tree Maker on your Mac.
- Click on the “Tools” menu at the top of your Mac screen.
- Look for “Missing Media” in the pull-down list and click on it.
If it’s not there, don’t worry—there are other ways to find or resolve the issue.
2. Update Your Family Tree Maker Software
An older version of FTM may be lacking some tools or functions.
- Open FTM and go to Help > Check for Updates.
- If there is an update, install it.
- Restart FTM and look at the Tools menu again.
3. Use the Media Workspace
If you are still unable to find the tool, you can attempt to search manually:
- Go to View > Media in FTM.
- Scan through your media files and see if any thumbnails are missing or broken.
- This manual search can assist you in reconnecting files individually.
4. Verify Media File Locations
FTM relies on file paths to locate media. When files are moved or renamed, FTM will not be able to find them.
- Ensure your media folder remains in the original location.
- If it has been moved, restore it to the original location or modify the file paths in FTM.
5. Rebuild Your Database
- At times, database problems result in missing media problems. Attempt rebuilding your database.
- Navigate to File > Rebuild.
- This will purge your tree and could reconnect missing media links.
6. Reinstall Family Tree Maker
Finally, you can reinstall FTM if all else fails:
- Uninstall Family Tree Maker from your Mac.
- Get the most recent version from the official FTM site.
- Note: Always backup your family tree before reinstalling.
Final Thoughts
The Missing Media tool in Family Tree Maker for Mac is essential for keeping your media organized and your tree complete. If the tool goes missing or doesn’t work properly, follow the steps above—starting with checking the Tools menu and updating your software.
By having your software current and your media files organized, you can prevent future missing media issues. With some elbow grease, you’ll have everything under control and your family history research humming along again.
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