Family Tree Maker, printing question

[davidfowler]

We’ve been using an old version of Family Tree Maker (v 11) for quite a few years now. The only problem we have is with the printing options. It doesn’t seem to have the flexibility that others promise. For example, when I do an All-In-One tree I would prefer the generations to be in line with each other. At the moment I get many of them correct but the odd 2 or 3 seem to be stuck further down the page so it makes it difficult to see the generation by generation view easily. (Hope that makes sense!). I’ve tried tinkering about with the options but can’t seem to change it. I’ve resorted to taking a person, say the furthest one in a particular family, and doing a Descendant Tree. This then puts everything neatly in order.
Would it make sense to upgrade to the latest version or should we think about another program?

[N Grove]

The latest edition does not seem to have the All-in-One tree but has a chart titled Extended Family Chart which is spread horizontally over several pages. I am not sure how much detail this will show.

[Guest]

The Extended Family Chart in the latest version of the program uses a different approach in that it doesn't attempt to show all interconnections. It includes a main chart which shows most people in the database but then adds a number of smaller charts to the right hand side. The source person of each of the extra charts is someone in the main chart.

Of the programs which create an All In One style chart automatically, some are better than others but none is perfect - not surprising when you think about the complexities of relationships which might be encountered.

To my mind the best program for creating an All In One chart (or any composite chart for that matter) is TreeDraw. Charts are built up by importing and merging descendant and ancestor charts - more manual effort but with the advantage of the Mk I human brain over the computer when it comes to where data elements are placed.

Graham

[davidfowler]

Thanks for your replies N Grove and Graham. I'll investigate TreeDraw.

Cheers
David