FamilyTreeFactory combines multiple trees automatically in grandparents' descendant trees (parents 2x chronological), in great-grandparents' descendant trees (parents and grandparents 2x chronological) and in relatives trees. There are many other possibilities for combinations that can be set up to meet the user's needs. To make different combinations, free image objects are used with EMF files or JPEG files, in which various trees were previously exported.
When deciding whether to use an EMF file or a JPEG file, consider the advantages and disadvantages each format presents for your specific needs:
| • | EMF files are much smaller than JPEG files, require much less system memory for processing and are processed much more quickly. JPEG files of larger trees require so much time for outputting in graphics, printing or in dialog previews, that users sometimes think that the program has frozen. |
| • | Line graphics in EMF files are also displayed well on the monitor in small form. However, line graphics in JPEG files are not displayed completely on the monitor in small form. To accurately check line graphics in JPEG files on the monitor, a zoom factor of at least 100% must be set. |
| • | EMF files are vector graphics, which can be output in various sizes without a loss of quality. JPEG files are raster graphics and can only be output without a loss in quality if they are exported in exactly the same resolution that they are to be printed with. |
| • | EMF files can optionally be exported without backgrounds. If you insert this type of EMF file into another graphic as a Free Image Object, the background of the original graphic will be visible. Image objects with EMF files without backgrounds are generally placed into an upper layer. JPEG files always have their own backgrounds. Even if the background is white, it will cover all deeper layers. Image objects with JPEG files are generally placed into a lower layer. The layer model is explained in the Appendix in the section The FamilyTreeFactory Layer Model. |
| • | Some users have noticed that text and curves in EMF files are printed with visible step-offs when graphics containing Free Image Objects with EMF files are printed directly. Solution: Instead of printing a graphic with EMF Image Objects out directly, export these graphics as PDF files. The exported PDF file can then be printed. Detailed instructions for printing large PDF graphics can be found in the section Printing PDFs Using Large Format Printers. |
| • | The use of EMF files that contain original *.bmp, *.jpg or *.jpeg image files in Free Image Objects is not recommended if the graphic is intended to be exported as a PDF or EMF file. This is due to an error in all Windows systems that sometimes prevents accurate reproduction in this combination. With Windows 98 and ME, the reproduction quality of the images is extremely poor. Using Windows 2000, XP, Vista and 7, the reproduction quality is acceptable, but the images are only reproduced if their pixel coordinates do not exceed certain limits. This behavior is well-known and has been documented in expert circles, but cannot be corrected by programmers. |
Simplified rules:
| • | If a tree containing image files such as photos or background images is to be exported for later use as a Free Image Object in a graphic, and if the graphic is to be exported as a PDF file, a JPEG file should be used instead of an EMF file. |
| • | If a graphic is to be printed directly, it should not contain EMF Image Objects with exported trees. |
| • | Graphics with EMF Image Objects with exported trees should be exported as PDF files. The PDF file can then be printed out. |
| • | When exporting a tree in a JPEG file, the exact resolution must be selected in the JPEG options that is to be used for printing the graphic containing the JPEG image object. If a graphic is exported into a PDF file, the PDF file may only be printed in its original size. |
| • | JPEG files with treeviews must be exported with the JPEG compression option 'Quality 100%' so that the line graphic retains sharp borders. |
If you cannot decide which format to use, start by using EMF Image Objects and export the graphic as a PDF file. This PDF file can be checked on the monitor. If it is satisfactory, it can be printed. If not, another method can be tried out. The final export as a PDF file allows you to check the end result.
In the subsections Using EMF Files and Using JPEG Files, the procedure is explained in detail using a so-called "hourglass" graphic. An hourglass graphic shows both the ancestors and the descendants of the primary person. An ancestor tree and a descendant tree must be combined for this.
The examples in the subsections can only give you a small idea of the unlimited possibilities for creating graphics. Combinations in which the combined trees do not overlap are particularly easy. If, as seen in the examples shown, person boxes overlap in the graphic, you should ensure that any small offsets are not visible. In the examples, this is done by taking away the frame of a box (replacement color scheme, white frame color). However, one can make a box invisible also differently. For example, this can be done by placing a Free Geo Object with the object type rectangle with a white line and white fill over the box. If a Geo Object cannot be placed in the desired layer of the layer model, the same effect can be produced with a Free Text Object with a white background and white text. A Free Image Object can also be used for this if a simple white bitmap is used.
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