Family Historian User Group

Whilst using FTM, I created a fact called 'Custom Id', which I have given to all the individuals in my tree

When importing the FTM Gedcom into FH6, the information has been imported with the fact type 'Custom Id' and can be seen in the 'All' tab of the property box.

The problem arises when I add a new individual. How can I add a similar 'Custom Id' fact to the individual? When I click on 'Add Fact', 'Custom Id' does appear as an available choice.

I thought of creating a custom Fact called 'Custom Id' in FH6, but then how do I change the original 'Custom Id' into the newly created 'Custom Id'?

I fear I jumped the gun with this problem. As Custom Id didn't show up in Add facts, I wrongly assumed it wouldn't show up in the Change facts plugin, so would be unable to use plugin to change it.

Fortunately it does show up, and I did change it successfully using the plugin.

Are you aware that there is a Custom ID field that can be used? It is not necessary to use a custom fact for this at all.

I am sure it would be a simple matter for a plugin to be written to move your Custom ID fact values into the Custom ID field.

You can customize the main tab of the Property box so that the Custom ID field is displayed for ease of entry. To do this, click the gear-wheel icon in the toolbar above the Property Box and select Customize Data Entry. Then select the Custom ID from the list on the left and click the > arrow in the middle to include it in the list on the right. Its position can be adjusted using the up/down arrows. Then click OK.

Yes, a very similar scenario is in thread Custodian Reference Numbers - Custom ID (13049).

The Plugin there could very quickly be adapted for your Custom Id fact.

BUT, I need to know whether the fact is an Event or an Attribute and where the Value is held.

A screenshot of the Facts tab showing the Custom Id fact would help, or even better a snippet of GEDCOM file for the fact.

Lorna & Mike

I have achieved what I wanted. I created a 'Custom Id' Fact, and used the Change Any Fact Tag plugin to transfer all the data to this new fact.

One advantage of using a fact rather than the existing field, is that I can copy & paste the fact, which I can't with a field!

If you show the Custom Id field on the Main tab as Lorna advised, then you only have to copy & paste its value, or just type in a value, because the field box is always available. i.e. You avoid needing to use All tab Add Miscellaneous > Add Custom Id.

It is only if you also use the Date, Place, Address, or Note fields, or need to add a Citation, would a Custom Fact be a better option.

Also check what appears in a Narrative Report for your Custom Id fact.
It may say something like He experienced Custom Id 1234 unless you have modified the sentence Template.

Interestingly, I think many other record types (Source, Repository, Media) show the Custom Id on Main tab by default.