Genealogy enthusiasts rely on standardized formats to move family history data between applications. GEDCOM, or Genealogical Data Communication, serves as the universal language for this purpose, enabling users to export trees from one platform and import them into another without data loss. This article explores the creation process using popular tools, best practices for data integrity, and advanced techniques for sharing ancestry information effectively.
Understanding the GEDCOM Standard
The GEDCOM format emerged as a solution to interoperability challenges in genealogy software. Developed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it structures data hierarchically, capturing individuals, relationships, events, and sources in a text-based file readable by most programs. While newer versions introduce enhancements, the widely adopted 5.5.1 specification remains dominant for compatibility.
Key elements include individual records (INDI), family records (FAM), and source citations (SOUR). Dates follow a flexible yet precise syntax, such as DD MMM YYYY, ensuring global consistency. Places are detailed with jurisdiction paths, like “City, County, State, Country,” to aid location-based research.
Why Use GEDCOM for Family Tree Management
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Transfer data from desktop apps to online services without manual re-entry.
- Backup and Archiving: Create portable files for long-term preservation of research.
- Collaboration: Share subsets of trees with relatives or upload to public repositories.
- Integration with Services: Upload to platforms like FamilySearch Pedigree Resource Files for community access.
Despite limitations, such as incomplete support for multimedia or complex reason statements, GEDCOM excels in core pedigree data transfer.
Step-by-Step Guide: Exporting from Popular Genealogy Software
Most tools feature built-in GEDCOM export functions. Below are detailed instructions for leading applications, drawn from official tutorials and user guides.
Exporting from RootsMagic
RootsMagic offers seamless integration with FamilySearch. Begin by launching a new or existing database. Navigate to the File menu and select FamilySearch Central. Choose Import/Export options to pull data from online trees into your local file. Once populated, go to File > Export > GEDCOM. Customize inclusions like living persons, sources, and notes, then specify a save location. Note the file path for easy retrieval.
Creating Files in Legacy Family Tree
In Legacy, access the File menu and select FamilySearch integration. Use the Source tab to import references alongside individuals and events. For export, click File > Export GEDCOM. A dialog appears allowing selection of data subsets—opt for comprehensive output including spouses, children, and repositories. Save the .ged file to your desktop or preferred folder.
Downloading from Ancestry.com
Ancestry users start in Tree View, click the tree name dropdown, and select Tree Settings > Export Tree. The platform generates a GEDCOM encompassing all textual data, excluding images. Download prompts a save dialog—choose a memorable location. This method suits quick shares with cousins or migrations to other services.
| Software | Export Path | Key Options | FamilySearch Integration |
|---|---|---|---|
| RootsMagic | File > Export > GEDCOM | Living persons, sources, notes | Direct import/export |
| Legacy Family Tree | File > Export GEDCOM | Data subsets, repositories | Source tab sync |
| Ancestry | Tree Settings > Export Tree | Full tree (text only) | Indirect via software |
Advanced Techniques: Building GEDCOM from Non-Standard Sources
Beyond commercial software, innovative tools convert plain text or spreadsheets into GEDCOM. For instance, Ahnentafel lists—numbered ancestor charts—can feed online converters. Format input as: “Number. Name born: DD MMM YYYY, place married: DD MMM YYYY, place died: DD MMM YYYY.” Optional source lines like “SRC_b: Census record” enhance provenance.
These methods prove invaluable for digitizing handwritten pedigrees or merging DNA match data. Test outputs in validator tools to ensure compliance before widespread use.
Best Practices for GEDCOM Creation and Sharing
- Privacy Controls: Exclude living individuals to comply with data protection norms.
- Source Inclusion: Always embed citations for verifiability.
- File Naming: Use descriptive names like “Smith-Family-Tree-2026.ged” with dates.
- Validation: Run files through GEDCOM checkers post-export.
- Version Awareness: Stick to 5.5.1 for broadest support.
When uploading to FamilySearch, files enter the Pedigree Resource File, preserved immutably while allowing copies to the main Family Tree. This balances sharing with control.
Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting
Users often encounter charset issues causing garbled accents—export in ANSI or UTF-8. Incomplete relationships arise from unlinked records; verify database integrity first. Large trees may exceed import limits on some sites; subset exports resolve this. If media fails to transfer, manually attach post-import.
For Family Tree users, note that direct GEDCOM downloads aren’t available due to proprietary extensions, necessitating third-party software bridges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a GEDCOM file exactly?
A GEDCOM is a plain-text file format standardizing genealogy data for transfer between programs, including people, events, and sources.
Can I create a GEDCOM directly from FamilySearch Family Tree?
No, direct exports aren’t supported; use compatible software to download data first, then generate the file.
Does GEDCOM support photos or documents?
Core format handles text and links; images require separate handling or extended specs.
How do I import a GEDCOM into another program?
Most software has File > Import > GEDCOM; review mappings for custom fields.
Is GEDCOM still relevant with modern cloud trees?
Yes, it bridges legacy desktop tools and online platforms effectively.
Future of GEDCOM in Digital Genealogy
While next-gen standards like GEDCOM X evolve, the classic format persists for its simplicity. Hybrid workflows—combining API syncs with periodic GEDCOM backups—future-proof research. As DNA integration grows, tools enhancing genetic data in GEDCOM will expand utility.
Experiment with small exports to build confidence. Join genealogy forums for software-specific tips, ensuring your family legacy endures across generations.
References
- Creating a GEDCOM Using Information from FamilySearch — BYU Library Family History Center. 2015-01-01. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dByhMn3D-X0
- Creating a GEDCOM from a text file — Kitty Cooper’s Blog. 2019-08-01. https://blog.kittycooper.com/2019/08/creating-a-gedcom-from-a-text-file/
- How do I create a GEDCOM file? — FamilySearch Help Center. 2023-01-01. https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/article/how-do-i-create-a-gedcom-file
- How To Create and Download a GEDCOM | Ancestry Academy — Ancestry. 2020-01-01. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3XoW_EfiWY
- How to create GEDCOMs — RootsMagic Community. 2022-01-01. https://community.rootsmagic.com/t/how-to-create-gedcoms/12456
Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. Medha specializes in the areas of beauty, health, sports, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is…