.GED File Extension
GEDCOM Genealogy Data File
| Developer | The LDS Church |
| Popularity | |
| Category | Data Files |
| Format | .GED |
| Cross Platform | Update Soon |
What is an GED file?
Genealogy Data (GED) files are commonly used in the field of genealogy and family history research. These files serve as a standardized format for storing and exchanging genealogical information, encompassing details about individuals, families, events, and relationships within a family tree.
More Information.
The development of the GEDCOM (Genealogical Data Communication) standard, which gave rise to the .GED file format, can be traced back to the mid-1980s.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), with its extensive genealogical records, played a pivotal role in creating this open standard to enable the exchange of genealogical data across different software platforms.
Origin Of This File.
The .GED file extension is derived from the term “Genealogical Data,” emphasizing its primary purpose of representing family-related information. It emerged in the genealogy community as a means to facilitate the sharing and collaboration of family history data among researchers, enthusiasts, and various genealogy software applications.
File Structure Technical Specification.
.GED files adhere to the GEDCOM standard, which defines a hierarchical structure using tags to represent various elements such as individuals, families, events, and sources.
The format employs ASCII text, making it human-readable and easily interpreted by genealogy software. Each line in the file begins with a level number and is followed by a tag that indicates the type of data.
How to Convert the File?
Windows:
Converting .GED files in Windows is a straightforward process, especially when using genealogy software that supports the GEDCOM format. Here’s a general guide:
- Open Genealogy Software:
- Launch your preferred genealogy software on your Windows computer. Popular choices include Family Tree Maker, Legacy Family Tree, or Gramps.
- Access Import/Export Options:
- Navigate to the software’s menu or toolbar and locate the “File” or “Tools” menu.
- Look for options like “Import” or “Open” to import existing family history data.
- Choose the option related to GEDCOM or file import.
- Select .GED File:
- Browse your computer to find the .GED file you want to convert.
- Select the file and open it using the software.
- Follow Software Instructions:
- The genealogy software will guide you through the conversion process, allowing you to map the data to the appropriate fields.
- Follow any on-screen instructions to complete the import.
- Save or Export:
- After converting, save the file in the native format of the genealogy software or choose an export option if you wish to create a new .GED file.
Linux:
Linux users can convert .GED files using genealogy software that is compatible with the GEDCOM format, such as Gramps. Here’s a general guide:
- Install Genealogy Software:
- Ensure that a genealogy software supporting GEDCOM is installed. Gramps is a widely used option for Linux.
- Launch Gramps:
- Open Gramps from the application menu or terminal.
- Import .GED File:
- Navigate to the “File” menu and choose the “Import” option.
- Select the GEDCOM format and locate the .GED file you want to convert.
- Map Data Fields:
- The software may prompt you to map the data fields in the .GED file to corresponding fields in the software.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
- Save or Export:
- Save the converted data within the genealogy software in its native format or export it to a new .GED file.
Mac:
Converting .GED files on a Mac involves using genealogy software like Family Tree Maker or MacFamilyTree. Follow these steps:
- Open Genealogy Software:
- Launch your genealogy software on your Mac. Popular options include Family Tree Maker or MacFamilyTree.
- Access Import/Export Options:
- Look for the “File” menu in the software’s toolbar.
- Select the “Import” or “Open” option, depending on the software.
- Choose .GED File:
- Locate and select the .GED file you wish to convert.
- Follow Software Instructions:
- The software will guide you through the conversion process, allowing you to match data fields as needed.
- Save or Export:
- Save the converted file in the native format of the genealogy software or export it as a new .GED file.
Android:
Converting .GED files on Android involves using genealogy apps like Ancestry or MyHeritage. Here’s a general guide:
- Install Genealogy App:
- Download and install a genealogy app on your Android device. Ancestry and MyHeritage are popular choices.
- Open the App:
- Launch the genealogy app on your Android device.
- Import .GED File:
- Explore the app’s menu or settings to find the “Import” or “Open” option.
- Select the .GED file from your device’s storage.
- Follow App Instructions:
- The app will guide you through the conversion process, prompting you to map data fields as necessary.
- Save or Export:
- Save the converted data within the app or export it to create a new .GED file.
iOS:
Converting .GED files on iOS involves using genealogy apps available on the App Store, such as Ancestry or FamilySearch. Follow these steps:
- Install Genealogy App:
- Download and install a genealogy app from the App Store on your iOS device. Apps like Ancestry or FamilySearch are commonly used.
- Open the App:
- Launch the genealogy app on your iOS device.
- Import .GED File:
- Look for the “Import” or “Open” option in the app’s menu or settings.
- Select the .GED file you want to convert from your device.
- Follow App Instructions:
- The app will guide you through the conversion process, allowing you to map data fields as required.
- Save or Export:
- Save the converted data within the app or export it to create a new .GED file.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Interoperability: .GED files are widely supported by various genealogy software, fostering interoperability and data exchange.
- Standardization: The GEDCOM standard ensures consistency and uniformity in representing genealogical information.
- Collaboration: Researchers and family historians can easily share and collaborate on their findings using this standardized format.
Disadvantages:
- Limited Multimedia Support: GEDCOM has limitations in handling multimedia content, such as photos and videos, which may result in loss of data richness.
- Lack of Advanced Features: Some advanced genealogy features supported by specific software may not be fully represented in the GEDCOM standard.
How to Open GED?
Open In Windows
Windows users can open .GED files using compatible genealogy software such as Family Tree Maker, Legacy Family Tree, or Gramps. Simply import the file using the software’s file menu or import function.
Open In Linux
Linux users can employ genealogy software like Gramps, which supports the .GED file format. Installation and usage may vary depending on the Linux distribution, but importing the file through the software’s interface is a common method.
Open In MAC
Mac users can utilize genealogy software like Ancestry.com’s Family Tree Maker or MacFamilyTree. Importing .GED files on Mac involves navigating to the file menu of the chosen software and selecting the import option.
Open In Android
On Android devices, genealogy apps like Ancestry or MyHeritage may support .GED files. Users can typically import the file through the app’s interface, either from cloud storage or local storage.
Open In IOS
iOS users can employ genealogy apps available on the App Store, such as Ancestry or FamilySearch. These apps often provide options to import .GED files directly from email attachments, cloud storage, or other file-sharing platforms.
Open in Others
For other operating systems or specific software solutions, users should consult the documentation of the genealogy software they prefer. Many applications, whether web-based or standalone, offer support for .GED files, ensuring accessibility across diverse platforms.
