.GEDCOM File Extension

GEDCOM Genealogy File

Developer	The LDS Church
Popularity	Average rating 3.6 / 5. Vote count: 7
Category	Data Files
Format	.GEDCOM
Cross Platform	Update Soon

What is an GEDCOM file?

GEDCOM, which stands for Genealogical Data Communication, is a file format commonly used in genealogy research to exchange and share family tree information.

This standardized format allows genealogists to transfer data between different genealogy software applications, ensuring compatibility and easy collaboration in the field of family history research.

More Information.

The need for a standardized genealogy file format arose as genealogists began using different software programs, leading to compatibility issues when sharing their research. GEDCOM aimed to address this by providing a universal standard for representing genealogical data, ensuring that researchers could share their findings seamlessly.

Origin Of This File.

GEDCOM files were developed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and introduced in 1984. The purpose was to create a common data exchange format that could be used across various genealogy software platforms, fostering interoperability and collaboration among researchers.

File Structure Technical Specification.

GEDCOM files are text-based and have a hierarchical structure. The data is organized into tags and values, representing individuals, families, events, and other genealogical elements.

Each line in the file corresponds to a specific record, and relationships between records are established through unique identifiers.

The technical specifications are well-documented and include guidelines for encoding names, dates, and other genealogical details.

How to Convert the File?

How to Convert GEDCOM Files on Windows:

Using Genealogy Software:
- Choose genealogy software compatible with Windows, such as Family Tree Maker or Legacy Family Tree.
- Open the software and locate the import feature.
- Select the GEDCOM file you want to convert and follow the software-specific instructions to complete the import.
Online Platforms:
- Visit online genealogy platforms that support GEDCOM imports, such as Ancestry or MyHeritage.
- Look for the option to upload or import a GEDCOM file.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to upload and convert the GEDCOM file.

How to Convert GEDCOM Files on Linux:

Using Linux-Compatible Software:
- Install genealogy software with Linux support, such as Gramps.
- Open the software and navigate to the import section.
- Choose the GEDCOM file you wish to convert and follow the software-specific instructions for importing.
Command Line Conversion:
- Utilize command-line tools like GedcomToHTML or GED2HTML for a direct conversion.
- Run the appropriate command, specifying the input GEDCOM file and the desired output format.

How to Convert GEDCOM Files on Mac:

Mac Genealogy Software:
- Select a genealogy application compatible with Mac, such as MacFamilyTree or Ancestry’s Mac version.
- Open the software and find the import option.
- Import the GEDCOM file by following the software’s import instructions.
Online Platforms:
- Visit online genealogy platforms supporting GEDCOM imports, like Ancestry or MyHeritage, through a web browser on your Mac.
- Locate the option to upload or import a GEDCOM file.
- Upload the file and follow the platform’s instructions to convert it.

How to Convert GEDCOM Files on Android:

Genealogy Apps:
- Install a genealogy app on your Android device, such as FamilySearch Tree or Ancestry.
- Open the app and navigate to the import section.
- Use the app’s import functionality to convert and open the GEDCOM file.
Online Platforms:
- Access online genealogy platforms supporting GEDCOM imports, like FamilySearch or MyHeritage, through a web browser on your Android device.
- Look for the option to upload or import a GEDCOM file.
- Upload the file and follow the platform’s instructions to convert it.

How to Convert GEDCOM Files on iOS:

Genealogy Apps:
- Download a genealogy app from the App Store, such as Ancestry or MyHeritage.
- Open the app and navigate to the import section.
- Use the app’s import functionality to convert and open the GEDCOM file.
Online Platforms:
- Access online genealogy platforms supporting GEDCOM imports, like Ancestry or MyHeritage, through a web browser on your iOS device.
- Look for the option to upload or import a GEDCOM file.
- Upload the file and follow the platform’s instructions to convert it.

Advantages And Disadvantages.

Advantages:

Interoperability: GEDCOM facilitates the exchange of genealogical data between different software applications.
Standardization: The format provides a standardized way to represent and organize genealogical information.
Versatility: GEDCOM files can be used to store a wide range of genealogical data, including individuals, families, events, and notes.

Disadvantages:

Limited Richness: GEDCOM has limitations in representing complex relationships or details that some genealogy software may support.
Data Loss: During conversion between different software, some details may not be fully preserved, leading to potential data loss.

               How to Open GEDCOM?
                  Open In Windows
                  Use genealogy software compatible with Windows, such as Family Tree Maker or Legacy Family Tree.
Import the GEDCOM file into the chosen software by following the program-specific instructions.

                  Open In Linux
                  Utilize genealogy software with Linux support, like Gramps.
Import the GEDCOM file into the software through the provided import functionality.

                  Open In MAC
                  Choose a genealogy application for Mac, such as MacFamilyTree or Ancestry.com’s Mac version.
Import the GEDCOM file using the software’s import feature.

                  Open In Android
                  Install a genealogy app from the Google Play Store, such as FamilySearch Tree or Ancestry.
Use the app’s import function to bring in the GEDCOM file.

                  Open In IOS
                  Download a genealogy app from the App Store, like Ancestry or MyHeritage.
Import the GEDCOM file using the app’s import feature.

                  Open in Others
                  For other operating systems or scenarios, use online genealogy platforms that support GEDCOM imports, like FamilySearch or MyHeritage.
Upload the GEDCOM file through the platform’s web interface.