GEDCOM Files - Their Meaning and Use for the Genealogist

The abbreviation ‘GEDCOM’ represents Genealogical Data Communication. This method of exchanging computerized genealogical information was first developed in the mid-1990s by the Church of the Latter-Day Saints for their Family History Centers. A database of provided family information is converted so it can be transmitted, read and saved in someone’s database. Any genealogical software program can create and read a GEDCOM file, making the exchanging of family information much easier.

To use the GEDCOM system, you have to save your family history information (names, dates, locations, etc) in a genealogical software program like ‘Family Tree Maker’, ‘Master Genealogist’, ‘Legacy’, ‘Family Origins’, ‘Genius Family Tree’ or ‘RootsMagic’ (there are many additional programs). All these programs today have the ability to create, convert and export that information in a GEDCOM format.

Using as an example the creation method with ‘Family Tree Maker’, (similar methods for the other software programs) the first step is to open up a family file. It doesn’t matter which ancestor appears first on the file, the entire file will be converted. Using the top tool bar, click once on the ‘File’ button and from the dropdown to the phrase ‘copy/export family file’. Select the family file you wish to copy as a GEDCOM file and then change the ‘save as’ file to GEDCOM by scrolling down the list of file types. The end file name ‘GED’ will be next to the family name. The file name can be changed also. Place another surname with the file, like “Smith and Johnson”. Next click ‘Save’. An export box will appear showing the GED version and the character set at ‘ANSI’. Click ‘OK’ to begin the process. The exporting takes place in a matter of moments. That newly created GEDCOM file will be in your genealogical software program.

There are many different ways to share the GEDCOM file. First, know where the file is located in your software program. Going to your ‘My Computer’, C Drive, you should locate the software program. For Family Tree Maker it is labeled “FTW”. Opening that folder will reveal the name “Smith and Johnson.GED” with a tree icon. You can move the GEDCOM file out of that location to another folder you have created, possibly labeled, GEDCOM files.

If you are sending it via an email to a fellow researcher, just make it an attachment to the email. The receiver will be able to then import it to their genealogical software.

A much broader base from which to share your family information (NOTE: privacy is maintained for any ‘living’ individuals in your database) is RootsWeb - WorldConnect Project at http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/. Clicking on ’Start Here’ with the site will first have you register with your own user name and password. Then to create a new family tree for World Connect, you place a short name for the tree, like “Smith & Johnson”, a little longer description of this tree, like, “Smith & Johnson Families from York County, PA”.

Then click the ’Create’ button. You will be directed to browse in your hard drive file for the GEDCOM file you recently made. After it appears, click ‘Upload File’ and the GEDCOM file will upload to the RootsWeb WorldConnect Project. Now your ancestors are part of a world-wide program with over 550 million names as of 2008. Using the same creation method, in a few months, you can generate another updated GEDCOM file on that same family and upload it to family members, researchers via email or update the file on RootsWeb WorldConnect.

The GEDCOM system is simple to use and a great method to share and exchange ancestral information.

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