GEDCOM File Guide and FAQ

Gedcom File Icon

Gedcom File Icon

Gedcom files are amongst the most useful types of file used by family history researchers. They can be used to share large amounts of information quickly from one researcher to another or to upload onto the many tree building sites that are now available.

Although gedcom files are quite easy to create and use they can appear to be a daunting subject, this guide is intended to explain the main points about gedcom files and answer many of the frequently asked questions that are posed.

Gedcom Basics

GEDCOM; Acronym for General Data Communication

A gedcom is a standard method used to format your family tree data into a text file. The file is written in a code and a genealogy software program is used to read and convert the coded text file. The Church of The Latter Day Saints originally developed the gedcom format in the mid 1980's and the format has been updated several times since it was introduced.

Gedcom files are text only and cannot be used to transfer images or photographs. Once decoded by software the information within a gedcom file can then be used to create a family tree complete with all the names, dates, relationships and notes entered into the file. Typically a gedcom file is used to share information between researchers or to upload to the growing number of tree building and genealogy database websites that are now available.

The full benefit of gedcom files can only be utilised by genealogy software programmes, it is possible to send and receive files via e-mail and upload files to the internet without using a software package but the options are more limited for non software users.

Creating, Sending and Receiving Gedcom files

Creating a gedcom file with a software package

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Creating a gedcom file without a software package

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Sending and receiving gedcom files

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Gedcom FAQ

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