GEDCOM Files
What is a GEDCOM File?
You may see the term GEDCOM files while undertaking your search for your family’s ancestors. Gedcom is the acronym for “Genealogical Data Communication” and is arguably the de facto method of transferring data between different family tree software. It was developed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1984.
All the main family tree websites and software use Gedcom files as a way to transfer genealogical data.
Why use Gedcom Files?
One of the main reasons I use Gedcom Files is as a way of backing up my family tree data. We all back up our data, don’t we?…
I have also used to duplicate my research into other websites. Each piece of software or family tree website will allow you to import or export a GEDCOM file in different ways so I won’t go into details here. A quick search of the product you are using should find the information you need.
Are Gedcom files easy to use?
You don’t need any specialist knowledge to transfer Gedcom files between websites or software. When you export your family tree data you will be asked where on your computer you want to save it. Usually, the default location will do.
When you import your data to another website or programme you will be asked to select that file from the location you previously saved it to. This file can also be your backup.
If you would like more details about GEDCOM, their website is gedcom.io.
In addition to keeping a gedcom backup file on my home backup disk, I keep a fairly detailed family history word processor file at home. This is where I can make any comments or thoughts on the information I gather.