GEDCOM File Guide and FAQ
Contents
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.
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.
Gedcom are text only files, they cannot be used to transfer images or photographs. To fully utilise the benefits of a gedcom file requires a gedcom reading programme or a genealogy oftware programme installed on a computer but it is possible to open a gedcom file in a word processor programme, however the files contain large blocks of text and can be difficult to read and understand, for this reason it is far easier and more convenient to download or purchase a software programme.
Creating, Sending and Receiving Gedcom files
Creating a gedcom file with a software package
Under construction
Creating a gedcom file without a software package
Under construction
Sending and receiving gedcom files
Under construction
Gedcom FAQ
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