Open GEDCOM File

GEDCOM, an acronym for GEnealogical Data COMmunication, is a flexible and open de facto specification for exchanging genealogical data between different software. Files that use the .GEDCOM or .GED extensions represent data in this format. GEDCOM files are plain text (ASCII) and contain genealogical information about individuals, and metadata linking these records together.

How to Open a GEDCOM File

Several software programs can open and display GEDCOM files. However, the most prolific of these is probably FamilySearch, developed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Other popular software includes Ancestry.com's Family History Maker, and Heraldry's GenoPro.

Formatting GEDCOM Files

GEDCOM files use a specific format to store and share data. Understanding this format can aid in creating or modifying these files manually. Refer to the official GEDCOM specification to learn more about how these files are structured.

GEDCOM Files and DNA Test Data

While GEDCOM files do not directly contain DNA test results, they frequently play an essential role in genealogical DNA testing. Many DNA testing services, such as MyHeritage, integrate with GEDCOM files, allowing users to correlate their genealogical and genetic information.

GEDCOM File Important Information

While GEDCOM files have been a staple of digital genealogy, there are some crucial things to understand about this format. Firstly, not all systems interpret the flexible GEDCOM standard in the same way, which can cause discrepancies when exchanging data between different software. Secondly, while GEDCOM files allow for the inclusion of multimedia links, the files referenced by those links are not included within the GEDCOM file itself, and should be transferred separately.