Working with GEDCOM Files Made Easy

Part 1: What Is A GEDCOM File?

A GEDcom file is an acronym, meaning a GEnealogical Data COMmunication. It is a file format that allows family history and genealogy researchers to share genealogical information.

The three videos below break down how to use GEDcom files from how to create a GEDcom, and show how to use them with commonly used software programs like Family Tree Maker and Personal Ancestral File. The final video also how to download GEDcom files from websites like Familysearch.org and import them into your family history program for your own personal use.

What does a GEDcom file look like? If you opened one, it would likely look similar to the example shown below, although it will likely be much, much longer:

0 @I1@ INDI
1 NAME John /Smith/
1 BIRT
2 DATE 21 FEB 1805
2 SOUR @S1@
3 DATA
4 TEXT Transcription from birth certificate would go here
3 NOTE This birth record is preferred because it comes from the birth certificate
3 QUAY 2
1 BIRT
2 DATE 22 FEB 1805
2 SOUR @S2@
3 DATA
4 TEXT Transcription from death certificate would go here
3 QUAY 2

Well, that is somewhat confusing, that's for sure. "Okay, GenTips, how can that gobbledy-gook possibly help me?" you may be asking. Well, GEDcom files are extremely easy to use once you get the hang of them. The first video shows how to create GEDcoms and store them on your computer.



Part 2: Working With PAF

PAF is short for Personal Ancestral File, a free software program available from Familysearch.org, which is one of the most important websites for genealogical information available on the Internet. All I can say is bookmark that site because you will be returning to it again and again. I have a link below where you can download PAF.




Part 3: Working With Family Tree Maker

This video outlines how to use GEDcom files with one of the better family history software programs available called Family Tree Maker, and compares it with PAF. The video ends showing how to download GEDcoms from Familysearch and use the file with either PAF or Family Tree Maker.



If you are interested in purchasing the Family Tree Maker software program, you can check it out on Amazon.com on the links below. Both versions are great, with the Deluxe obviously providing some added features that you may need.

Family Tree Maker 2010 Essentials

Family Tree Maker 2010 Deluxe

The Deluxe edition is slightly more expensive than the Essentials edition and there's also an even more expensive edition (called Family Tree Maker 2010 Platinum) for those with greater genealogy needs. A good book you might want to pick up on the program is also available on Amazon called The Official Guide to Family Tree Maker, written by Tana L Pedersen.

There are new editions of the Family Tree Maker program each year with updates and changes. I personally use the program and I'm happy with it, but don't forget about the Personal Ancestral File program, which is a free program downloadable from Familysearch.org. I have used the PAF program for years and highly recommend it to anyone asking about how to to store their family information on their computer. Most, if not all, of the features offered by other programs are available with PAF and it will likely meet all your needs if you are just starting out or looking for a handy way to store all of your information.

I've Taken The Plunge With Family Tree Maker

I've got a copy of Family Tree Maker and I've started moving the massive amount of my personal research onto the program. So far, so good, but with the number of individuals I have catalogued in my own widely distributed family tree, this process will take time. I already have several different, more muted versions of my family tree on several platforms (RootsWeb for example) and I would like to get my more updated information out there to benefit all those currently unknown cousins connected to my work. I started tracing my ancestry 30-plus years ago and felt so intimidated to discuss my progress with the more experienced genealogists I ran across. Ah, foolish youth! I should have thought to dive right in, ask questions and garner the knowledge of those far more experienced than myself. But I didn't. I did the trial and error method. I made errors (and still do), but with experience hopefully comes more wisdom.

I will continue to update this blog on my progress in uploading all my forebears, great-aunts and great-uncles families and try to provide some advice to those just starting out in the family history game as well as continue to pick the brains of those with 40-plus, and 50-plus years of experience in this extremely intriguing hobby. My family tree has taken me all over the United States and Canada as well as to Ireland, Scotland and England. In some areas the records are sparse, but in others, so many records exist that it is difficult to wade through them to find that elusive ancestor. And then you find him or her, one farm over, or in the next parish or even across the sea. The chase is on. Let's see what we can find today.

Free Software? Count Me In

It looks like Ancestry.com is letting customers know how to get a free copy of the updated 2009 Family Tree Maker genealogy software program. If you've bought a copy of the 2008 edition of the bestselling family history program and registered it, Ancestry.com will send you a unique link and coupon code by email that you use when you check out of the Ancestry.com store.

One point though: The free CD will be mailed to you - it's not a download. But hey, if you're one of the Family History fanatics, this is great news. You can get free updated software and send your old 2008 version to your friendly gen blogger who told you about it in the first place. Just kidding.