Frequently Asked Questions

What are GEDCOM data files?
What do I do with my GEDCOM files?
How can I submit GEDCOM files?
How will I receive GEDCOM files?

What are GEDCOM data files?
GEDCOM stands for GEnealogical Data COMmunications. GEDCOM is a file format that allows genealogy files to be opened in any genealogy software program. Because computers give everyone the ability to organize thousands of records, the sharing of genealogical information has changed greatly as the number of records has increased.

The problem comes when people attempt to share their information. The program your grand aunt uses to accumulate data may not be the same program you use, preventing you from sharing valuable information. Using the GEDCOM format will allow you to freely exchange your data. You will need a genealogy program to create a GEDCOM file. Ancestry’s Family Tree tools (found under the My Ancestry tab) and Family Tree Maker support GEDCOM format.

What do I do with my GEDCOM files?
The data you accumulate can be stored as a program file or as a set of files on your own computer. You can also "export" that file as a GEDCOM file and store it on your hard drive or on floppy disk—or both. Your own genealogy software program will explain the mechanics of the process.

If you export the information to floppy diskettes, those diskettes can then be given to anyone else who wishes to "import" the material. Your grand aunt can then share what you've accumulated. If your grand aunt—or anyone else interested in your research—has e-mail access, you can send copies of what you've done as e-mail message attachments.

How can I submit GEDCOM files?
See Convert File to GEDCOM

How will I receive GEDCOM files?
When you find a file you can use, you may download it from the Ancestry World Tree directly to your computer. The file will be downloaded as a "zip" file or an "exe" file. These files are regular GEDCOM files that have been compressed to improve the download process.

Zip files
When you locate an individual or family to add to your records, click "Download Original File." A page with the option of downloading a "Self-Extracting Archive (.exe file)" or a "Zip Archive (.zip file)" will appear.

The software to "zip" and "unzip" files is quite common. If you do not have the software, you can purchase a copy from www.winzip.com or go to one of the shareware software sites to download zip software.

Click here if you wish to download a shareware program that unzips files for Macintosh computers.

When you click "Zip Archive," you will be asked where to put (download) the file. You can leave it in the default directory on the hard drive or choose another location, perhaps where your genealogy files are located. Once you've decided on the location, click OK to download the file. A file named [filename].zip will be created. NOTE: Don't change the name of this "archive" file. It may be important to know its original name.

Once you've saved the zip file, the unzip process will ask where to save the "unzipped" or "expanded" file. You can save the expanded file in any location, as well as choose to rename it. If you haven't put the original zip file with your genealogy records, put the unzipped file there. The resulting file will be in the GEDCOM format which can then be imported into your genealogy program.

Exe files
When you locate an individual or family to add to your records, click "Download Original File." A page with the option of downloading a "Self-Extracting Archive (.exe file)" or a "Zip Archive (.zip file)" will appear.

When you click the "Self-Extracting Archive," you will be asked where to put (download) the file. You can leave it in the default directory on the hard drive or choose another location, perhaps where your genealogy files are located. Once you've decided on the location, click OK to download the file. A file named [filename].exe will be created.

Once you've saved the executable file, it behaves like any other executable program. Highlight the file name in your file manager/explorer and double-click. Another file, named [filename].ged, will be created.

If desired, move the .ged [meaning GEDCOM] file to the same location as your genealogy files. Import the GEDCOM file to your genealogy program.