How to Create your own GEDCOM file

Genealogy 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.com's Online Store carries a wide variety of programs to choose from for any price range and all are GEDCOM compatible.

Convert File to GEDCOM
You will need a genealogy program to create a GEDCOM File. Ancestry.com's Online Store carries a wide variety of affordable GEDCOM compatible programs. Once your file is created with a genealogy program, it is easy to convert to a GEDCOM file. Click on a link below for instructions on how to create a GEDCOM file for the program you use. These are listed below according to the file extension (the last three letters after the dot in your file name). If your file extension is not listed, or the program you wish to use is not listed, read and compare two or more of the sets of instructions given. All of the programs have similar instructions and you will most likely be able to create a GEDCOM file in your program by reading the directions for another program.

FTW/FTM FBC/FBK
(Family Tree Maker)

PAF/BAK
(Personal Ancestral File or LDS Ancestral Quest)

DAT/BAK
(LDS Ancestral Quest)

PRO/SQZ
(Roots III, IV, or V, Visual Roots, Family Gathering, or Ultimate Family Tree)

ANC/AHN
(Our Family Tree or compatible program)

RCX/RB1/RTX
(Generations or Reunion)

FDB
(Legacy Family Tree)

TMG/SQZ
(The Master Genealogist)

ZIP

Remove Names of the Living from GEDCOM
A few programs exist to help you do this. Many programs allow you to mark relatives as living and remove them before converting to GEDCOM. If your program does not do this, the following programs will help you remove living relatives from your information:

GedClean | GedLivng

Submit GEDCOM to the Ancestry World Tree
You are now ready to submit your GEDCOM File to the Ancestry World Tree. Click here to submit your GEDCOM.