The GEDCOM format lets a family tree travel between different software. Here's how to get one and turn it into a printable tree.
GEDCOM (GEnealogical Data COMmunication) is a text file format created so genealogy software can exchange a family tree without losing information. A GEDCOM file usually has the .ged extension.
In practice, it contains a list of individuals (birth and death dates, names, sex) and families (unions, parent-child links), tied together by internal identifiers. It's the same file most genealogy software can both import and export.
A typical GEDCOM groups three kinds of information: individuals (one record per person, with their known events), families (linking a couple to their children), and sometimes sources (civil records, censuses) documenting each fact. Gedcom Tree focuses on individuals and families to build your visual tree.
Nearly every genealogy program offers a GEDCOM export option, usually under a "File" or "Export" menu. MyHeritage, Ancestry, Geneanet, Geni, Heredis, FamilySearch and Gramps can all produce this file in a few clicks.
Once the file is exported to your computer or phone, it's ready to be imported into any compatible service, including Gedcom Tree.
Upload your file from the home page: Gedcom Tree analyzes it instantly and shows a free preview across 3 generations, with a watermark. You can then pick a graphic style and, if you'd like, unlock the HD version with no watermark, more generations, ready to print or frame.
The file is rejected: check that it's a standard GEDCOM export (.ged, .gedcom or .txt) rather than a proprietary save file from the software.
Some characters look wrong: some older software exports in a legacy encoding rather than UTF-8; re-exporting from a recent version of the software usually fixes it.
No one shows up: the file may be empty of individuals, or got corrupted during transfer; try exporting it again.
Need definitions? Check out our genealogy glossary.
More questions? See the full FAQ.