What is a GED file?
A GEDCOM (Genealogical Data Communication) file, usually with “.ged” extension, is a standard file format used for exchanging genealogical data between different genealogy software programs; GEDCOM files are plain text files that contain information about individuals, families, events and other genealogical data; the purpose of GEDCOM is to provide common format for the exchange of genealogical information.
GEDCOM files usually have “.ged” file extension; this extension is used to indicate that the file follows GEDCOM standard for genealogical data exchange; so when you save or export your genealogical data from genealogy software program, the resulting file is often given a name like yourfilename.ged.
For example:
- yourfamilytree.ged
- john_doe_family.ged
- ancestry_data.ged
Key Points about GEDCOM Files
Here are some key points about GEDCOM files:
Plain Text Format: GEDCOM files are plain text files; which means they can be opened and viewed with any text editor; this format facilitates easy sharing and compatibility between different genealogy software applications.
Structure: GEDCOM files have hierarchical structure; data is organized into records; each record has specific tag that indicates type of information it contains, for example, an individual’s name might be represented by “NAME” tag.
Individuals and Families: GEDCOM files typically include information about individuals such as names, dates of birth and places of birth; they also include details about family relationships, marriages and other events.
Software Interoperability: Since GEDCOM is standardized format; it allows users to move their genealogical data between different genealogy software programs; this is particularly useful for users who may switch to different software application or share their research with others.
Version: GEDCOM has gone through various versions with each version introducing improvements and new features; the most commonly used version was GEDCOM 5.5.
How to open GED file?
To open a GED file, you generally need genealogy software that supports the GEDCOM format. Some popular genealogy software options include:
- Family Tree Maker
- Ancestry.com
- MyHeritage
- Gramps (free and open-source)
- Legacy Family Tree
Once you have chosen your genealogy software, look for an option like “Import”, “Open GEDCOM” or “Import from File” in the menu or toolbar.
Since GED files are saved in a text format, you can also open the files with a plain text editor e.g.
- Notepad
- Notepad++
- Apple TextEdit
- Any text editor
