What is GEDCOM?
GEDCOM is an acronym for Genealogical Data Communication. It, AOS a file type that was developed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which offer a free genealogy online service called FamilySearch. This type of GEDCOM file .GED, is a text file that contains the information of your family tree and lets you exchange information between different applications, regardless of the type of software is used. This method will format your data on family trees in a text file that can be easily read and converted by various genealogy programs. This is particularly useful in genealogical research because it allows you to share the information in your family tree without re-entered manually again and again. Most genealogy programs support this type of file, which makes importing and exporting your data across different platforms a breeze.
What is a GEDCOM file?
A GEDCOM file compresses the information in your family tree in a text file format. This file uses a set of tags to describe information in your family tree and is broken down by the header section, records and a trailer section. It, AOS like a preview and displays a bunch of numbers, letters and abbreviations to refer to the data it contains. For example, data that represents the records for individuals are listed as INDI, FAM as families and births as BIRT. GEDCOM files also contain source information and miscellaneous notes you've added to your family tree, and can even include multimedia objects such as photos stored on your tree.
How can I use for my family research?
This text file can be easily shared in a few different ways. You can send it as an attachment to other family members so they can download and save, import into a genealogical service on the Web to edit your tree, import it into an online genealogy or off family tree builder application and even edit and print individual GEDCOM files, without having to import it in a separate application first. This makes it easier for you and other family members to collaborate and share your family tree and send researchers can seek help from as well.
How do I choose a genealogy service?
With so many different services out there for genealogy, the construction of the family tree and family tracing, it, AOS not uncommon for people to use more than one service . Some have access to more resources than others, or you might prefer to use for storing information and another for the creation and printing wall-size posters of your family information. First, make a list of requirements you are looking for in a genealogy service, whether something pretty it, based AOS or something more complex.
Once you know exactly what you want to do with your family research, you can begin testing on different services. Many genealogy sites offer free trials, so you can decide which is most compatible with your needs. For more information on what each service offers, check out our review of genealogy. And read our blog for tips on getting started with genealogy and family search.