What is a .GEDCOM file?
A .GEDCOM file is a type of digital file used to store genealogical data, which means it keeps records of family histories. The name GEDCOM stands for GEnealogical Data COMmunications. This file format was created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the 1980s to help people share and maintain their family history records consistently across different genealogy software programs.
The information in a GEDCOM file typically includes details about family relationships, such as births, deaths, marriages, and the physical characteristics of family members. It also contains metadata, which helps link these records together to form a family tree.
GEDCOM files are widely used by both professional genealogists, who might use the data for research and academic purposes, and amateur genealogists, who are often interested in tracing and documenting their own family histories.
To open a .GEDCOM file, you can use various genealogy software programs. Some of the most common ones include: - **LifeLines** - **GeneWeb** - **Gramps** - **Ages!** - **MyHeritage Family Tree Builder** - **RootsMagic** and **RootsMagic Essentials** - **Ancestral Author** - **Thoughtful Creations Genbox Family History** - **Behold** - **Nevron Software MyDraw** - **Leister Productions Reunion** - **iFamily for Mac** Additionally, because GEDCOM files are text-based, you can also view them using any basic text editor like Notepad or TextEdit, though these editors won't display the data in a structured genealogical format.
The most commonly used version of the GEDCOM format is 5.5.1, which was released in 1999. However, a newer version, 7.0, was introduced in 2021 by FamilySearch, a company affiliated with The LDS Church. This latest version includes support for .GDZ files, which are compressed GEDCOM files.
Online platforms like Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org also support GEDCOM files, allowing users to upload and work with their genealogical data on these websites.
In summary, GEDCOM files are essential for anyone interested in genealogy as they provide a standardized format for recording and sharing family histories across various platforms and software.
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