The instructions below will help you convert data created by desktop genealogy software and then import that data into our system.

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 others use to accumulate genealogy data may not be the same program you use, preventing you from sharing information. Using the GEDCOM format will allow you to freely exchange your data. You will need a genealogy program to create a GEDCOM file. Click here for a free copy of The Personal Anscestral Filemanager (PAF)

You will need a genealogy program to create a GEDCOM file. Once your file has been created with a genealogy program, it is easy to convert to a GEDCOM file. See below for instructions on how to create a GEDCOM file for the program you use. The programs are listed below according to the file extension- the 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.You will need a genealogy program to create a GEDCOM file. Once your file has been created with a genealogy program, it is easy to convert to a GEDCOM file.

Many programs will compress a GEDCOM to make it easier to store, either for backup or for export. These files must be uncompressed before they can be used or submitted. If you need a utility to uncompress a file you can go to http://www.aladdinsys.com/expander/index.html and download one.

• FTW/FTM FBC/FBK
  (Family Tree Maker)
  Family Tree Maker is needed to convert FTW/FTM and FBC/FBK file formats to GEDCOM files.
  FTW = Family Tree Maker for Windows
  FTM = Family Tree Maker for DOS
  FBK = Family Tree Maker Backup for Windows
  FBC = Family Tree Maker Backup for DOS
  Family Tree Maker v3.02 used as example
  
  1. Open Family Tree Maker program and the desired file
  2. Go to "File"
  3. Go to "Copy/Export Family File"
  4. Type in new file name (This is the file already open in your program. Choose the location and name you desire for your converted program.)
  5. Change "Save as Type:" to "GEDCOM" (*.GED)
  6. Press "Save"
  7. Leave default settings unless you know the exact program you are converting the program for.
     Normal default settings are:
     Destination: FTM
     GEDCOM: Version 4
     Character Set: ANSI
  8. Select "Fields to Export" (This is your opportunity to keep information out that you do not desire
     to share with others. Good information to remove is information concerning living relatives or
     personal submitter information.)
     
  9. Press "OK"
     
     
     
• PAF/BAK
  (Personal Ancestral File or LDS Ancestral Quest)
  Personal Ancestral File or LDS Ancestral Quest is needed to convert PAF/BAK file formats to GEDCOM files.
  Personal Ancestral File 3.0 for PC used as example
  
  1. Open File in Personal Ancestral File 3.0
  2. Press "F6=Other Options"
  3. Press "X=Export"
  4. Select "Create a file of records to share" (Create a GEDCOM File) and press "Enter"
  5. Select individuals to include or press "A=All"
  6. Press "F1=Next Step"
  7. Choose "Options" to select ordinance information or notes and press "F1=Next Step"
  8. Select Destination. If unsure press "Enter"
  9. Verify submitter information and press "F1=Next Step"
  10. Choose File Name. (Do not include the extension "*.GED")
  11. Press "F1=Next Step" (Creates a GEDCOM file)
  12. Press "F1=Contine" (Returns you to the Main Screen)
      
      
      
• DAT/BAK
  (LDS Ancestral Quest)
  LDS Ancestral Quest is needed to convert DAT/BAK file formats to GEDCOM files. LDS Ancestral Quest can also convert PAF files.
  LDS Ancestral Quest 2.0 used as example
  1. Go to "File"
  2. Select "Export"
  3. Verify settings at:
     
     Standard
     PAF Compatible
     
     
  4. Press "Add"
  5. Select "All" or desired selection
  6. Press "OK"
  7. Press "Export"
  8. Choose filename (*.ged)
  9. Press "OK"
     
     
     
• PRO/SQZ
  (Roots III, IV, or V, Visual Roots, Family Gathering, or Ultimate Family Tree)
  Use Ultimate Family Tree, Family Gathering, Roots II, IV, or V or Visual Roots is needed to convert PRO/SQZ file formats to GEDCOM files.
  Ultimate Family Tree used as example
  1. Go to "File"
  2. Select "Save as"
  3. Change File Type to "GEDCOM"
  4. Choose filename (with ending .ged)
  5. Choose save location
  6. Press "OK"
     
     
     
• ANC/AHN
  (Our Family Tree or compatible program)
  Our Family Tree (or a compatible program) is needed to convert ANC/AHN file formats to GEDCOM files.
  Our Family Tree used as example
  1. Go to "File"
  2. Select "Save As"
  3. Select "GEDCOM File" (*.ged) in "Save as Type"
  4. Choose File name (with ending .ged)
  5. Choose Location
  6. Press "OK" (file converts)
  7. Press "OK" to finish
     
     
     
• RCX/RB1/RTX
  (Generations or Reunion)
  Generations or Reunion is needed to convert RCX/RB1/RTX file formats to GEDCOM files.
  Generations v4.2 used as example
  1. Go to "File"
  2. Select "Export"
  3. Select "GEDCOM File" (Takes you to GEDCOM Export Window)
  4. Change Destination to "Other"
  5. Change Character Set to "MS-DOS"
  6. Enter Submitter Information
  7. Press "Export"
  8. Choose Save Location
  9. Choose Filename (ending in .ged)
  10. Press "Export"