Format guide
GEDCOM
Genealogical Data Communication
GEDCOM is the universal interchange format for family-tree data. The current spec is GEDCOM 7.0 (2021) but most genealogy software still emits GEDCOM 5.5.1 (2019) for compatibility. Plain-text hierarchical records: 0-level lines define individuals (INDI) and families (FAM); deeper levels (1, 2, 3...) attach attributes like names, dates, and places. Every major genealogy app reads and writes GEDCOM.
How to open a GEDCOM file
Ancestry, MyHeritage, FamilySearch, RootsMagic, Family Tree Maker, Gramps, MacFamilyTree. Plain text in any editor.
Primary use
Family tree interchange between genealogy programs.
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