What Is a Gedcom File?

Gedcom is an acronym for Genealogical Data Communication. Gedcom files are used by family tree research software programs.

Function

Gedcom files allow genealogists (family tree researchers) to easily save and transfer large amounts of genealogical information between various genealogical software programs. They are popular because they make sharing large amounts of highly detailed information simple for genealogists.

Features

Gedcom files are plain text files. They usually contain genealogical information about individuals and their relationships to one another.

History

The Gedcom file was developed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as part of their commitment to genealogical research.

Considerations

Because they were conceived well before Internet usage was common, Gedcom files are unable to transmit multimedia information, such as pictures and videos.

Misconceptions

While Gedcoms can be read in a word processor, trying to do so is extremely difficult and tedious. Gedcom files work best when viewed from within compatible family tree research software.