How to Convert to GEDCOM
The GEDCOM file format, which uses the file extension .ged, is the default format for genealogy applications. It is possible to manually convert GEDCOM files to rich text format, or RTF, although this takes some time. The benefit is that RTF files can be easily opened on any computer that has a word processing application, making the data easier to share in RTF format.
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Instructions
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Open a New Text File
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Open two blank Notepad files; Notepad's default file format is RTF.
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Gather the information you need for the GEDCOM file: full name, place and date of birth, and place and date of death.
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Type this information into the first blank Notepad document and repeat for all the other individuals whose information you want in the GEDCOM file. Put spaces between each individual's information.
Convert to GED Format
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Open your genealogy application. Type in the information of the first individual as "0@003@ INDI." The zero at the beginning denotes the first person in the file; the next person has a "1." The "003" denotes three sections to this person's file; the "INDI" denotes that this person is not yet attached to anyone in the file.
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Type "1 NAME JANE /DOE/" and hit "Enter." Type "2 GIVN JANE" and hit "Enter." Type "2 SURN DOE." This denotes that the individual's first name is Jane and the last name is Doe.
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Hit the "Enter" key, type in "1 BIRT" then hit "Enter." Type "2 DATE 08 Jun 1950." Hit "Enter" once more and type "2 PLAC Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania." This tells the program that Jane Doe was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on June 8, 1950.
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Hit the "Enter" key and type in "1 DEAT." Hit "Enter" and type in "2 DATE 14 Mar 2010." Hit "Enter" once more and type in "2 PLAC Long Island, New York." This tells the program that Jane Doe died in Long Island, New York, on March 14, 2010.
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Replace the Jane Doe example with the actual individual's information. Repeat the process with each person you wish to add to the GEDCOM file. Save the file once you are finished as a GED file.
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Tips & Warnings
Save the RTF file in order to have a backup copy of the information.
Turning off your computer while saving a file in a genealogy application can corrupt the file you are working on.
