4 DNA GedCom Files - Desiree Colson

One of the most common methods used for genealogy information exchange is the GedCom; an acronym for GEnealogical Data COMmunication.
In simple terms, it is a method of formatting your family tree data into a file which can be easily read and converted by any genealogy software program.
Using this method, you can put your tree onto other sites, without having to start from scratch for each site.

A GedCom file can be shared with another genealogist so they can print it out or merge it onto their own tree (that is, if you are willing to give them all of your tree).
Or you can use it to put a copy of your tree onto another program- such as MyHeritage, GedMatch, etc.
The reason for doing this, is the more exposure your family tree has, the more success you will have in reaching other researchers.

A GedCom file can be made from any family tree program, but in this instance I am showing how to make a GedCom file from my Ancestry tree online.

So... open up your Ancestry tree.

First step, click on your tree name, and click on Tree Settings.     (below)

Scroll down a bit until you see Manage your tree and hit Export tree.    (below)

Now you need to download your GedCom file.    (below)

Save your GedCom file. 
NOTE: this is automatically going to be saved into your downloads folder.
Click OK.    (below)

Now you will have saved your GedCom file to your computer.
You can find this in your Downloads folder. (You may wish to move the file to another folder.)    (below)

Below you will see I have moved my file to a different folder that I use for my DNA info.

  

So what was the point?
What do I do now?

Now that we have our GedCom file, you can put it on another program.
Each program has its own instructions on how to import a GedCom.

See my next slide for instruction in importing the GedCom into GedMatch.