File Extension Database

Open GEDCOM File

GEDCOM, an acronym for GEnealogical Data COMmunication, is a flexible and open de facto specification for exchanging genealogical data between different software. Files that use the .GEDCOM or .GED extensions represent data in this format. GEDCOM files are plain text (ASCII) and contain genealogical information about individuals, and metadata linking these records together.

How to Open a GEDCOM File

Several software programs can open and display GEDCOM files. However, the most prolific of these is probably FamilySearch, developed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Other popular software includes Ancestry.com's Family History Maker, and Heraldry's GenoPro.

Formatting GEDCOM Files

GEDCOM files use a specific format to store and share data. Understanding this format can aid in creating or modifying these files manually. Refer to the official GEDCOM specification to learn more about how these files are structured.

GEDCOM Files and DNA Test Data

While GEDCOM files do not directly contain DNA test results, they frequently play an essential role in genealogical DNA testing. Many DNA testing services, such as MyHeritage, integrate with GEDCOM files, allowing users to correlate their genealogical and genetic information.

GEDCOM File Important Information

While GEDCOM files have been a staple of digital genealogy, there are some crucial things to understand about this format. Firstly, not all systems interpret the flexible GEDCOM standard in the same way, which can cause discrepancies when exchanging data between different software. Secondly, while GEDCOM files allow for the inclusion of multimedia links, the files referenced by those links are not included within the GEDCOM file itself, and should be transferred separately.

How Can I Open GEDCOM File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open GEDCOM file is to find a GEDCOM file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a GEDCOM file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open GEDCOM file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as GEDCOM file opener then try to search online for "GEDCOM viewer", "application to open GEDCOM file" or "open GEDCOM file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open GEDCOM file

How Can I Open GEDCOM File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a GEDCOM file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a GEDCOM file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with GEDCOM file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as GEDCOM file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open GEDCOM file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open GEDCOM file then try to search for "GEDCOM viewer", "application to open GEDCOM file" or "read GEDCOM file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read GEDCOM file

How Can I Open GEDCOM File on Android

If you downloaded a GEDCOM file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded GEDCOM file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "GEDCOM".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "GEDCOM viewer", "GEDCOM file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open GEDCOM File on iPhone or iPad

To open GEDCOM File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the GEDCOM file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "GEDCOM". This way you can find apps which can open GEDCOM files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "GEDCOM viewer" or "GEDCOM file" online in your favorite search engine.

Populating this website with information and maintaining it is an ongoing process. We always welcome feedback and questions that can be submitted by visiting Contact Us page. However since there are many users visiting this website and because our team is quite small we may not be able to follow up personally on every request. Thank you for your understanding.