Opening GEDCOM Files

The GEDCOM file type is primarily associated with GEDCOM.

GEDCOM	File extension: GEDCOM
	File type:	genealogy file

What is a GEDCOM file?

GEDCOM files mostly belong to GEDCOM by Family Search. GEDCOM file stands for GEnealogical Data COMmunication file. GEDCOM file is associated with saving genealogical data and was developed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).

Main Use: GEDCOM file type is a standard file format that was developed with the intent of facilitating the exchange of genealogical data between various genealogy software. GEDCOM files consist of genealogical information concerning individuals, and metadata connecting the records. This genealogical information includes family tree information and other information linked to the members of the family in the family tree. GEDCOM files were designed to be used with genealogy software. A GEDCOM validator, included with the PhpGedView project, is used to validate the structure of GEDCOM files.
Features: The data in a GEDCOM file is stored in a plain text format, such as UTF-8 or ASCII. Each GEDCOM file consists of a header section, a records section, and a final trailer section. The records section represents people (INDI record), families (FAM records), information sources (SOUR records), and other records such as notes. Each line from a GEDCOM file starts with a level number. All the top-level records (HEAD, TRLR, SUBN, each INDI, FAM, OBJE, NOTE, REPO, SOUR, and SUBM) start on a line with level 0 followed by level 1, level 2, and so on.

How to open GEDCOM files

You need a suitable software like GEDCOM to open a GEDCOM file. You need a suitable software like GEDCOM from Family Search to open a GEDCOM file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your GEDCOM file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a GEDCOM file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online GEDCOM Text Viewer

Choose your .gedcom file to analyze

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Online File Viewer

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Trouble Opening a .GEDCOM File? These Steps Will Help

Since .GEDCOM files come from various genealogy programs, they aren't universally openable by default apps.

Identify the Source: These files usually come from family historians or ancestry websites exporting family trees, suggesting specialized genealogy software.
Check the Header: Open the file in a text editor. You will typically see:
- Readable text starting with 0 HEAD, indicating a standard genealogy file.
- Hierarchical tags like 1 SOUR or 1 CHAR confirming the data structure.
Use the Original Software: You generally need a genealogy program to view the tree properly. Try tools like Family Search, RootsMagic, or Gramps, or ask the sender what they used.
Use this Webpage: Drag and drop your file here to detect its format, extract readable metadata, and preview the contents.

Technical Data for GEDCOM File Extension

File classification:

Data

Related files:

ged, spstorage, exe, zip, paa, paf

a gedcom genealogy file is a special file format by Family Search and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with GEDCOM files

Associate the GEDCOM file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open genealogy files. Because only the current version supports the latest GEDCOM file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the Family Search manufacturer website after an available GEDCOM update.
To make sure that your GEDCOM file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
Click here to open your .GEDCOM file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.