How to Create a GEDCOM file in Your Genealogy Software

Generic Instructions for Creating a GEDCOM File

See More About:

These instructions will work for most family tree software programs. See your program's help file for more specific instructions.

Launch your family tree program and open your genealogy file.
In the top-left hand corner of your screen, click the File menu.
Select either Export or Save As...
Chage the Save as Type or Destination drop-down box to GEDCOM or .GED.
Select the location where you'd like to save your file (make sure it's one you can easily remember).
Enter a filename such as 'powellfamilytree' (the program will automatically add the .ged extension).
Click Save or Export.
Some type of confirmation box will appear stating that your export has succeeded.
Click OK.
If your genealogy software program does not have the ability to protect the privacy of living individuals, then use a GEDCOM privatizing/cleaning program to filter the details of living people from your original GEDCOM file.
Your file is now ready to share with others.

Kimberly Powell
Genealogy Guide