GED File – What is .ged file and how to open it?
GED File Extension
GEDCOM Genealogy Data File – file format by The LDS Church
GED (GEDCOM Genealogy Data File) is a file extension developed by The LDS Church for storing and exchanging genealogical data. It is a text-based format that uses tags to identify different types of information, such as names, dates, and relationships. GED files can be used by a variety of genealogy software programs.
GED File Overview
A GED file, also known as a GEDCOM Genealogy Data File, is a standardized electronic format for exchanging genealogical data between different software applications. It was first released in 1984 by The LDS Church, widely known for its extensive genealogical research and record-keeping. The GEDCOM format has since become the de facto standard for sharing genealogy information, facilitating the exchange of data between researchers, individuals, and organizations.
The GEDCOM specification defines a hierarchical data structure that enables the organization of genealogical information into individuals, families, events, and other related entities. Each record within the GED file contains a specific type of information, such as a person’s name, birthdate, marriage details, and relationships to other individuals. The data is arranged in a logical and consistent manner, allowing users to easily navigate and extract the desired information.
Opening GEDCOM Genealogy Data Files
GEDCOM (Genealogical Data Communication) is a standard file format for exchanging genealogical data between different software programs and online services. The file extension .GED is used to identify GEDCOM files.
To open a GED file, you need to have a genealogy software program installed on your computer. There are several free and paid genealogy software programs available, such as Family Tree Maker, RootsMagic, and Legacy Family Tree. Once you have installed a genealogy software program, you can open a GED file by clicking on the “File” menu and selecting “Open.” You can then navigate to the location of the GED file on your computer and open it.
Once you have opened a GED file, you can view the genealogical data that it contains. This data may include names, dates, places, and relationships of individuals. You can also use the genealogy software program to edit the data in the GED file and add new information.
GEDCOM Genealogy Data File
The .GED file extension refers to the GEDCOM Genealogy Data File, a standardized file format created by The LDS Church (Latter-day Saints) for storing genealogical data. It allows users to exchange and share family history information with others. GEDCOM files follow a specific data model that includes information such as individual names, dates and places of birth, marriages, deaths, family relationships, and notes. This format ensures interoperability between different genealogy software programs and enables the creation of family trees, charts, and other visual representations.
GEDCOM files have played a significant role in the field of genealogy, facilitating the sharing and preservation of family history records. They provide a structured way to organize and maintain genealogical data, making it easier for researchers to track their family lineages and connect with distant relatives. The format’s flexibility allows genealogists to add additional information beyond the core data elements, including sources, citations, and multimedia attachments, enriching the overall genealogical record.