GEDCOM exchanges genealogical data between applications. Images and some fields may still need separate export.
The method, step by step
- Note your software and the format version offered. Also keep a native project backup, media and references.
- Import into a test project. Compare people, relationships, uncertain dates, accents, notes and citations. Check multiple partnerships, adoption and unspecified relationships.
- Verify media paths. A link to a file on your computer does not mean the recipient will receive it.
- Limit shared exports to appropriate people. Keep a test report and do not replace the master tree with an unchecked import.
What to record
Compare people, families, citations, media and custom fields before and after import. Manually inspect complex relationships. Record both software versions and the format version; opening a file does not prove a faithful transfer.
Record in your research log
- GEDCOM version
- source software
- external media
- losses on reimport.
Frequently asked questions
Does a GEDCOM file contain all my photographs?
Not necessarily. It may reference media without including the files. Export media using application options and test import before sharing or deleting a copy.