A sharing copy needs its own review. Choose audience, included people and genuinely needed documents.
The method, step by step
- Keep a complete private backup. Work on a copy to remove living people’s information, addresses, sensitive notes and non-public documents.
- Check export settings and linked media. A GEDCOM may include notes and references; attachments can reveal more than the displayed tree.
- Review sources, uncertainty and reproduction rights. Ask a living person’s permission before sharing their information.
- Open the export in a separate environment and inspect it. Add version date, correction contact and citations; retain your private recipient list.
Record in your research log
- Private version
- sharing copy
- removed people
- media
- checked export.
Frequently asked questions
Is hiding living people enough before export?
Check the exported file, notes and linked media. Display settings may not apply to exports. Work on a copy and retain a private backup.
Sources & references
- Nationaal Archief — access to restricted records ↗
- FamilySearch Research Wiki ↗ (Resource review date : )