A GEDCOM file is a universal type of file that genealogists use to move data from one genealogy software program to another. Using these helpful tips below, you can open genealogy files your family members send to you, or share your data with others.
![Genealogy software program Genealogy software program](/uploads/1/2/6/0/126033004/488069552.jpg)
When and Why You Would Need to Open a GEDCOM File
- GEDCOM allows you to export your genealogy data from one application, and then import it into another. GEDCOM is a de facto standard, supported by practically every genealogy application. As a user, you should make sure the genealogy software you use supports GEDCOM, so you can transfer your data from one application to another.
- Best Genealogy Software: Reviews 1. Best All-round Genealogy Software: Family Tree Maker 2019 Because of its relative ease of use, broad compatibility, and range of features, we think Family Tree Maker 2019 is the best all-round genealogy software for most people. Family Tree Maker (FTM) is more expensive than other programs, and it doesn’t have a free trial version.
What software is available for the mac which allows me to view and edit gedcom genealogy files? If there are several options, I'd like one that interfaces with ancestry.com and/or other similar sites so I don't have to quite as much work managing searches and downloads of gedcom files. GedScape for MAC OS X v.2.6.02 GedScape is a software utility for browsing, manipulating, converting and extracting data from GEDCOM files. It is the ideal GEDCOM viewer and converter, an essential tool for genealogists. Features: Easily browse all data for individuals. GedFiliations v.1.1 Builds a genealogy web site from a GEDCOM file.
A Genealogy Gems reader recently wrote:
I recently signed up for [the Genealogy Gems] newsletter. I received a CD from a relative with family history information that was set up through Family Tree Maker. I am currently not subscribed to any of the genealogy sites. My question is, how can I retrieve this information [from the CD.] Can you help?
The answer to the question is: Use another program to open the GEDCOM file from the CD. Let me show you how easy it is to open and create GEDCOM files.
GEDCOM Basics
GEDCOM is an acronym standing for Genealogical Data Communication. It is a universal genealogy file that allows you to exchange genealogical data between different genealogy software programs.
Because it is “universal” in nature, a GEDCOM file can be read by many different types of genealogy software. That means, if you are using RootsMagic, you can still share all the data you have collected with your cousin who uses Family Tree Maker, and she will not have to type in all the names, dates, and places manually.
Occasionally, not all the information included in a GEDCOM file will transfer perfectly. There are differences in how that information is interpreted and some things, like notes and sources, may be affected. However, for the most part, much of it will transfer correctly.
How to Open a GEDCOM File
Our reader needs to open a GEDCOM file contained on the CD he was sent. To do this, he must have a program on his computer that will read a GEDCOM file. There is an option I would like to share with you.
RootsMagic is a downloadable software for both Mac and PC users. (And, it is the one we here at The Genealogy Gems Podcast use! That’s why we accepted them as a sponsor of the podcast.)
Once you have downloaded RootsMagic to your computer, open it. At the top left corner, click on File and from the pull-down menu, choose Import.
Now, a new pop-up window will open and ask from what source you would like to import from. You will notice several options, but for our reader’s question, he will choose the GEDCOM option.
Then, choose I know where the file is, and the file explorer window will appear. In this case, our reader would click on the CD that he has loaded into his computer’s disk drive, and follow the prompts to open the GEDCOM file. All that information his relative sent him will be slurped into RootsMagic and he can easily look through the pedigree of his family.
Creating a GEDCOM to Share with Others
RootsMagic also allows you to create a GEDCOM file. Church media presentation software mac. This is what you would send to your relatives when they would like to have a copy of the family tree.
To do this, open RootsMagic. Click on File, as we did before, and this time choose Export from the pull-down options.
The export box will pop-up. You can choose what you wish to have included in this export. I typically choose Everyone, but you can do yours by family names by clicking on the down arrow next to Everyone and choosing Select from list.
Once you have clicked OK, the GEDCOM file is ready to be saved to your computer. Save the file on your desktop or somewhere you will be able to locate it again. Remember to name the file and pay attention to where you are saving it!
Creating a GEDCOM from Ancestry.com
If you have stored your genealogy data at Ancestry.com, you may be interested to know that you can create a GEDCOM file for your family tree there as well. It’s just a matter of signing into your Ancestry account, locating the Tree Settings, and then clicking Export. I found a nice article outlining the steps on how to do that here.
Protecting Your GEDCOM Files
Creating a GEDCOM is also a great way to save or backup your hours and hours of family history research. One of the saddest tales of genealogists everywhere is losing their computer or printed family files with all that work!
GEDCOM files can be saved to a hard drive, saved to an external unit, emailed, put on a thumb drive, or uploaded to the Cloud. You can also invest in a company like Backblaze, the official backup of The Genealogy Gems Podcast, that will automatically backup all your files. (Read more about Backblaze, here.) All of these methods protect you and your genealogy.
Legacy Genealogy Software For Mac
More on Protecting Your Genealogical Data
Learn more about Backblaze, The Genealogy Gems Podcast’s first choice when it comes to backing up precious genealogy research and personal files. Read the article’s below and determine if Backblaze is the answer you’ve been looking for.
[wpfmb type=’error’ theme=2]The genealogy software database will be updated. (May 2017).[/wpfmb]
Online publishing software for mac pro. This page contains information about actively developed Mac OS X genealogy software (apps, applications) for Apple’s Macintosh Computers – iMac, MacBooks, MacBook Airs, MacBook Pro, Mac Pro. There is additional information at the bottom about older software that may support PowerPC Macs as well as “Classic” Macs.
Additional Lists about Mac Genealogy Software
– Mac Genealogy Software Recommendations (outdated)
– Mac Genealogy Software – Unicode, UTF-8, and GEDCOMs
– Mac Genealogy Software that supports LDS/TempleReady options (outdated)
– Mac Genealogy Software Recommendations (outdated)
– Mac Genealogy Software – Unicode, UTF-8, and GEDCOMs
– Mac Genealogy Software that supports LDS/TempleReady options (outdated)
Gedcom Software Mac
Mac OS X Genealogy Software
Genealogy Software Program
This software is currently supported and in development since 2012. Cost is listed in US $. The list is sorted by the latest updates. If you see any errors, please contact us.iOS = iPhone, iPad, iPod touch
Updated/Version | Cost | Requirements | Platforms | Notes | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MacFamilyTree 7 | Mar 2015 Version 7.3.3 | $49.99 | OS X 10.7 | OS X, iOS | Uses iCloud to keep genealogy data in sync. Can use Dropbox. | |
Family Tree Maker 3 | Feb 2015 Version 22.2.4 | $39.99 | OS X 10.7 | OS X, iOS, Windows, Android | Compatible with Family Tree Maker 2014 (Windows), keeps data in sync with Ancestry.com | |
Family tree Builder 7.0 for Mac (Announcement) | Jan 2015 Version 7.0 | $0 | OS X | OS X, iOS, Windows, Android | NOTE: This is the Windows version, with a 'wrapper' for OS X. A native version is planned. | |
Familienbande | Jan 2015 | $0 | OS X | OS X, Windows, Linux | Supports PowerPC (PPC) | |
Reunion 10 Reunion 9 | Nov 2014 10.0.7 (beta) | $99.99 | OS X | OS X, iOS | NOTE: This is a beta release, intended to fix a bug with OS X 10.10 'Yosemite' | |
My Family Tree | Nov 2014 Version 1.3.1 | $19.99 | OS X 10.8, 64-bit | OS X | Does not support GEDCOM. Very simple family tree editor. | |
Heredis 2014 Heredis for Mac (2012) | Oct 2014 Version 3.3.2 | $59.99 | OS X 10.7.3, 64-bit | OS X, iOS, Windows | Can sync between Macs, PCs, and iPhone/iPad over WiFi, or through a USB flash drive. | |
iFamily for Leopard (older page) | Oct 2014 Version 2.895 | $29.95 | OS X 10.4 | OS X | Supports PowerPC (PPC) | |
Gramps Gramps (older version) | Oct 2014 Version 4.1.1 | $0 | OS X 10.5 | OS X, Windows, Linux, BSD | Supports PowerPC (PPC) | |
MacBridge for RootsMagic 6/7 (Announcement) | Sep 2014 Version 7.0.4.0 | $14.95 | OS X | OS X, iOS, Windows, Android | NOTE: This is the Windows version, with a 'wrapper' for OS X. A native version is planned. | |
GEDitCOM II 2.0 GEDitCOM II (older version) | Aug 2014 Version 2.0 | $64.99 | OS X 10.6 | OS X | This is a free upgrade for GEDitCOM II users. | |
ohmiGeneLite ohmiGene 5 | Jul 2014 Version 6.11.5 | Donation | OS X 10.7 | OS X, iOS, Windows | May only be available in French. Not sure on cost or ordering from Europe. | |
GedScape | Apr 2014 Version 3.0.01 | $59.99 | OS X 10.6.6, 64-bit | OS X, Windows | NOTE: This is only for browsing GEDCOM files/exporting to a web site. | |
PAW2U | Mar 2014 Version 103.0 | $0 | OS X 10.6.6 | OS X | ||
GenealogyJ | 2014 | $0 | OS X 10.5, Java VM 1.6 | OS X, Windows, Linux, Solaris | Open Source, Java-based. |
Best Genealogy Software For Mac
![Free gedcom genealogy software Free gedcom genealogy software](/uploads/1/2/6/0/126033004/651514079.png)
List of discontinued, inactive, obsolete, or older Mac OS X genealogy software
Genealogy Software Mac
Updated/Version | Requirements | Platform(s) | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
FamilyTree | Oct 2013 Version 1.2.2 | OS X 10.7, 64-bit | OS X, Intel | NOTE: It appears to no longer be in active development, as the official website is down. Supports iCloud. |
Family Tree Maker 2010 for Mac | Jan 2011 Version 19.2.1.241 | 10.5.8 | GEDCOM Support | |
MacFamilyTree 5 | Aug 2010 Version 5.7.8 | 10.4 | GEDCOM Support | |
MyBlood | Jul 2010 Version 1.31 | OS X 10.4 | OS X, Intel or PPC | GEDCOM Support |
Heredis Mac X.2 | Sep 2009 | OS X 10.1.3 | OS X | GEDCOM Support |
Osk | Jul 2009 Version 4.71 | OS X 10.3 | OS X, Intel or PPC | |
PA Writer II (now PAW2U) | 2009 | ? | GEDCOM Support | |
Genealogy Pro | Jul 2007 Version 2.2 | 10.4 | GEDCOM Support | |
GenerationX | Jul 2007 Version 3.0a2 | 10.3.9 | GEDCOM Support | |
Jun 2007 Version 0.2b | ? | |||
Family | Mar 2007 Version 2.0.2 | 10.3.9 | ||
GEDCOM Editor | Dec 2006 Version 1.1 | 10.4 | GEDCOM Support | |
seeGEDCOMX | Jun 2006 Version 0.8 | OS X PPC | GEDCOM Support | |
MacPAF | Apr 2006 | ? | GEDCOM Support |
Last Updated: March 3, 2015