What Is .ged

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Last updated: April 10, 2026

Quick Answer: .ged is the file extension for GEDCOM (Genealogical Data Communication), a standardized plain text format developed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1987. GEDCOM files store genealogical data including family trees, ancestors, birth/death dates, marriages, and relationships, enabling seamless data exchange between genealogy software programs. The format remains the industry standard for genealogical record management, supported by 95% of genealogy software and major websites including Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, and MyHeritage.

Key Facts

GEDCOM files were first introduced in 1987 by The LDS Church's Family History Department to standardize genealogical data exchange
.ged files are plain text format, making them compatible across Windows, Mac, and Linux without requiring proprietary software
GEDCOM version 5.5.1, released in 1999, became the current standard and has remained largely unchanged for over 25 years
Major genealogy websites including Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, MyHeritage, and Findmypast.com all support GEDCOM file uploads and downloads
GEDCOM files support hierarchical organization of genealogical data with tags for individuals (INDI), families (FAM), sources, and biographical information

Overview

.ged (GEDCOM) is a standardized file format for storing and exchanging genealogical data. Developed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1987, GEDCOM stands for Genealogical Data Communication and has become the industry standard for genealogy software and family history research. The format uses plain text, making it compatible across different operating systems, genealogy software programs, and online platforms worldwide.

A .ged file contains comprehensive family tree information including names, birth and death dates, marriage records, places, and relationships between individuals across multiple generations. The hierarchical structure of GEDCOM files allows genealogists to organize complex family data in a standardized way that can be read by virtually any genealogy software program or website. This universal compatibility makes it the most popular format for sharing genealogical research between different platforms, researchers, and family members across the globe.

How It Works

GEDCOM files organize genealogical data using a structured hierarchy with tags and pointers that define relationships between records. The format stores information about individuals (INDI), families (FAM), and sources, with each record containing specific tags like NAME, BIRT (birth), DEAT (death), and MARR (marriage). This tag-based system allows genealogy software to consistently read and interpret genealogical data regardless of which program originally created the file.

Hierarchical Structure: GEDCOM uses a hierarchical level-based system where each line contains a level number, tag, optional ID, and value, allowing relationships to be defined clearly between individuals, families, and source citations.
Individual Records: Each person in the file has an individual record (INDI) containing their name, birth date, birth place, death date, death place, sex, and other biographical information that genealogists gather during research.
Family Links: Family records (FAM) connect individuals through marriage, parentage, and children relationships, creating a complete family tree structure that spans multiple generations of ancestors and descendants.
Source Citations: GEDCOM supports detailed source citations and notes, allowing genealogists to document the evidence supporting their research claims and maintain scholarly standards in their family histories.
Plain Text Format: Being plain text, GEDCOM files can be opened in any text editor and are not dependent on proprietary software, making them durable for long-term preservation.

Key Comparisons

Aspect	.ged (GEDCOM)	Other Digital Formats
File Format Type	Plain text with hierarchical tags and pointers	XML, PDF, or proprietary binary formats
Universal Compatibility	Compatible with 95%+ of genealogy software and major genealogy websites	Often limited to specific software platforms or require conversion tools
Software Dependency	No special software required; readable in any basic text editor	May require specific software, plugins, or online converters to read and edit
Data Completeness	Supports extensive genealogical data including sources, notes, and multimedia links	Varies widely depending on format specifications and software support
Historical Standardization	Standardized since 1987, version 5.5.1 released in 1999 and widely adopted	Newer or proprietary formats without long-term standardization or community support
Data Portability	Easily imported and exported between hundreds of genealogy programs	May require data conversion, mapping, or manual re-entry across platforms

Why It Matters

Understanding .ged files is essential for anyone engaged in genealogical research, family history documentation, or sharing ancestry information with relatives. Whether you're using consumer genealogy software like Family Tree Maker and Gramps, working with professional genealogical research tools, or accessing major genealogy websites, GEDCOM files provide a reliable and standardized way to preserve and share your research.

Data Portability: .ged files allow you to export your family tree from one genealogy platform and import it into another without losing your data, research documentation, or family relationships and notes.
Long-term Preservation: Because GEDCOM is a plain text format, .ged files are more durable than proprietary formats and can be preserved for generations without dependency on specific software that may become obsolete.
Research Sharing: Genealogists can easily share their research findings with other researchers, distant cousins, and family members by exchanging .ged files, fostering collaboration in family history research.
Multiple Platform Access: Major genealogy websites including Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, MyHeritage, Findmypast.com, and Legacy.com all support GEDCOM file uploads and downloads for users.
Cost-Effective: GEDCOM's open standard nature means genealogy software using this format is available across all price points, from free open-source programs to premium subscription services.

.ged files remain the universal standard for genealogical data exchange, supporting millions of genealogists worldwide in documenting their family histories and connecting with relatives. The format's inherent simplicity and universal compatibility ensure that your genealogical research can be preserved, shared, and accessed across different software platforms for decades to come, making it an invaluable tool for family historians and genealogical researchers.