NWSGS Member Surname Project

How to Download a GEDCOM File

If you have built a family tree online or in genealogy software, you may be able to download a GEDCOM file that can help NWSGS build the Member Surname Project.

A GEDCOM file is a standard genealogy file format used to move family tree information from one website or software program to another. For the NWSGS project, the file would be used only to extract limited surname, location, and approximate time-period information.

Before You Start

Each genealogy website or program has a slightly different way to export a GEDCOM file. The instructions below are intended to help you find the right starting place.

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Use a Computer

GEDCOM downloads are usually easier from a desktop or laptop computer than from a phone or tablet.

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Look for a .ged File

The downloaded file will usually end with .ged. It may be saved in your Downloads folder.

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Do Not Edit the File

Please do not open or edit the GEDCOM file in Microsoft Word. Just save the downloaded file.

Privacy reminder: A GEDCOM file can contain names, dates, places, family relationships, notes, and source details. NWSGS is not asking to publish your full family tree. The goal is to extract limited surname and location information for the Member Surname Project.

If Your Tree Is on a Genealogy Website

Use the section below for trees kept on popular genealogy websites.

Online Tree

Ancestry

Use these general steps if your main family tree is on Ancestry.

  1. Sign in to your Ancestry account.
  2. Go to Trees and open the tree you want to download.
  3. Open Tree Settings.
  4. Look for Export Tree.
  5. Click Export Tree and wait for Ancestry to prepare the file.
  6. When the file is ready, click Download your GEDCOM file.
  7. Save the file somewhere you can find it, such as your Downloads folder.

Note: You usually need to be the tree owner to download the GEDCOM file. If someone else owns the tree, ask that person to export it for you.

Online Tree

MyHeritage

Use these general steps if your main family tree is on MyHeritage.

  1. Sign in to your MyHeritage account.
  2. Go to Family Tree.
  3. Select Manage Trees.
  4. Find the tree you want to download.
  5. Choose Export to GEDCOM.
  6. Follow the prompts to begin the export.
  7. Download and save the GEDCOM file when it is ready.

Note: Photos and documents are usually not included as actual files inside a GEDCOM export. The GEDCOM may include references or links instead.

Online Tree

FamilySearch

FamilySearch can be confusing because FamilySearch Family Tree is a shared worldwide tree, not a private tree owned by one person.

  1. Go to the FamilySearch Family Tree Export page.
  2. Sign in with your FamilySearch account if prompted.
  3. Use the Download GEDCOM File option.
  4. Save the file to your computer.

Note: FamilySearch’s export page says it can download up to eight generations of ancestors in GEDCOM 7 format. Some older genealogy programs may not fully support GEDCOM 7, so if you have trouble, let NWSGS know.

Open the FamilySearch GEDCOM Export Page

Online Tree

Findmypast

Use these general steps if your main family tree is on Findmypast.

  1. Sign in to your Findmypast account.
  2. Go to My Family Tree.
  3. Select View all trees.
  4. Find the tree you want to export.
  5. Look for the Export tree icon beside that tree.
  6. Click the export icon and follow the prompts.
  7. Download and save the GEDCOM file.
Online Tree

Geni

Use these general steps if you have tree information on Geni.

  1. Sign in to your Geni account.
  2. Look for the family tree sharing or export area.
  3. Select the GEDCOM export option.
  4. Choose the type of export offered, such as ancestors or relatives, if available.
  5. Follow the prompts to generate and download the GEDCOM file.

Note: Geni is a collaborative tree, so export options and limits may depend on your account level and what part of the tree you are exporting.

Online Tree

WikiTree

Use these general steps if you actively use WikiTree.

  1. Sign in to WikiTree.
  2. Go to the profile or managed family area you want to export.
  3. Look for GEDCOM export tools or profile export options.
  4. Follow the prompts to create and download the GEDCOM file.

Note: WikiTree is a collaborative tree, so the export may be based on a profile, family group, or managed area rather than a private personal tree.

If Your Tree Is in Genealogy Software on Your Computer

Use this section if your main family tree is stored in a desktop program rather than on a genealogy website.

Desktop Software

Family Tree Maker

  1. Open Family Tree Maker.
  2. Open the tree you want to export.
  3. Go to File.
  4. Choose Export.
  5. Choose whether to export the entire file or selected individuals.
  6. For output format, choose GEDCOM.
  7. Choose a file name and save location.
  8. Click OK or Save to create the GEDCOM file.
Desktop Software

RootsMagic

  1. Open RootsMagic.
  2. Open the database containing your family tree.
  3. Go to Files.
  4. Choose Export Data.
  5. Select GEDCOM File.
  6. Choose a save location and file name.
  7. If offered, choose whether to export everyone or selected people.
  8. Create and save the GEDCOM file.

Tip: If you know how, you may choose ancestors of a selected starting person. If not, exporting the full file is acceptable for the Proof of Concept.

Desktop Software

Legacy Family Tree

  1. Open Legacy Family Tree.
  2. Open your family file.
  3. Go to File.
  4. Choose Export To.
  5. Select GEDCOM File.
  6. Choose your export options.
  7. Select a file name and save location.
  8. Create and save the GEDCOM file.
Desktop Software

Gramps

  1. Open Gramps.
  2. Open the family tree you want to export.
  3. Go to the export area, usually under Family Trees or Export.
  4. Select GEDCOM as the export format.
  5. Follow the export assistant prompts.
  6. Choose a file name and save location.
  7. Save the GEDCOM file.

Note: Gramps can export GEDCOM, but some Gramps-specific data may not transfer perfectly because GEDCOM is a general exchange format.

Desktop Software

Reunion for Mac

  1. Open Reunion on your Mac.
  2. Open your family file.
  3. Go to File.
  4. Choose Export.
  5. Select GEDCOM.
  6. Choose the export options offered by Reunion.
  7. Save the GEDCOM file to your computer.
Desktop Software

MacFamilyTree

  1. Open MacFamilyTree.
  2. Open the tree or family database you want to export.
  3. Look under File or the program’s export menu.
  4. Choose Export or GEDCOM Export.
  5. Select the GEDCOM format.
  6. Choose a file name and save location.
  7. Save the GEDCOM file.
Desktop Software

Heredis

  1. Open Heredis.
  2. Open your genealogy file.
  3. Go to File.
  4. Choose Export.
  5. Select GEDCOM.
  6. Choose your export options.
  7. Save the GEDCOM file.

After You Download the GEDCOM File

Once the GEDCOM file has been downloaded, please keep the file as-is and send an email to surname@nwsgenealogy.org and we will send you a secure link to upload your file. After we upload the file and extract the information we will be adding to the database, we will send you the information we plan on using for your final approval.

Recommended File Name

If possible, rename the file using this format:

LastName_FirstName_NWSGS_GEDCOM.ged

Example: Cameron_Howard_NWSGS_GEDCOM.ged

What Not to Upload

Please do not upload photos, PDFs, Word documents, ZIP files, or unrelated files unless NWSGS specifically asks for them.

What NWSGS Plans to Use

For the Member Surname Project, NWSGS is interested in surnames, general ancestral locations, and approximate time periods. The original GEDCOM file is not intended to be published or shared as a full family tree.

Interested in Participating?

If you would like to participate in the NWSGS Member Surname Project Proof of Concept, please complete the interest form. Completing the form does not require you to upload a GEDCOM file today.

Return to the Member Surname Project Page

Replace the button link above if your main Member Surname Project page uses a different address.