How to import your family tree using a GEDCOM file
Researcher
Mon Aug 18 2025
•
< 5 minutes read
If you’ve already started building your family tree on another platform, you don’t have to start from scratch on a new one. Genealogy websites like Findmypast allow you to upload a GEDCOM file and quickly pick up your research where you left off.
What is a GEDCOM file?
GEDCOM stands for Genealogical Data Communication. It is a standard file type (.ged) developed specifically for genealogy, designed to store family tree data in a way that can be read by different family history tools and websites.
A GEDCOM file doesn’t include photos or attached documents - just the core facts you’ve recorded about individuals, their relationships, and key life events.
How do I get a GEDCOM file?
To create a GEDCOM file, you’ll need to export your tree from the programme or website where it’s currently stored. The exact steps vary depending on the platform, but generally you’ll:
- Log in to your account on your current genealogy site or software
- Look for an Export Tree or Download GEDCOM option in the settings or tree management menu
- Follow the prompts to generate and download the file to your computer.
Most major platforms, including Findmypast, Ancestry and MyHeritage, offer GEDCOM export options. If you’re using offline software, check the help section for ‘export’ instructions.
How to import your GEDCOM file to Findmypast
Once you’ve got your GEDCOM file saved, importing it to Findmypast is straightforward:
- Sign in to your Findmypast account
- Go to the Family Tree section of the site and select Import a GEDCOM
- Choose your saved .ged file from your device
- Confirm and upload, and your tree will be built automatically from the data in your file
Depending on the size of your tree, this process may take a few minutes. Once uploaded, you can start attaching Findmypast records, photos, and stories to enrich your tree.
Once your tree is uploaded, it’s worth double-checking that all dates, names, and relationships have transferred correctly. Occasionally, differences between systems can cause minor formatting changes. This is also a good moment to review your research, fill in gaps, and use record collections to delve deeper into your family’s story.
Why import your family tree?
If you’re branching out from one family history tool to another, importing your tree as a GEDCOM file saves you the time of re-entering key details like the names and birth dates of every family member.
This enables you to work across different platforms, taking advantage of unique tools and record sets offered across genealogy websites.
GEDCOM files are also a great way to keep an offline backup of your research, ensuring your hard work is protected.
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