GEDCOM

The acronym for GEnealogical Data COMmunications. GEDCOM is a data structure created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for storing and exchanging genealogical information so that many different computer programs can use it. It is identified by the file type ".ged".

GEDCOM files are text files that contain the information and linkages necessary to exchange genealogical data between two entities. The entities may use the same or different software application. Examples of these exchanges would include:


 * Between two users of the same application - One family member sending new information from Legacy to another family member using Legacy.
 * Between users of differing applications - A RootsMagic genealogist receiving information from someone using Family Tree Maker.
 * From an Internet site to a local application - Downloading information from an internet site to your genealogical program which supports GEDCOM formatted files.
 * Between a tree at Ancestry.com and a genealogical program.
 * Downloading information from FamilySearch to a genealogical program via third-party software certified by FamilySearch.
 * Uploading information from a genealogical program to Family Tree

As a text-based file, it is easily transmitted as an attachment to e-mails or downloaded from web sites. The recipient then uses the "Import" function of their application to include the GEDCOM file contents in their genealogy. Also, applications may be found on the web to print or manipulate individual GEDCOM files without importing them into applications.

For more detailed information, the full text of The GEDCOM Standard Release 5.5 is available, courtesy of Rootsweb.