GEDCOM Export & Download and Back Up Your Family Tree
Create a GEDCOM export to back up or move family-tree data. Learn what the file includes, how to protect living people and how to test it.
Export Your Family Tree as a GEDCOM File
Download a portable copy of your structured genealogy data. A GEDCOM export can preserve names, family relationships, dates, places, notes and source references so the information can be backed up or moved to another compatible tool.
Exporting is not the same as printing. A PDF or image preserves the appearance of a chart, while a GEDCOM file preserves data that another genealogy program may be able to read and edit. For an important tree, keep both kinds of copies.
When Should You Create a GEDCOM Export?
- Before making large edits or merging duplicate branches
- Before closing an account or changing genealogy services
- After adding a major group of verified relatives or sources
- Before inviting someone to reorganize the tree
- When creating an off-platform disaster-recovery backup
- When sharing research with a genealogist who uses compatible software
Do not wait until you plan to leave a service. A regular GEDCOM export gives you an independent version of the information at a known point in time.
What the Download May Include
| Information | Commonly included | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| People | Names, sex or gender fields, identifiers | Custom fields may be interpreted differently elsewhere |
| Relationships | Parents, partners and children | Adoptive, foster or step labels need careful testing |
| Events | Birth, marriage, death and residence | Date ranges and custom event types may change |
| Places | Locations attached to events | Historical place structure may not transfer exactly |
| Notes | Plain-text notes | Formatting and private text may be simplified |
| Sources | Citations, repositories and references | Attached record images may remain separate |
| Media | File paths or media references in some exports | The image, audio or document itself may not be embedded |
How to Export a Family Tree
- Open the correct tree: Confirm its name, owner and most recent edit before creating the file.
- Choose the scope: Export the whole tree or a selected branch only when the tool clearly supports that option.
- Review private data: Decide whether notes and details about living people should be included.
- Select GEDCOM: Choose the supported GEDCOM option and read any compatibility information shown.
- Download the file: Save it with a meaningful filename that includes the tree name and date.
- Test the backup: Import a copy into a separate test tree or compatible program and inspect several branches.
Protect Living People Before Sharing
A GEDCOM export may contain information that is hidden in the visible tree, including private notes, exact dates and family relationships. Before sending the file to another person, inspect the export options and create a limited branch when the recipient does not need the complete tree.
Use a secure transfer method, agree on how the recipient may use the data and avoid including contact, medical, financial or identification information. A downloadable file can be copied after it leaves your account, so sharing permissions inside the website no longer control it.
Keep Media With the Data Backup
Do not assume a GEDCOM export contains every photograph or document. Create a separate media folder with consistent filenames and keep a small inventory that connects media to the relevant people.
| Backup item | Example | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| GEDCOM file | Carter-Family-2026-08-20.ged | Stores structured people and relationships |
| Media folder | Carter-Family-Media-2026-08-20 | Preserves photographs, scans, audio and video |
| Readable chart | Carter-Family-Overview.pdf | Provides a quick visual reference if the data file cannot be opened immediately |
| Backup notes | README.txt or a document | Records the source service, export date, scope and known limitations |
Follow a Simple Versioning Routine
- Create a dated GEDCOM export after major research milestones.
- Keep at least one copy outside the account or device used for editing.
- Store sensitive backups in an encrypted location with controlled access.
- Do not overwrite the only known-good version with a newer untested file.
- Test a recent backup before deleting an old account or device.
- Document whether the export contains the full tree or one selected branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a GEDCOM export include photographs?
It may include links or references, but the actual media files are often separate. Download and organize photographs and documents independently.
Can I open a GEDCOM file like a normal document?
It is a text-based data file designed for genealogy software. A text editor can display its tags, but a compatible genealogy program is easier to use.
Can I export only one branch?
Use a branch or selected-person option only when the product clearly supports it. Review the preview so spouses, children and necessary connecting people are not omitted.
Will another program show the same layout?
No. GEDCOM transfers data, not the exact visual design. The receiving program will generate its own charts and profile layouts.
How often should I create a backup?
Export after meaningful research or structural changes and before risky edits. The right frequency depends on how often the tree changes.
Can I use GEDCOM export to leave the service?
A portable export is intended to help move structured data, but test the file in the receiving program and transfer media separately before closing anything.
What if the exported file does not import correctly elsewhere?
Keep the original tree, note the receiving program’s error, try a smaller test export and compare its supported GEDCOM fields.
Keep Control of Your Family Research
A GEDCOM export is one part of a reliable backup plan. Combine the data file with separate media, a readable chart and clear version notes. Test the result before relying on it for migration or account closure.
DOWNLOAD A GEDCOM BACKUP