GEDCOM Import & Upload Your Family Tree Online
Use GEDCOM import to move names, dates, relationships, notes and sources into a new online tree. Follow our checklist and review import issues.
Import a GEDCOM File Into a New Online Family Tree
Move existing genealogy research without entering every person again. The GEDCOM import tool reads supported family-tree data and creates a new editable tree containing the names, relationships, dates, places, notes and sources found in the uploaded file.
An import is a transfer starting point, not a guarantee that every field will look identical. Genealogy programs can store custom facts, media links and complex relationships differently. Keep your original file and complete a careful review before treating the new tree as your primary copy.
What Is a GEDCOM File?
GEDCOM is a widely used text format for exchanging structured genealogy information between compatible programs. A file usually ends in .ged and may contain individuals, family groups, dates, places, notes and source references.
A GEDCOM file is not normally a complete package of all photographs, recordings and scanned documents. Some versions store paths or references to media rather than embedding the actual files.
What a GEDCOM Import May Transfer
| Data type | Usually transferable | What to review |
|---|---|---|
| Names | Given names, surnames and suffixes | Birth surnames, prefixes, nicknames and alternate spellings |
| Relationships | Parents, partners and children | Adoption, foster, step and nontraditional relationship labels |
| Dates | Birth, marriage and death events | Approximate, before/after and date-range formatting |
| Places | Event locations | Place hierarchy, historical names and duplicate locations |
| Notes | Plain-text research notes | Formatting, private content and unsupported special characters |
| Sources | Citations and repositories | Source fields, attached records and citation detail |
| Media | Links or references in some files | Missing photographs, changed paths and unsupported formats |
Before You Upload the File
- Back up the original tree: Create a fresh backup in the program or website where the tree currently exists.
- Export the latest data: Choose GEDCOM and include notes or sources when the export settings allow it.
- Locate media separately: Find the folder containing photographs and documents because they may not be embedded.
- Protect living people: Review private notes and remove information that should not be transferred or shared.
- Use a new destination tree: Import into a separate tree so the result can be reviewed without overwriting another version.
How to Import GEDCOM Online
- Select the file: Choose the .ged file exported from your current genealogy service.
- Review the upload summary: Confirm the filename and any displayed file-size or format warnings.
- Choose privacy settings: Keep the new tree private while the imported people and notes are being reviewed.
- Start the import: Leave the page open until the process reports completion or provides a clear background-processing status.
- Read the results: Record the number of individuals, families, notes, sources, warnings and skipped items.
- Inspect the tree: Check sample profiles from different branches before inviting collaborators or publishing anything.
Post-Import Review Checklist
- Compare the total number of people with the source tree.
- Check the starting person and several profiles from different generations.
- Review biological, adoptive, foster and step relationships.
- Confirm that approximate dates still show as approximate.
- Look for broken special characters or unexpected capitalization.
- Open notes and sources to confirm their content transferred.
- Search for duplicate profiles created by the source data.
- Upload missing photographs only after identities are confirmed.
- Export a new backup after completing corrections.
Common GEDCOM Import Problems
| Problem | Likely reason | Practical response |
|---|---|---|
| File is rejected | Unsupported file, damaged export or wrong extension | Create a fresh GEDCOM export and verify that the file ends in .ged. |
| Photos are missing | Media was not embedded in the text file | Locate the source media folder and upload verified items separately. |
| Relationships changed | Programs interpret custom relationship tags differently | Compare the source and correct each affected connection manually. |
| Names look unusual | Prefix, suffix or surname fields were mapped differently | Edit the affected profiles and preserve original spellings in notes. |
| Duplicate people appear | Duplicates already existed or repeated records were imported | Compare dates, relatives and sources before merging. |
| Notes contain odd symbols | Character encoding or formatting was not preserved | Keep the original note, correct the text and avoid deleting evidence. |
Privacy During Migration
A GEDCOM file can contain information that is not visible on your current public tree, including private notes, living-person dates and source comments. Store the file securely, upload it only over HTTPS and keep the destination tree private until the review is complete.
Delete unnecessary local copies from shared computers and avoid sending unprotected GEDCOM files by public links. If another person gave you the file, confirm that you have permission to upload and store its information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does GEDCOM import include photographs?
Usually not as complete image files. A GEDCOM may contain media references, but photographs and documents often need to be moved separately.
Will the imported tree look exactly the same?
Not necessarily. GEDCOM focuses on structured data rather than the original program’s visual layout. Custom fields and relationship styles may also differ.
Can I import the same file twice?
You can, but doing so may create a second tree or duplicate people. Import into a new destination and label versions clearly.
Why are some dates different?
The source program may have used custom formatting for approximate dates, ranges or calendars. Compare those records with the original tree.
What should I do if the upload fails?
Create a fresh export, confirm the .ged extension, try a smaller test tree if available and save the exact error message for support.
Is it safe to upload information about living people?
Keep the destination private and remove data you do not need. Review sharing settings before inviting anyone.
Should I delete my old tree after importing?
No. Keep the original and at least one independent backup until the imported data, sources and relationships have been fully checked.
Bring Your Research Into a Tree You Can Continue Editing
A careful GEDCOM import can save many hours and preserve years of research. Back up first, import into a separate tree, read every warning and compare representative branches before making the new version your working tree.
IMPORT MY GEDCOM FILE