How to Generate GEDCOM Files

Most genealogical databases subscribe to a common standard for exporting their information called GEenealogical Data COMmunication, or GEDCOM. Making a GEDCOM file using most software programs is quite easy. This is true for RootsMagic Essentials, too. If you have not yet downloaded and installed RootsMagic Essentials, you should do so. After you have the program ready to go, try this:

1. Open RootsMagic Essentials. Usually, you can open your software by double-clicking the icon for that program or by choosing Start →    Programs (or Start →  All Programs) and selecting the particular program.
2. Use the default database that appears, or choose File →  Open to open another database.
3. After you open the database for which you want to create a GEDCOM file, choose File →  Export.
   The GEDCOM Export dialog box appears.
4. Choose whether you want to include everyone in your database in your GEDCOM file or only selected people. You can also choose the output format and what types of information to include. Then click OK. If you choose to include only selected people in your GEDCOM file, you need to complete another dialog box marking those people to include. Highlight the individual's name and then select Mark People →   Person to include him or her. After you select all the people you want to include, click OK.
5. In the File Name field, type the new name for your GEDCOM file and then click Save. Your GEDCOM file is created.

After a GEDCOM file is created on your hard drive, you can open it in a word processor (such as WordPad or Notepad) and review it to ensure that the information is formatted the way you want it. See the figure for an example. Also, reviewing the file in a word processor is a good idea so you can be sure that you did not include information on living persons. After you're satisfied with the file, you can cut and paste it into an email message or send it as an attachment using your email program.