You will need a genealogy program to create a GEDCOM File. Once your file is created with a genealogy program, it is easy to convert to a GEDCOM file. Below you will find instructions on how to create a GEDCOM file for the program you use. These are listed below according to the file extension (the last three letters after the dot in your file name). If your file extension is not listed, or the program you wish to use is not listed, read and compare two or more of the sets of instructions given. All of the programs have similar instructions and you will most likely be able to create a GEDCOM file in your program by reading the directions for another program.

FTW = Family Tree Maker for Windows
FTM = Family Tree Maker for DOS
FBK = Family Tree Maker Backup for Windows
FBC = Family Tree Maker Backup for DOS
 

1. Open Family Tree Maker program and the desired file

2. Go to "File"

3. Go to "Copy / Export Family File"

4. Type in new file name (This is the file already open in your program. Choose the location and name you desire for your converted program.)

5. Change "Save as Type:" to "GEDCOM" (*.GED)

6. Press "Save"

7. Leave default settings unless you know the exact program you are converting the program for. Normal default settings are:
 

Destination: FTM
GEDCOM: Version 4
Character Set: ANSI

8. Select "Fields to Export" (This is your opportunity to keep information out that you do not desire to share with others. Good information to remove is information concerning living relatives or personal submitter information.)

9. Press "OK"

1. Open File in Personal Ancestral File

2. Press "F6=Other Options"

3. Press "X=Export"

4. Select "Create a file of records to share" (Create a GEDCOM File) and press "Enter"

5. Select individuals to include or press "A=All"

6. Press "F1=Next Step"

7. Choose "Options" to select ordinance information or notes and press "F1=Next Step"

8. Select Destination. If unsure press "Enter"

9. Verify submitter information and press "F1=Next Step"

10. Choose File Name. (Do not include the extension "*.GED")

12. Press "F1=Next Step" (Creates a GEDCOM file)

13. Press "F1=Contine" (Returns you to the Main Screen)

Our Family Tree used as example

1. Go to "File"

2. Select "Save As"

3. Select "GEDCOM File" (*.ged) in "Save as Type"

4. Choose File name (with ending .ged)

5. Choose Location

6. Press "OK" (file converts)

7. Press "OK" to finish

Generations used as example

1. Go to "File"

2. Select "Export"

3. Select "GEDCOM File" (Takes you to GEDCOM Export Window)

4. Change Destination to "Other"

5. Change Character Set to "MS-DOS"

6. Enter Submitter Information

7. Press "Export"

8. Choose Save Location

9. Choose Filename (ending in .ged)

10. Press "Export"

LDS Ancestral Quest used as example

1. Go to "File"

2. Select "Export"

3. Verify settings at:

Standard
PAF Compatible

4. Press "Add"

5. Select "All" or desired selection

6. Press "OK"

7. Press "Export"

8. Choose filename (*.ged)

9. Press "OK"

Legacy Family Tree used as example

1. Go to "File"

2. Select "Export to"

3. Select "GEDCOM File"

4. Verify default settings. They should be:

Produce for: Generic
Character set: ANSI

5. Press "Start Export"

6. Chose Filename (ending in .ged)

7. Chose File Location

8. Verify "Save File As: GEDCOM (*.ged)"

9. Press "OK"

10. Complete "Compiler Information"

11. Press "OK" to complete

Ultimate Family Tree used as example

1. Go to "File"

2. Select "Save as"

3. Change File Type to "GEDCOM"

4. Choose filename (with ending .ged)

5. Choose save location

6. Press "OK"

The Master Genealogist also supports the following file types:
 

.DT5 (Brother's Keeper)
.PRO (Family Gathering or Roots IV and V)
.SQZ (Family Gathering or Roots IV and V or Visual Roots)
.GED (GEDCOM 4.0 or 5.5)
.DAT (Personal Ancestral File)
.BAK (Personal Ancestral File)
.EDB (Roots III)

TMG = The Master Genealogist
SQZ = Backup for TMG, Family Gathering, Roots IV, Roots V, and Visual Roots
 

The Master Genealogist used as example

1. Go to "File"

2. Select "Data Set"

3. Select "Export To"

4. Select "GED-GEDCOM"

5. a) The first time you do this, you will need to select a report form.
b) Verify settings and enter submitter info. Default settings should be:

Destination: Gedcom 4 or 5.5
Character Set: Ansel

6. Choose "Save Destination"

7. Choose filename (*.ged)

8. Select "Focus" tab

9. Select "Filtered Group"

10. In "Field" select "Living Flag"

11. In "Operator" select "Contains"

12. In "Value" type "Y"

13. Press "Generate"

Note: "Save" saves your form, but does not create a GEDCOM File