myFTDNA 2.0 User Guide: GEDCOM

  1. How do I upload a GEDCOM file? faq id: 551
  2. Where on my computer do I find the GEDCOM file? faq id: 552
  3. Where do I upload my GEDCOM file? faq id: 824
  4. Where do I get a GEDCOM? faq id: 1484
  5. Where do I get GEDCOM software? faq id: 1485
  6. How do I export a GEDCOM file from my genealogy software? faq id: 1486

Questions and Answers

  1. How do I upload a GEDCOM file? faq id: 551

    You may upload a GEDCOM file on the My Account - GEDCOM/Family Tree page of your myFTDNA account. To upload a file:

    1. Login to your myFTDNA account. (https://www.familytreedna.com/login.aspx)
    2. Select GEDCOM/Family Tree from the My Account menu on the myFTDNA Menu bar.
    3. Follow the instructions on the page to complete the upload.

    Alert: We are currently transitioning to a combined GEDCOM system at Family Tree DNA. All paternal and maternal GEDCOM files will be removed from Family Tree DNA records. When you upload a combined GEDCOM, your existing paternal and maternal GEDCOM files will be overwritten and replaced with your combined GEDCOM.

  2. Where on my computer do I find the GEDCOM file? faq id: 552

    A GEDCOM file is a file you can create using genealogy software. When you create the GEDCOM file, you select the place on the computer where it will be saved. This is where you will find it when you wish to upload your GEDCOM file.

  3. Where do I upload my GEDCOM file? faq id: 824

    To upload your GEDCOM file to your myFTDNA account:

    1. Login to your myFTDNA account. (https://www.familytreedna.com/login.aspx)
    2. Select GEDCOM/Family Tree from the My Account menu on the myFTDNA Menu bar.
    3. Browse your computer files to locate your GEDCOM.
    4. In the file browser window, select your GEDCOM and click the Open button. You will be returned to the My Account - GEDCOM/Family Tree page.
    5. Click on the corresponding Upload button to start the GEDCOM import process.
    6. Follow the instructions on the screen to select the person whose DNA was tested from the names list.

    Alert: We are currently transitioning to a combined GEDCOM system at Family Tree DNA. All paternal and maternal GEDCOM files will be removed from Family Tree DNA records. When you upload a combined GEDCOM, your existing paternal and maternal GEDCOM files will be overwritten and replaced with your combined GEDCOM.

  4. Where do I get a GEDCOM? faq id: 1484

    To create a GEDCOM file you need to have genealogy software. There are many genealogy software packages available and free versions may be found for most computer systems. You enter your family history into the software, and you are then able to export it as a GEDCOM file.

  5. Where do I get GEDCOM software? faq id: 1485

    Family Tree DNA does not endorse a specific genealogy package. You may wish to ask on genealogy message boards to see what other genetic genealogists are using.

  6. How do I export a GEDCOM file from my genealogy software? faq id: 1486

    The procedure to export to GEDCOM format varies. The follow steps give general directions.

    1. Start your genealogy program, and open the family tree you want to export.
    2. Click the FILE menu.
    3. Select SAVE AS or EXPORT (Which one depends on the program you are using.) from the menu. A new file window will display.
    4. Select the location on your computer where you want to save the file.
    5. In the SAVE AS TYPE menu, click the GEDCOM or GED selection.
    6. Enter the name of the file in the FILE NAME field.
    7. Click the SAVE button.
    8. If an export confirmation window displays, click the OK button. The family tree is now saved on your computer as a GEDCOM file.