Family Tree Maker (TM) FAQ 045
What are GEDCOM files and how are they used?

GEDCOM files are text files which conform in structure to the standard promulgated by the Family History Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) "to provide a flexible, uniform format for exchanging computerized genealogical data."

Importing

There are three ways to open a GEDCOM file with FTM:
The GEDCOM version 5.5 standard.
GEDCOM files have a filename extension of ".GED"
 
  1. Left click on the file
This assumes:
  1. That FTM is not already active, and
  2. That FTM has had an opportunity to establish the proper file associations, which it does with each invocation.
 
  1. Drag & drop the file onto the FTM program icon
Assuming FTM is not already active
 
  1. Within FTM, 
    1. Click File | Open Family File (or CTL+O)
    2. In the Open Family File dialog, select "GEDCOM (*.GED)" from the "Files of Type:" pull-down.
    3. Locate the file by:
      • Using the navigation aids at the top of the window, or
      • Use the "Find" button

Exporting

In the course of the export process you will be presented with a dialog that allows you to specify where your new file will be placed. All of these dialogs are similar, differing mainly in their name depending on the context, and they all contain the pull-down called "Save as Type". Choose "GEDCOM (*.GED)"
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