How do you convert a GEDCOM file into something readable?

Question

Someone has sent me a GEDCOM file via email, however I am unable to understand the file when I open it.

I don't want to publish it on the web or do anything with it other than read the information it contains.

Does anyone know of a simple way of converting the file into a readable format?

Answer 1

I use Legacy Family Tree Standard Edition, which is free.

I recently bought the deluxe version, for the 1/2 price of FTM

and I didn't like FTM.

Answer 2

GEDCOM is a type of file, like .doc or .xls and it needs software to open it.

So, you can either buy some genealogy software that does this or have someone else do it for you.  Most software comes with the ability to run a report and export the report to another format, such as .rtf (text).  But you need a starting person to run the report on.

Walmart used to sell a program called Ultimate Family Tree, which I loved. I switched to FAmilyTreeMaker because of various reasons.

Check with Walmart and you might be able to pick up software for less than $10 (well thats what is was when I bought it back then). It will be worth it, especially since you can build on the gedcom you received.

Answer 3

Mimi, you don't.  

It is specifically a data file, which is used between one genealogy program or another.  

You can download a program called Personal ancestral file from www.familysearch.org  for free.  It is a great program, easy to install. You install the program, then use the "import" option to pull the data in.

The usual format is charts.. family group, and pedigree.  It WILL output a text based "book" file that you can read.  

Answer 4

If this is a one-off. i.e. You don't want to buy expensive genealogy software just to read one file, then you might be interested in a program called Ancestral Author which you can download for FREE.  

Ancestral Author will let you create an easy-to-read PDF document from a GEDCOM file.  You would have to install it on your computer to use it - but you can delete it when you're finished.  

However, AA puts a watermark on each page until the program is registered and paid for.  If you print the document, the watermark appears on each page, but it doesn't prevent you from reading what's on the pages.   So, if you only want to READ it, then no problem!