GEDCOM (an acronym for Genealogical Data Communications) was created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Church) in 1984 as a specification for exchanging genealogical data between different software applications. Multiple versions have since been released and copyrighted by the Church, including the release of version 5.5.1, on November 15, 2019.
At RootsTech 2020, FamilySearch launched an effort to create a new version of GEDCOM based on the 5.5.1 version. Many industry software providers and key influencers participated, and the initiative concluded May 15, 2021. FamilySearch GEDCOM 7.0 is the outcome of those efforts and includes the following new enhancements:
- Zip packaging capabilities for photos and files have been added.
- Notes have been expanded for more versatile use and styling of text.
- Tools, sample files, sample code, and self-testing guides are included.
- The GEDCOM specification and any code available from FamilySearch based on the specification is subject to the terms and conditions of the Apache License, Version 2.0.
- Ambiguities in the GEDCOM Version 5.5.1 specification have been removed.
- A public GitHub repository generates maintenance requests and on-going discussions about future features.
Users of FamilySearch GEDCOM 7.0 will be able to import files from older GEDCOM versions. However, users of older versions of GEDCOM will not be able to import from FamilySearch GEDCOM 7.0.
The public GitHub repository is the forum for ongoing discussions leading to future versions of FamilySearch GEDCOM.
© 1987, 1989, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1999, 2019, 2021 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. A service provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This document may be copied for purposes of review or programming of genealogical software, provided this notice is included.
Helpful GEDCOM Resources
General information can be found at GEDCOM.info.
Technical information, specifications, tools, and guides can be found at GEDCOM.io.
Community: GEDCOM General Google Group
Email: GEDCOM@FamilySearch.org