File Extension Database

Open GED File

GED file extension is most commonly associated with a genealogy data file stored in the standard Genealogy Data Communications (GEDCOM) format, and are frequently used for the transfer of family tree information between different genealogy applications. The GED file extension is also used by Game Editor, a cross-platform game development application, to denote a project file. Though less common, the GED file extension has also been used by Arts and Letters image files.

GED files which store family tree data use the GEDCOM format, an open standard which allows data to be transferred between applications across multiple platforms. GED files contain individual records, and may include information such as name, gender and date of birth, as well as family records, which indicate the relationship between individuals. This can be imported by the majority of genealogy applications which will then be able to generate a family tree using these records. GED files may also include links to media such as images, which may also be imported provided the image is present in the specified location. GED files are stored in plaintext, so can be opened and their contents viewed with a text editor.

GED files which store Game Editor Projects store game data, settings and parameters, and are usually accompanied by a resources folder which stores any media required by the game such as images and sounds.

You can open GED files containing family tree information by the majority of genealogy applications including LifeLines, Ancestral Author, GeneWeb and Taurus Family Tree which are available on the Windows platform. Taurus Family Tree and GeneWeb are also available on Mac, and LifeLines and GRAMPS can be used to open GED files on Linux. You can also open GED files using any text editor, though modifications to the data should be made with caution as the syntax must be maintained otherwise the file could be rendered unusable by genealogy applications. You can open GED files produced by Game Editor using Game Editor or Game Editor Professional, which is available on the Windows and Mac platforms.

How Can I Open GED File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open GED file is to find a GED file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a GED file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open GED file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as GED file opener then try to search online for "GED viewer", "application to open GED file" or "open GED file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open GED file

How Can I Open GED File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a GED file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a GED file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with GED file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as GED file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open GED file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open GED file then try to search for "GED viewer", "application to open GED file" or "read GED file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read GED file

How Can I Open GED File on Android

If you downloaded a GED file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded GED file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "GED".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "GED viewer", "GED file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open GED File on iPhone or iPad

To open GED File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the GED file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "GED". This way you can find apps which can open GED files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "GED viewer" or "GED file" online in your favorite search engine.