With TheNextGeneration, it's easy to store your family tree online. You'll want to do this for a number of reasons. You'll be able to share your work with others. You can even allow others to contribute their research. Your site will also get indexed by search engines like Google so that other people in your family line will be able to find you. Of course, you can turn off any of these features if you would prefer not to have them.
The first thing you'll want to do once you've created your account with RelatedFamilies.com is to upload your existing family tree into TheNextGeneration. If you're already using genealogy software to manage your family tree, it's easy to transfer your work into TheNextGeneration. It's easy to do, and this page will show you how.
Step 1 - Export your Gedcom file
No matter which genealogy program you're using right now, it has the ability to save your family history data into what is called a Gedcom file. A Gedcom file is just a standard way of holding genealogy data. All genealogy software understands how to save in Gedcom format and how to open Gedcom files. The first step is to open up your existing genealogy software and "export" the data in Gedcom format. For specific instructions on exporting your Gedcom file, please click on the software that you're currently using.
Ancestral Quest
Here's how you can export your family history data (Gedcom) from Ancestral Quest so that you can upload it to your new family history web site.
- Open the file you'd like to export to GEDCOM in Ancestral Quest.
- Select Export... from the File menu.
- Make sure that:
- If your version is 3.0, the Export Type box should have Ancestral Quest 3.0 selected
- If your version is 2002, the Export Type box should have Standard w/ AQ Enh. selected
- Version is set to 5.5
- Char Set is set to ANSEL
- The Include box has all options checked except for Encode Media.
- The Selected Individuals box is set to All
- Click the Export... button.
- Decide on a location to store your GEDCOM file so that you can easily retrieve it again. A reasonable place to store your file might be your Desktop or My Documents. You can access these by clicking on box next to Save in and scrolling all the way to the top. You will find both the Desktop and My Documents in that list.
- Type a file name next to where it says File name. An example file name would be MyData.ged
- Click Save.
- When the file is finished exporting, you will see a box that tells you how many individuals and marriages were exported.
- Click OK.
Your file has now been exported and is ready to be submitted to your new family history web site.
Ancestry Family Tree
Here's how you can export your family history data (Gedcom) from Ancestry Family Tree so that you can upload it to your new family history web site.
- Open the file you'd like to export to GEDCOM in Ancestry Family Tree.
- Select Export... from the File menu.
- Make sure that:
- The Export Type box has AncestryFamilyTree selected.
- Version is set to 5.5
- Char Set is set to ANSEL
- The Include box has all options checked except for Encode Media.
- The Selected Individuals box is set to All
- Click the Export... button.
- Decide on a location to store your GEDCOM file so that you can easily retrieve it again. A reasonable place to store your file might be your Desktop or My Documents. You can access these by clicking on box next to Save in and scrolling all the way to the top. You will find both the Desktop and My Documents in that list.
- Type a file name next to where it says File name. An example file name would be MyData.ged
- Click Save.
- When the file is finished exporting, you will see a box that tells you how many individuals and marriages were exported.
- Click OK.
Your file has now been exported and is ready to be submitted to your new family history web site.
Ancestry.com
Here's how you can export your family history data (Gedcom) from Ancestry.com so that you can upload it to your new family history web site.
- Go to your Online Family Tree at Ancestry.com.
- In the top right-hand corner of the screen that lists your trees, you may need to click Advanced Options.
- If you don’t see Advanced Options, then you should see some little icons on the right next to the name of your tree. There will be an icon of a globe, a trash icon, and more.
- You need to click on the icon that looks like a document. It’s the middle icon out possibly 5. It’s called Prepare for Export.
- That icon will change into a rotating clock and your family tree will begin preparing for download.
- A window may pop-up that says Preparing Online Family Tree for download...
- This process can take a really long time. Please wait for it to finish.
- You will know it is finished when the icon changes from a rotating clock to a half-document with an arrow pointing down.
- Click that icon.
- Click Save when you browser asks you what to do with the GEDCOM file.
- Decide on a location to store your GEDCOM file so that you can easily retrieve it again. A reasonable place to store your file might be your Desktop or My Documents. You can access these by clicking on box next to Save in and scrolling all the way to the top. You will find both the Desktop and My Documents in that list.
Your file has now been exported and is ready to be submitted to your new family history web site.
Brother's Keeper
Here's how you can export your family history data (Gedcom) from Brother's Keeper so that you can upload it to your new family history web site.
- Open the file you'd like to export to GEDCOM in Brother’s Keeper.
- Click on the File menu and move your mouse cursor down to Gedcom.
- Click on Export.
- Click OK.
- Decide on a location to store your GEDCOM file so that you can easily retrieve it again. A reasonable place to store your file might be your Desktop or My Documents. You can access these by clicking on box next to Save in and scrolling all the way to the top. You will find both the Desktop and My Documents in that list.
- Type a file name next to where it says File name. An example file name would be MyData.ged
- Click Save.
- Make sure that:
- Include notes is checked
- Include sources is checked
- Include abbreviations for sources is checked
- Include mailing addresses is checked
- Exclude details about living people is NOT checked
- Include names of pictures is checked
- Character set should be set to Ansel
- The Selected Individuals box is set to All.
- Click OK.
- Brother’s Keeper may or may not ask for the Submitter Information. If it does, fill in the fields with whatever information you want. It requires at least a Name.
- When the file is finished exporting, you will see a box that says Done.
- Click OK.
Your file has now been exported and is ready to be submitted to your new family history web site.
Cumberland Family Tree
Here's how you can export your family history data (Gedcom) from Cumberland Family Tree so that you can upload it to your new family history web site.
- Open the file you'd like to export to GEDCOM in Cumberland Family Tree.
- Click on the File menu and move your mouse cursor down to Import/Export.
- Click on GEDCOM Export.
- Click on the Options 1 tab.
- Make sure that:
- Destination is set to Standard GEDCOM
- GEDCOM Version is set to Version 5.5
- Character Set is set to ANSEL
- The options below can remain as they are.
- Click on the Options 2 tab.
- Make sure that all items are clicked. This will ensure that the all data is exported.
- Click on the General tab.
- Click on the File icon to the right of GEDCOM File.
- Decide on a location to store your GEDCOM file so that you can easily retrieve it again. A reasonable place to store your file might be your Desktop or My Documents. You can access these by clicking on box next to Save in and scrolling all the way to the top. You will find both the Desktop and My Documents in that list.
- Type a file name next to where it says File name. An example file name would be MyData.ged
- Click Save.
- Click the Export icon at the top.
- When the file is finished exporting, it will say File successfully exported.
- You can now click the Close icon at the top.
Your file has now been exported and is ready to be submitted to your new family history web site.
Family Origins
Here's how you can export your family history data (Gedcom) from Family Origins so that you can upload it to your new family history web site.
- Open the file you'd like to export to GEDCOM in Family Origins.
- Click on the File menu and move your mouse cursor down to GEDCOM.
- Click on Export GEDCOM...
- Decide on a location to store your GEDCOM file so that you can easily retrieve it again. A reasonable place to store your file might be your Desktop or My Documents. You can access these by clicking on box next to Save in and scrolling all the way to the top. You will find both the Desktop and My Documents in that list.
- Type a file name next to where it says File name. An example file name would be MyData.ged
- Click Save.
- Make sure that:
- The People to export box has Export entire database selected
- The Destination box has General selected
- The Export which items? box has all items checked
- Preserve wordwrapping in notes is selected
- Click OK.
- Family Origins may or may not ask for the Preparer’s Address. If it does, fill in the fields with whatever information you want. It requires at least a Name.
- When Family Origins finishes exporting your file, the progress window will go away.
Your file has now been exported and is ready to be submitted to your new family history web site.
Family Tree Legends
Here's how you can export your family history data (Gedcom) from Family Tree Legends so that you can upload it to your new family history web site.
- Open the file you'd like to export to GEDCOM in Family Tree Legends.
- Select Export GEDCOM File from the File menu.
- Decide on a location to store your GEDCOM file so that you can easily retrieve it again. A reasonable place to store your file might be your Desktop or My Documents. You can access these by clicking on box next to Save in and scrolling all the way to the top. You will find both the Desktop and My Documents in that list.
- Type a file name next to where it says File name. An example file name would be MyData.ged
- Click Save.
Your file has now been exported and is ready to be submitted to your new family history web site.
Family Tree Maker
Here's how you can export your family history data (Gedcom) from Family Tree Maker so that you can upload it to your new family history web site.
- Open the file you'd like to export to GEDCOM in Family Tree Maker.
- Select Copy/Export Family File... from the File menu.
- Click the drop-down arrow next to the Save as type text. Select GEDCOM *.GED from the list.
- Decide on a location to store your GEDCOM file so that you can easily retrieve it again. A reasonable place to store your file might be your Desktop or My Documents. You can access these by clicking on box next to Save in and scrolling all the way to the top. You will find both the Desktop and My Documents in that list.
- Type a file name next to where it says File name. An example file name would be MyData.ged
- Click Save and a new window will pop-up.
- Make sure that:
- Destination is set to FTM
- GEDCOM is set to Version 5.5
- Character Set is set to ANSI
- Make sure Indent records is NOT checked.
- Make sure Abbreviate tags is checked.
- Click OK.
Your file has now been exported and is ready to be submitted to your new family history web site.
Family Trees Quick and Easy
Here's how you can export your family history data (Gedcom) from Family Trees Quick & Easy so that you can upload it to your new family history web site.
- Open the file you'd like to export to GEDCOM in Family Trees Quick & Easy.
- Select Export... from the File menu.
- Make sure that:
- The Export Type box has Family Tree Q & E selected.
- Version is set to 5.5
- Char Set is set to ANSEL
- The Include box has all options checked except for Encode Media.
- The Selected Individuals box is set to All
- Click the Export... button.
- Decide on a location to store your GEDCOM file so that you can easily retrieve it again. A reasonable place to store your file might be your Desktop or My Documents. You can access these by clicking on box next to Save in and scrolling all the way to the top. You will find both the Desktop and My Documents in that list.
- Type a file name next to where it says File name. An example file name would be MyData.ged
- Click Save.
- When the file is finished exporting, you will see a box that tells you how many individuals and marriages were exported.
- Click OK.
Your file has now been exported and is ready to be submitted to your new family history web site.
Genbox
Here's how you can export your family history data (Gedcom) from Genbox so that you can upload it to your new family history web site.
- Open the file you'd like to export to GEDCOM in Genbox.
- Click on the File menu and move your mouse cursor down to Export Data.
- Click on to GEDCOM File...
- Click the Defaults button.
- Click the Make Export File... button.
- Decide on a location to store your GEDCOM file so that you can easily retrieve it again. A reasonable place to store your file might be your Desktop or My Documents. You can access these by clicking on box next to Save in and scrolling all the way to the top. You will find both the Desktop and My Documents in that list.
- Type a file name next to where it says File name. An example file name would be MyData.ged
- Click Save.
- When the file is finished exporting, it will say Operation Completed.
- Click OK.
Your file has now been exported and is ready to be submitted to your new family history web site.
Generations Family Tree
Here's how you can export your family history data (Gedcom) from Generations Family Tree so that you can upload it to your new family history web site.
- Open the file you'd like to export to GEDCOM in Generations Family Tree.
- Click on the File menu and move your mouse cursor down to Import/Export or Export, depending on which version of Generations you have.
- Click on GEDCOM File...
- Make sure that:
- The Who box is set to All Individuals
- Include sources is checked
- Destination is set to Other if that option is available. If that option isn’t available, then set Destination to GEDCOM 5.5.
- GEDCOM Character Set is set to Windows
- Click the Export... button
- Decide on a location to store your GEDCOM file so that you can easily retrieve it again. A reasonable place to store your file might be your Desktop or My Documents. You can access these by clicking on box next to Save in and scrolling all the way to the top. You will find both the Desktop and My Documents in that list.
- Type a file name next to where it says File name. An example file name would be MyData.ged
- Click Save.
Your file has now been exported and is ready to be submitted to your new family history web site.
GenoPro
Here's how you can export your family history data (Gedcom) from GenoPro so that you can upload it to your new family history web site.
- Open the file you'd like to export to GEDCOM in GenoPro.
- Select Export GEDCOM... from the Tools menu.
- Decide on a location to store your GEDCOM file so that you can easily retrieve it again. A reasonable place to store your file might be your Desktop or My Documents. You can access these by clicking on box next to Save in and scrolling all the way to the top. You will find both the Desktop and My Documents in that list.
- Type a file name next to where it says File name. An example file name would be MyData.ged
- Click Save.
Your file has now been exported and is ready to be submitted to your new family history web site.
Great Family
Here's how you can export your family history data (Gedcom) from Great Family so that you can upload it to your new family history web site.
- Open the file you'd like to export to GEDCOM in Great Family.
- Select Export to GEDCOM file from the File menu.
- Decide on a location to store your GEDCOM file so that you can easily retrieve it again. A reasonable place to store your file might be your Desktop or My Documents. You can access these by clicking on box next to Save in and scrolling all the way to the top. You will find both the Desktop and My Documents in that list.
Your file has now been exported and is ready to be submitted to your new family history web site.
Heredis
Here's how you can export your family history data (Gedcom) from Heredis so that you can upload it to your new family history web site.
- Open the file you'd like to export to GEDCOM in Heredis.
- Select Export... from the File menu.
- Make sure that:
- The upper-most selection is set to Gedcom
- All options immediately under Elements for export are checked
- Characters is set to Ansel
- The rest of the options can be left at their default values
- Click the Export button.
- Decide on a location to store your GEDCOM file so that you can easily retrieve it again. A reasonable place to store your file might be your Desktop or My Documents. You can access these by clicking on box next to Save in and scrolling all the way to the top. You will find both the Desktop and My Documents in that list.
- Type a file name next to where it says File name. An example file name would be MyData.ged
- Click Save.
- When the file is finished exporting, you will see a box that tells you the export completed.
- Click OK.
- Your file has now been exported and is ready to be submitted to GenCircles.
Your file has now been exported and is ready to be submitted to your new family history web site.
Legacy Family Tree
Here's how you can export your family history data (Gedcom) from Legacy Family Tree so that you can upload it to your new family history web site.
- Open the file you'd like to export to GEDCOM in Legacy Family Tree.
- Click on the File menu and move your mouse cursor down to Export To.
- Click on GEDCOM File...
- Make sure that:
- Produce file for is set to Legacy
- Character Set is set to ANSI
- Indent GEDCOM Tag Levels is NOT checked
- Export [[Private]] Notes is checked
- Export Private Events is checked
- Suppress details for Living people is NOT checked
- Suppress <Estimated Dates> and <Places> is NOT checked
- Keep embedded formatted codes within text is checked
- Export General To-Do Items is checked
- Click the big button in blue letters that says Select File Name and START EXPORT.
- Decide on a location to store your GEDCOM file so that you can easily retrieve it again. A reasonable place to store your file might be your Desktop or My Documents. You can access these by clicking on box next to Save in and scrolling all the way to the top. You will find both the Desktop and My Documents in that list.
- Type a file name next to where it says File name. An example file name would be MyData.ged
- Click Save.
- Legacy may or may not ask for your Compiler Information. If it does, fill in the fields with whatever information you want. It requires at least a Name.
- When the file is finished exporting, it will say Export of GEDCOM file is complete.
- Click OK.
Your file has now been exported and is ready to be submitted to your new family history web site.
Personal Ancestral File
Here's how you can export your family history data (Gedcom) from Personal Ancestral File so that you can upload it to your new family history web site.
- Open the file you'd like to export to GEDCOM in Personal Ancestral File.
- Select Export... from the File menu.
- Make sure that:
- The Export To box has PAF 5 selected
- The Include box has all items checked
- The Selected Individuals box has All selected
- Click the Export... button.
- Decide on a location to store your GEDCOM file so that you can easily retrieve it again. A reasonable place to store your file might be your Desktop or My Documents. You can access these by clicking on box next to Save in and scrolling all the way to the top. You will find both the Desktop and My Documents in that list.
- Type a file name next to where it says File name. An example file name would be MyData.ged
- Click the Export button.
- When the file is finished exporting, you will see a box that tells you how many individuals and marriages were exported.
- Click OK.
Your file has now been exported and is ready to be submitted to your new family history web site.
Reunion
Here's how you can export your family history data (Gedcom) from Reunion so that you can upload it to your new family history web site.
- Open the file you'd like to export to GEDCOM in Reunion.
- Click on the File menu and move your mouse cursor down to Import/Export or Export, depending on which version of Reunion you have.
- Click on GEDCOM File...
- Make sure that:
- The Who box is set to All Individuals
- Include sources is checked
- Destination is set to Other if that option is available. If that option isn’t available, then set Destination to GEDCOM 5.5.
- GEDCOM Character Set is set to Windows
- Click the Export... button
- Decide on a location to store your GEDCOM file so that you can easily retrieve it again.
- Type a file name into the provided area. An example file name would be MyData.ged
- Click Save.
Your file has now been exported and is ready to be submitted to your new family history web site.
RootsMagic
Here's how you can export your family history data (Gedcom) from RootsMagic so that you can upload it to your new family history web site.
- Open the file you'd like to export to GEDCOM in RootsMagic.
- Select Export GEDCOM... from the File menu.
- Make sure that:
- The Who do you want to export? box has Everyone selected
- The Destination box has General selected
- The Privacy options box has Privatize living people NOT checked
- The Information to export has all items checked
- Click the Export button.
- Decide on a location to store your GEDCOM file so that you can easily retrieve it again. A reasonable place to store your file might be your Desktop or My Documents. You can access these by clicking on box next to Save in and scrolling all the way to the top. You will find both the Desktop and My Documents in that list.
- Type a file name next to where it says File name. An example file name would be MyData.ged
- Click Save.
Your file has now been exported and is ready to be submitted to your new family history web site.
The Master Genealogist
Here's how you can export your family history data (Gedcom) from The Master Genealogist so that you can upload it to your new family history web site.
- Open the file you'd like to export to GEDCOM in The Master Genealogist.
- Select Export... from the File menu.
- Click Next.
- In the Export file type section, select Gedcom (*.ged) from the list.
- Type a file name next to where it says Export file name. An example file name would be MyData.ged
- To change the directory where your GEDCOM file will be stored, click the Locate... button. A directory structure of your computer will appear in a new window. A reasonable place to store your file might be your Desktop or My Documents. You can access these by scrolling all the way to the top. You will find both the Desktop and My Documents in that list. Select your desired folder and click the Select button.
- Click Next.
- Click Next again.
- Make sure that:
- Version is set to GEDCOM 5.5
- Character Set is set ANSEL
- The check boxes on the right-hand side can all stay at their default values.
- Click Next.
- Make sure that:
- Tag Types is set to All
- Names is set to All Variations
- Events is set to All Variations
- Click Next.
- All the values on this screen can stay at their default settings.
- Click Next.
- Click Finish.
- When the file is finished exporting, you will see a box that says Export is finished.
- Click OK.
Your file has now been exported and is ready to be submitted to your new family history web site.
Ultimate Family Tree
Here's how you can export your family history data (Gedcom) from Ultimate Family Tree so that you can upload it to your new family history web site.
- Open the file you'd like to export to GEDCOM in Ultimate Family Tree.
- Select Save as... from the File menu.
- Click the drop-down arrow next to the Save as type text. Select GEDCOM from the list.
- Decide on a location to store your GEDCOM file so that you can easily retrieve it again. A reasonable place to store your file might be your Desktop or My Documents. You can access these by clicking on box next to Save in and scrolling all the way to the top. You will find both the Desktop and My Documents in that list.
- Type a file name next to where it says File name. An example file name would be MyData.ged
- Click OK.
- Make sure that:
- GEDCOM Type is set to Family 5.5
- All other default options are acceptable
- Click OK.
Your file has now been exported and is ready to be submitted to your new family history web site.
If your software isn't listed, please contact us and let us know what software you're using. You will likely be able to export your Gedcom file by clicking "File" on the menu bar, and then selecting "Export". Follow the instructions for exporting your Gedcom file and make a note of where you save the file (preferably on your Desktop, but anywhere will work).
Step 2 - Upload your Gedcom file to TheNextGeneration
Once you have a Gedcom file, it's easy to upload it to TheNextGeneration. Here are the steps you'll need to take to upload your Gedcom file.
- Log in to your web site. You should have received an email with your login information, or you can log in directly from your account dashboard. If you can't find it, please contact support.
- Once you log in, you should see a menu link that says "Administration". Click it.
- Next, find the button that says "Import/Export" and click it.
- Click the "Choose File" button to upload your Gedcom file from your computer. You should be able to find it wherever you saved it from Step 1 up above.
- Select your Gedcom file and click "Open" or "Save".
- There are a few other options on this page that determine how your Gedcom is imported. These options will help to determine what should happen if you're re-importing your Gedcom file, which you'll want to do if you also use other genealogy software and you would like to keep your data in sync. Look over these options and decide which ones are most appropriate.
- Click "Import Data". This may take a little while depending on how large your family tree is. Please be patient while the upload takes place.
- When you're finished, you should be able to see your family history data loaded into your web site.
Now What?
Now you can start using your web site. If you click to your "Public Home" page, you'll see that your family history data has been imported into your web site and is now ready to use. Click on some of the charts and links and have a look around. You don't need to know how to use every feature of your web site to get started. When you're ready to learn more, come back and look through some of our other training information.
Share!
Now would also be a good time to send an email to your family and friends to let them know that your new family history web site is online!
