New GEDCOM File

[Patricia Hansen]

I will soon receive from a relative a GEDCOM file containing another branch on our family tree. Please can someone tell me if it is better to start a brand new file for this family, or add it to the existing tree. If adding it to an existing tree is the preferred route, I would be grateful for advice on how I should accomplish this task. I have never worked with GEDCOM files.

I should add that the new file consists of my paternal grandmother's ancestors, so a very close relation to me for which I want to treat as special.

Thank you.

Patricia

[Bob Goode]

Re: New GEDCOM File

I will soon receive from a relative a GEDCOM file containing another branch on our family tree. Please can someone tell me if it is better to start a brand new file for this family, or add it to the existing tree. If adding it to an existing tree is the preferred route, I would be grateful for advice on how I should accomplish this task. I have never worked with GEDCOM files.

I should add that the new file consists of my paternal grandmother's ancestors, so a very close relation to me for which I want to treat as special.

Thank you.

Patricia

Patricia,

As a matter of choice, I never add a GEDCOM file to my master file. The emphasis is on the word "never." I need to know the quality of the work, the possibilities of duplicate individuals and the number and type of sources. I have a master file that only has data that I personally have entered.

Another option is to make a duplicate file, rename it, and then enter the new GEDCOM. However, I prefer to separate the information of the GEDCOM from my data. This way I can analyze the new data before entering it into my file. I also prefer to see the data as I enter it rather than try to figure out what was brought in by the GEDCOM. This way I have a better understanding of my family history.

[Dennis J. Cunniff]

Re: New GEDCOM File

I will soon receive from a relative a GEDCOM file containing another branch on our family tree. Please can someone tell me if it is better to start a brand new file for this family, or add it to the existing tree. If adding it to an existing tree is the preferred route, I would be grateful for advice on how I should accomplish this task. I have never worked with GEDCOM files.

Hi, Patricia,

Eventually you'll want everything in one file, but you don't want to simply import a GEDCOM without examining what's in it first.

I think most people would recommend that you import the GEDCOM into a new familyfile, so you can see what's in it. If you want, you can have Reunion add an automatic source to each record (e.g. "GEDCOM from Aunt Sylvia"). You can then "massage" the data into shape by making any changes you want (standardizing place names, capitalization, abbreviations, sources, etc.).

Some people would then add the new people to your main file by importing the familyfile (File -> Import -> Reunion Family File...) into their main file; if you want, you can have Reunion mark all the imported records when you do this. Others like to enter all new information by retyping it.

You should make a backup copy of your file before importing new records into it, especially if this is your first time doing it.

[Patricia Hansen]

Re: New GEDCOM File

Hi to both Dennis and Bob,

Thank you both for your advice concerning GEDCOM files. I'm so glad I posted the query as I think I might just have added it to my existing family file without really understanding what I might end up with. It obviously would have been the wrong answer to the solution. I've taken both of your comments on board and will follow your advice when I receive the new GEDCOM file from my cousin.

Thank you both for your considered advice. Love this Forum