Backup & Restore is an important part of managing a digital family tree. Your genealogy research may contain years of work, including names, relationships, dates, sources, photographs, scanned documents, notes, and other family records. A reliable backup routine can help protect this information from accidental deletion, computer problems, software changes, or data corruption.
Why Family Tree Backup Is Important
A family tree can represent years of research and may contain information that cannot easily be recreated. Keeping only one copy of your family tree on a computer can create a risk if the computer fails, the storage device becomes damaged, files are accidentally deleted, or software problems affect the original data.
Creating regular backups gives you an additional copy that can be used if your original family tree becomes unavailable. Depending on the software, a backup may include the main family tree database as well as associated media, project files, settings, charts, or other information.
What Should You Back Up?
A useful family tree backup should consider more than just the visible family tree chart. Different genealogy applications store information in different ways, so check the backup options provided by your software.
Family Tree Data
Preserve names, relationships, dates, places, events, notes, sources, and other genealogy records.
Photos & Media
Keep copies of family photographs, scanned images, audio, video, and other media connected to your tree.
Documents & Records
Protect certificates, newspaper clippings, letters, research documents, and other important family records.
GEDCOM Files
Export a GEDCOM copy when supported so your genealogy information can be transferred to compatible software.
How to Back Up Your Family Tree
The exact backup process depends on the family tree program you use. Many applications provide a Backup, Save Backup, Export, or similar option. Before making major changes to your family tree, consider creating a fresh backup.
- Open your family tree software and make sure your latest information has been saved.
- Look for the application's Backup, Export, Save As, or similar data-protection option.
- Select a suitable backup location that is different from the original working location when possible.
- Include associated media and project files if your software provides those options.
- Give the backup a meaningful name and include a date when appropriate.
- Store an additional copy on another storage device or secure storage location.
Keep More Than One Backup Copy
Keeping multiple copies can provide additional protection. For example, you may keep one working copy on your computer, another copy on an external storage device, and another copy in a separate secure location or cloud storage service.
Simple Backup Checklist
- Keep your original family tree file protected.
- Create backups regularly.
- Back up important photos and documents.
- Keep a GEDCOM export when appropriate.
- Store at least one backup separately from your computer.
- Use clear names and dates for backup files.
- Check that backup files can actually be restored.
Understanding GEDCOM Backups
GEDCOM is a commonly supported format for exchanging genealogical information between compatible family tree programs and services. It can be useful when moving your tree between applications or keeping a portable copy of core genealogy information.
However, a GEDCOM export should not automatically be considered a complete replacement for a full software backup. Depending on the program and export method, photographs, documents, application settings, charts, or other program-specific information may need to be backed up separately.
How to Restore a Family Tree Backup
Restoring a family tree generally means replacing or recovering your working data from a previously created backup. The exact process varies between applications, so it is important to follow the instructions for the software you are using.
- Locate the most recent backup that you know is valid.
- Make a copy of your current files before beginning the restore process.
- Open the family tree software and locate its Restore, Import, Open Backup, or equivalent option.
- Select the appropriate backup file.
- Allow the software to complete the restore process.
- Review people, relationships, sources, notes, photos, and documents after restoration.
Restore After Computer Failure
If your computer fails and you have to install your family tree software on another computer, do not immediately assume that a GEDCOM file alone will recreate everything from the original installation.
If you have a complete software backup, restore the project according to the software manufacturer's instructions. If you only have a GEDCOM export, import it into a compatible program and then check which information was successfully transferred.
Backup Before Major Changes
Creating a backup before significant changes is a useful precaution. Consider making a fresh backup before importing a large GEDCOM file, moving your family tree to another computer, upgrading software, reinstalling an application, or making extensive changes to your research data.
Keeping an untouched copy of your original data can also make it easier to investigate problems if something unexpected happens during an import, upgrade, or restore.
How to Check Whether a Backup Is Useful
A backup is most useful when you know that it can actually be restored. If practical, test a backup using a separate copy or test environment rather than experimenting with your only original family tree.
- Confirm the backup file exists and can be accessed.
- Check the backup date.
- Confirm the expected family tree is included.
- Check whether media files are included separately.
- Test restoration according to the software's instructions.
- Review important records after restoration.
Common Backup & Restore Problems
Backup Cannot Be Found
Check the backup location, external drives, cloud storage, and any folders used by the software.
Photos Are Missing
Some exports contain genealogy data without storing the original media files. Check the software's media backup options.
Restore Fails
Verify that the backup is compatible with the software version and follow the publisher's restore procedure.
GEDCOM Import Looks Different
Different programs may support different features. Review names, relationships, sources, notes, and media after importing.
Protect Your Family History for the Long Term
Family history information becomes more valuable as your research grows. A simple and consistent backup routine can reduce the risk of losing years of genealogy work. Keep your original files, maintain separate backup copies, and review your backup strategy whenever you change software or computers.
For additional protection, consider maintaining both a full application-specific backup and a portable genealogy-data export where supported. This gives you different ways to recover or transfer your family history information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I back up my family tree?
The ideal schedule depends on how frequently you work on your tree. Regular backups are especially useful after substantial research or important changes.
Is a GEDCOM file a complete backup?
Not necessarily. GEDCOM is primarily designed for genealogical data exchange. Photos, documents, media, settings, and program-specific information may require separate backup.
Should I keep my backup on the same computer?
Keeping the only backup on the same computer provides limited protection if that computer or its storage fails. Consider maintaining another copy separately.
Can I restore my family tree on another computer?
In many cases, yes, but the process depends on the family tree software and the type of backup available. Check the application's restore or migration instructions before proceeding.
What should I do before reinstalling family tree software?
Create and verify a recent backup of your family tree, associated media, and other important files before uninstalling or reinstalling the software.
Need Help With Family Tree Backup or Restore?
If you are unsure where your family tree files are stored, how to create a backup, how to restore an older version, or what happened to your data, tell us what happened and we can help you identify possible solutions.
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