Data Transfer can be an important step when you purchase a new computer, change genealogy software, restore an older family tree, or need to move your family history files to another location. A successful transfer should preserve your family information while keeping photographs, documents, sources, notes, and other related records accessible.
What Is Family Tree Data Transfer?
Family tree data transfer is the process of moving your genealogy information from one computer, storage location, or compatible family tree application to another.
Depending on the software you use, your family history may consist of more than a single family tree file. Your project can include family relationships, names, dates, places, notes, sources, photographs, scanned documents, media files, research information, and backup files.
Because different genealogy applications use different database formats, it is important to identify which files and transfer methods are supported before moving your data.
When You May Need to Transfer Your Family Tree
Moving to a New Computer
Transfer your existing family tree and related files when replacing an old computer or setting up a new Windows or compatible system.
Changing Genealogy Software
Move your family history information between compatible genealogy applications using supported export and import options.
Creating a Backup Copy
Make an additional copy of your important genealogy files so your research is protected from accidental deletion or computer problems.
Moving Family History Files
Transfer GEDCOM files, family tree databases, photographs, scanned documents, and other genealogy records to another storage location.
Before You Transfer Your Family Tree
Preparing your existing family tree before starting the transfer can help reduce the risk of missing information or accidentally overwriting your original files.
How to Transfer Family Tree Data
The exact procedure depends on the genealogy software, operating system, database format, and type of transfer. However, the following general process can help organize the transfer.
Back Up Your Original Family Tree
Create and verify a backup before making changes. Keep the original family tree available until the new installation has been successfully tested.
Identify the Files You Need
Determine whether your software uses a native database, backup file, GEDCOM file, media folder, or other associated files.
Prepare the Destination Computer
Install the appropriate family tree or genealogy software and check that it opens correctly before importing or restoring your data.
Transfer the Required Data
Move your supported family tree files, GEDCOM files, photographs, documents, and other required records using a suitable transfer method.
Open or Restore the Family Tree
Use the software's Open, Import, Restore, or equivalent option to access the transferred family tree.
Verify Your Family History
Check people, relationships, dates, locations, notes, sources, photographs, documents, and other important information.
Transferring Family Tree Data Using GEDCOM
GEDCOM is a commonly used format for exchanging genealogical information between compatible family tree and genealogy programs. If your software supports GEDCOM import and export, it can provide a practical way to move genealogical information between applications.
General GEDCOM Transfer Process
- Back up your original family tree.
- Export the family tree as a GEDCOM file if supported.
- Save the GEDCOM file in a safe location.
- Open the destination genealogy software.
- Select the appropriate Import or GEDCOM Import option.
- Select the exported GEDCOM file.
- Allow the import process to complete.
- Review the imported family tree carefully.
Transferring Photos and Documents
One of the most important parts of a genealogy project is the collection of photographs, certificates, scanned documents, letters, newspaper clippings, and other family history records.
These files may be stored separately from the main family tree database. Therefore, transferring only the family tree file may not be enough to move your complete genealogy project.
Check Your Media Files
- Family photographs
- Birth, marriage, and death records
- Scanned certificates
- Historical documents
- Research notes and supporting files
- Audio or video files, where supported
After transferring the media, open several photographs and documents from within your family tree software to confirm that the files are still accessible.
Transfer Your Family Tree to a New Computer
Moving to a new computer generally involves two separate tasks: installing the genealogy software and transferring your existing family history data.
Step 1: Keep Your Old Computer Available
Do not immediately remove the software or delete your old family tree files. Keep the original system available until you have confirmed that the new setup works correctly.
Step 2: Install the Required Software
Install the appropriate software and version on the new computer. Check the publisher's requirements and licensing or activation requirements when applicable.
Step 3: Transfer Your Data
Depending on the software, transfer a native database, backup, GEDCOM file, media files, or another supported format.
Step 4: Restore and Verify
Open the transferred family tree and check important people, family relationships, sources, photographs, documents, and notes.
Moving Data Between Genealogy Software
Transferring data from one genealogy application to another can require additional checking because different programs may organize or support information differently.
Before starting a software-to-software transfer, identify the export formats supported by the original program and the import formats accepted by the destination program.
After importing, compare a selection of family records with the original tree. Pay particular attention to relationships, dates, sources, notes, custom fields, media links, and other information that is important to your research.
Common Family Tree Data Transfer Problems
Family Tree Will Not Open
The destination software may not support the original database format or the transferred file may require restoration through a backup option.
Photos Are Missing
Photographs may be stored separately from the main database. Check whether the original media folder also needs to be transferred.
GEDCOM Data Looks Different
Different applications may interpret some genealogy information differently. Review the imported tree against the original data.
Relationships Need Checking
Review parents, children, spouses, and other relationships after completing a software-to-software transfer.
Documents Cannot Be Found
Document files may use separate folders or file paths. Confirm that the destination software can access the transferred media.
Backup Cannot Be Restored
Check whether the backup belongs to the same or a compatible software version and follow the software publisher's restoration procedure.
How to Verify a Successful Data Transfer
Do not consider a transfer complete immediately after the family tree opens. Take time to verify the information that matters most to your genealogy research.
Create a Backup After the Transfer
Once you have confirmed that the transferred family tree is working correctly, create a new backup from the destination computer.
Keeping more than one copy of important genealogy information can provide additional protection against accidental deletion, hardware problems, file corruption, or other unexpected issues.
Depending on your workflow, you may keep a backup on an external storage device, another computer, cloud storage, or a supported genealogy backup format.
Family Tree Data Transfer FAQs
Can I transfer my family tree to another computer?
In many cases, yes. The exact procedure depends on the software you use and the type of family tree database or backup it supports.
Will transferring a GEDCOM move my photos too?
Not necessarily. GEDCOM primarily exchanges genealogical information, while photographs and documents may be stored separately. Check your software's documentation and verify your media after transfer.
Should I keep my old family tree after transferring it?
Yes. Keep the original files and backup until you have thoroughly verified the transferred family tree.
Can family tree data be transferred between different software?
Compatible genealogy programs may support GEDCOM or other import and export methods. However, some information may require additional verification after the transfer.
What should I do if my transferred family tree is missing information?
Keep the original data safe and compare the transferred tree with the original. Check the software's supported import formats and investigate whether the missing information requires a different transfer method.
Need Help With Family Tree Data Transfer?
Not sure which files to transfer, how to move your family tree to a new computer, or why information is missing after importing? Tell us what happened, which software and version you are using, and what you are trying to transfer. We can help you identify possible next steps.
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