GEDCOM Import

This option allows you to import all data from a standard GEDCOM file into a particular tree.

Before Importing: Use your desktop genealogy software to create a standard 5.5 GEDCOM file (4.0 will also work). You may choose to exclude private information for living individuals, but this is not necessary. It is also not necessary to exclude LDS information, as this can be filtered as well depending on user rights.

After you've created your GEDCOM file, the next step is to get it to your web site.

From your computer
To upload your file to your site without using FTP, click on Browse and locate it on your hard drive. The name and path of your file will appear in this field. NOTE: If your GEDCOM file is very large (> 2Mb), you might need to check with your hosting provider before you can upload your file this way, as the server may have a maximum size limit. If you receive an error during the import, this is likely the case. Try using FTP to copy your file to the gedcom folder (see below).

OR From web site (in GEDCOM folder)
If you used FTP to transfer the file to the GEDCOM folder on your site, enter the exact name of your uploaded file here, or click on the 'Select' button to locate it on your site. It must be in the GEDCOM folder, or the Select button will not find it.

Import Custom Event Types Only (no data is added, replaced or appended)
Choosing this option will cause only Custom Event Types to be imported (see Admin/Custom Event Types). All other data is ignored. This is an ideal option to select during your initial setup, as it will allow you to see which custom events you have in your gedcom. You can then select which ones to accept and which ones to ignore before importing your entire database.

Destination Tree
Select a tree to receive the imported data. If the tree to receive the data does not yet exist, click on the 'Add New Tree' button to create it. You will be returned to this page once the tree has been created.

Replace all current data
If you choose this option, all your previous data (people, families, children, sources & repositories; not media or anything else) will be cleared prior to the import. NOTE: Links to media will be preserved as long as the people/family/source/repository IDs in your new GEDCOM match the IDs in your existing data. Most desktop genealogy programs assign permanent IDs to each person/family/source/repository, but a few do not. If you have linked in any media items, please check your new GEDCOM to make sure the IDs match before you import, no matter which of these import options you select. It might also be a good idea to backup your tables before performing an import.

Replace matching records only
With this option, new records are added and matching records are replaced (matches are determined by ID only). Old data is not cleared.

Do not replace any data
New records are added, but any matches are ignored (not replaced).

Append all records
All records are imported, regardless of existing data, but their IDs are recalculated. IDs for the imported records can start at the first available number, or at a number you specify.

Uppercase all surnames
Check this box prior to importing if you want all surnames to be converted to upper case. The surnames will be stored in the database this way, so the process is not reversable unless you import your GEDCOM file again.

Do not recalculate Living flag
If you chose "Replace matching records only" above, you will also see this option. Check this box prior to importing if you do not want the Living flag to be recalculated for individuals that were already in the database.

Replace only if newer
Matching records will only be replaced if the incoming record is newer than the one in the database. This is based on the "Last Modified" or CHAN date associated with the record in the GEDCOM.

Import media if present
If your GEDCOM contains links to media, selecting this option will allow TNG to import them and set up the appropriate links. You must still copy the physical files associated with these links to the appropriate folders on your site via other means. If you do not want to import any media links, make sure this box is not checked prior to performing the import.

Start IDs at first available number/Start IDs at
If you chose "Append all records" above, you will also see this option. Check the first option to have TNG start renumbering IDs at the first available slot in each category (individuals, families, sources, repositories). Check the second option if you want TNG to start new IDs at a specific number (same for each category). If you choose this option, be careful that no records exist in the indicated range or you will have collisions.

When you're ready, click on Import Data to begin the process. You should see a counter tick off every 10 individuals, families, sources and notes imported. A final count of all records imported will also be displayed, followed by a "Finished" message. If you do not see any numbers, your data was not properly imported. Most likely there is a problem with your GEDCOM file. If you see numbers but do not see a "Finished" message, your server may have killed your import process for running too long. If this happens to you, first publish your GEDCOM to the TNG gedcom folder on your web site if you haven't already. Next, return to the Setup & Configuration/Import Settings page and check the box next to Save Import State. Then return here and try your import again. If the import fails to run to completion, you will now be able to click a link at the top of the page to resume the import.

GEDCOM Export

This option allows you to export all data from a particular tree to a standard GEDCOM file. The file will be available for download in your "GEDCOM" folder (as indicated in the Import Settings) and will be given the name of the tree's "Tree ID".

TempleReady
Check this option to create a GEDCOM file consisting only of families and individuals in need of (and eligible for) LDS temple ordinances.

Export media links
Check this option to include information pertaining to all photos, histories and other media linked to individuals, families, sources and repositories in the selected tree. This information includes the media file name, description and notes.

Local paths for Photos/Documents/Headstones/Histories/Recordings/Videos
To prepend a common path to each media file name (ie, "C:\myphotos\" or "..\genealogy\"), check the "Export media links" box, then enter that path in the appropriate field (be sure to include a trailing slash). If these lines are left blank, only the file name and path stored in TNG for each media item will be exported in the GEDCOM's "FILE" tag.