TreeAlive

How to Export a GEDCOM File from Ancestry

On Ancestry the export sits behind the gear icon on your tree page, under Manage your tree. Ancestry prepares the file before the download link appears, so a big tree can sit there a few minutes. Then upload the .ged here.

Step-by-step instructions

Sign in to Ancestry

Go to ancestry.com and sign in with your account credentials.

Open your family tree

Click "Trees" in the top navigation bar, then select the family tree you want to export.

Open Tree Settings

Click the gear icon (⚙) in the upper-right corner of the tree page. You can also find this under Tree Pages → Tree Settings.

Find the Export option

Scroll down to the "Manage your tree" section on the settings page.

Click Export Tree

Click the "Export tree" button. Ancestry will begin preparing your GEDCOM file. This may take a moment for larger trees.

Download your file

When the file is ready, click "Download your GEDCOM file." Save the .ged file somewhere easy to find, like your Desktop or Downloads folder.

Tip

Ancestry trees with thousands of people may take a few minutes to prepare. You'll see a progress indicator while it works. The exported file includes all individuals, dates, places, and relationships.

See what you'll create

Watch a sample video Watch an ancestry journey unfold across the map over hundreds of years. Watch video

Explore the Time Machine Click any ancestor to see their world on a real historical map from their era. Explore example

Upload your GEDCOM and watch the family move

You choose a starting ancestor, and the map fills in from the places in the file.

Upload Your GEDCOM Free · No account needed · We keep no copy of your tree