FAMILYSEARCH GEDCOM 7.0 - NOW RELEASED

Familysearch International has recently announced the release of GEDCOM 7.0 in May 2021

The latest version of GEDCOM sees some key changes, principally, the ability to include photos and other files when you download a GEDCOM 7.0 file from a supported product. A public Github repository for ongoing maintenance and development has also been developed, and in addition users of the GEDCOM 7.0 format can look forward to enhanced tools and compatibility.

It was at Rootstech 2020 that Familysearch launched an effort to create a new version of GEDCOM based on the 5.5.1 version, and many industry software providers and key influencers have participated in the new developments.

Enhancements to be noted with GEDCOM 7.0 comprise:

• The addition of zip packaging capabilities for photos and files.

• The expansion of notes for more versatile use and styling of text.

• The inclusion of tools, sample files, sample code, and self-testing guides.

• The removal of ambiguities in the GEDCOM Version 5.5.1.

Please note that users of Familysearch GEDCOM 7.0 will be able to import files from older GEDCOM versions. However, users of older versions of GEDCOM will not be able to import from Familysearch GEDCOM 7.0.

Ryan Koelliker, Director of Partner Services at Familysearch International: ‘Familysearch expresses great appreciation to many longstanding friends in the family history community who have contributed to this new version.’

For general information about GEDCOM, please see GEDCOM.INFO. Thank you to Tony Proctor for news of this announcement.