RootsMagic can import data from a number of different programs, as well as from GEDCOM files. A GEDCOM file can be imported into either a new or existing file, while the other file formats can only be imported into a new blank RootsMagic file.

 

Import Into New RootsMagic File

To import a file into a new blank RootsMagic file:

 

1.Select the File page, then Import from Another Program under Other Files. The same command is available in the page's File menu. This is the route for starting a separate tree from imported data, rather than adding it to your current tree.

2.Select which genealogy program the file you want to import came from

3.Select the file to import from the Found Files list or by clicking the Browse for File button

 

The same imports are available on Windows and Mac: RootsMagic (versions 1-7), Family Origins, Family Tree Maker (through FTM 2024, including MacKiev versions), Legacy Family Tree, Personal Ancestral File (PAF), The Master Genealogist (TMG), and GEDCOM. If you do not know the originating program, the I'm Not Sure choice offers to look for genealogy files.

 

Keep your original file and its associated media until you have checked the imported tree. Compare people and family counts, inspect several relationships and facts, and check sources, notes, and media. A successful import does not by itself establish that every program-specific detail transferred as expected.

 

Import GEDCOM Into Existing RootsMagic File

To import a GEDCOM file:

 

1.Open the tree that should receive the information and make a backup. Select the File page, then Import into This File. Check the filename and folder under Current File first so that you do not add the information to the wrong tree.

2.Select GEDCOM

3.Select the file to import

4.You can add a new source to tell where the information in the GEDCOM came from – select one of the following:

I.NO - Do not add an additional source to imported data –

II.People - Add the following source to every person imported

III.Events - Add the following source to every event imported

IV.People/Events - Add the following source to every person and event imported

 

If you chose to add a source, enter the:

 

•Name of person you received this GEDCOM file from

•Address (or email address) of person you received the file from

 

If RootsMagic encounters any unfamiliar data in the GEDCOM file, it puts that data in a "list file" on your disk in the same directory as the new database. Every GEDCOM file you import that has a listing file, the listing file will have the same name as the GEDCOM file, except that its extension is .LST.

 

If you want to link the newly added people to individuals already in the database, use the "Add, Spouse", "Add, Children", or "Add, Parents" commands from the main menu, and indicate the person is in the database.

 

If the GEDCOM import causes duplicate records of a person, you can use the Merge commands to find and combine duplicates.