Gramps 5.1 Wiki Manual - Manage Family Trees

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A detailed exploration of the day-to-day use of Gramps. In this Chapter we give a detailed overview of how you can manage your family trees, as well as share your data with other genealogists.

Contents

Starting a new Family Tree

Fig. 5.1 Menubar - "Family Trees" - overview example

To start a new Family Tree, choose the menu Family Trees ->Manage Family Trees... or select the toolbar ChartsFamily Trees button or use the keybinding CTRL+O. This will open the Family Trees manager window.

Select the New button and to add a new Family Tree entry to the list of Family Trees. To change its name from the default Family Tree 1, select the name and press the Rename button then type in a new name.

To open the new, empty Family Tree select the Family Tree and either double click or press the Load Family Tree button to load.

Family Trees manager window

Fig. 5.2 "Family Trees" manager window

Clicking the Family Tree Manager button brings up the Family Tree manager windows this allows you to work with and manage your Family Trees.

The Family Tree Manager window allows the you to create a new Family tree, rename an existing Family tree, delete a Family tree, or load a Family tree or check info(mation) about the Family tree. All the names of your Family trees appear in the list. If a Family tree is open, an icon will appear next to the name in the status column. The Database Type as well an indication of the date and time your family tree was Last accessed' is shown.

  • New creates a new Family tree.
  • Info shows infomation about the selected Family tree.
  • Delete the selected Family tree, this will show a warning with a final confirmation for you to select.
  • Rename the selected existing Family tree.
  • Close the selected existing Family tree.
  • Convert the selected family tree only available for legacy BSDDB databases. See: Converting a BSDDB Family Tree to SQlite
  • Repair the selected existing Family tree, only available if Gramps detects an issue.
  • Archive option is only present if GNU Revision Control System (RCS) is installed.
  • Extract used with the Archive button and the option is only present if GNU Revision Control System (RCS) is installed.
  • Help - from this section.
  • Close Window - dismisses the Family Tree manager windows
  • Load Family Tree the selected existing Family tree.


Opening a Family Tree

To open a Family Tree, either choose the menu Family Trees ->Manage Family Trees... or click the Toolbar Family Trees button. The Family Tree Manager will appear and you will see a list of all the Family Trees known to Gramps. In the Status column an icon (looks like an open folder) will display beside any Family Tree that is currently open. Select the tree you want to open, and open it by selecting the Load Family Tree button. Alternatively you can double-click on the desired Family Tree.

To open a recently accessed Family Tree, choose either the menu Family Trees ->Open Recent or the down arrow next to the Toolbar Family Trees button and select the Family Tree from the list.

Read Only Mode

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Read Only Mode

If you do not have "write permissions" for the selected Family Tree, it will be opened in a Read Only mode. In this mode, the data may be viewed, but no changes will be made to the Family Tree. To indicate this mode, the title of the main window will be appended with (Read Only) text.

Saving changes to your Family Tree

Gramps saves your changes as soon as you apply them. This means, for example, that any time you click OK when using Gramps, your changes are immediately recorded and saved. There is no separate "save" command.

You can undo changes you have made by selecting the menu Edit ->Undo. If you select this command repeatedly, your most recent changes will be undone one at a time. To roll back multiple commands at a time, you can use the menu Edit dialog.

If you want to return your Family Tree to the way it was when you opened it, select the menu Family Trees ->Abandon Changes and Quit. (This is just like quitting without saving in other programs.)

If you would like to save a copy of your Family Tree under a different name, you will need to export it and then import it into a new Family Tree. The Gramps XML database format is recommended for this purpose.


Opening a GEDCOM or XML database

Gramps allows you to open certain databases that have not been saved in Gramps own file format from the command line, see Command line references. These include XML and GEDCOM databases. But you should be aware that if the XML or GEDCOM database is relatively large, you will encounter performance problems, and in the event of a crash your data can be corrupted. Hence, it is normally better to create a new Gramps family tree (database) and import your XML/GEDCOM data into it.

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Opening databases

XML and GEDCOM databases require all data to be held in memory and don't contain indexes. Gramps native format is a database that only reads the data needed. Thus, for a large family tree the data can be accessed quicker and more efficiently by not using XML or GEDCOM.

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GEDCOM Editing

Please keep in mind that some information in a GEDCOM file may be lost during import into Gramps as well as export back to GEDCOM. Simply opening and viewing the file will not change it. However, if any changes were made and they were not abandoned upon exit, exiting Gramps will save the data, with possible data loss.

Deleting a Family Tree

Select the family tree you want removed, and click the Delete button.

This will completely remove the tree, with no possibility to retrieve the data. Consider taking a backup of your data by exporting to the GRAMPS XML format, and storing that file.

Renaming a Family Tree

You can rename a Family Tree (or an archive of it) by selecting the tree you want to rename and clicking Rename. You can also click on the name in the list of trees.

In either case, you just type in the new name to have it take effect.

Backing up a Family Tree

The safest way to backup your Gramps Family Tree is to export without privacy options and filters to Gramps XML format (or Gramps XML Package to include items from your Gallery) and copy the resultant file to a safe place, preferably in a different building.

Backup dialog

Fig. 5.3 Making a backup

From the menu select Family Trees > Make Backup..."

The Gramps XML Backup window will appear.

You can enter the path where the backup should be stored manually or using the path selector button.

You can enter a file name manually or use the automatically generated file name.

You can either choose to Include or Exclude(default) the Media:.

Gramps-notes.png
Note

This is just a regular XML export, except that no data is filtered out. You can import these as usual with any exported file.


  • You can use the Archive feature (see next section) to store snapshots of your Family Tree. These snapshots can be used as simple backups, very useful if you want to try something that you might later want to undo. However this method should not be used for standard backups, as it will not survive a hard disk crash or most of the other disasters that can befall a computer.
  • For advanced users: each database is stored in its own subdirectory under ~/.gramps. Although a manual backup can be made by backing up this directory, it is not recommended. It is strongly recommended that you please use a Gramps XML backup instead.

See also:

Archiving a Family Tree

Tango-Dialog-information.png
Note

The Archive option is only present if GNU Revision Control System (RCS) is installed so that Gramps can use it. You normally need to install this on your computer separately from Gramps.


You can Archive your family trees with Gramps to retain a copy before any major changes and be able to return to a known version.

To make an archive :

Fig. 5.4 Archive a Family Tree example
  1. load your Family Tree.
  2. click on the Toolbar ChartsFamily Trees button (it displays Connect to a recent database when you hover over it).
  3. click on the family tree you have just loaded: the Archive button should appear.
  4. click on Archive and you will be able to enter in the Revision comment dialog a Version description for your archive.

After archiving, the list of family trees will now show your original family tree with a right-pointing triangle on its left.

  • Click on the triangle to display the archive name.(Click again to collapse the archive list).

Archives can be Deleted, Rename(d) and Extract(ed).


Extracting a Family Tree Archive

Fig. 5.5 (Manage)"Family Trees" dialog - Archive selected ready to "Extract" - example

To retrieve a version of a previously archived family tree in the "Family Tree" manager highlight the archive you want to restore, and select the Extract button.


Fig. 5.6 (Manage)"Family Trees" dialog - Archived version extracted and selected - example

The archive will then be restored into a new Family Tree and be listed in the family tree manager.

The Family Tree name is based on the original name and the archive name eg: <name of original tree>:<name of archive>.(see also Archiving a Family Tree)

This can be a useful way of preserving an archive, because archives disappear if the originating tree is deleted; and 'they are not incorporated into a Gramps XML export of the family tree.

Unlocking a Family Tree

Fig. 5.7 Family Trees (Manager) - Dialog - Showing Locked "Sample" Family Tree

When Gramps opens a tree, it locks the tree, preventing you or anyone else opening it at the same time. A second copy of Gramps will be able to open another family tree, but the tree already open will appear with the lock icon, indicating you cannot open it. Closing the tree in the first copy of Gramps will make it available to be opened in the second copy.

If you could open the same Family Tree in two Gramps at once, it is likely your data would be damaged.

See also:


Break the lock on the "Family Tree name" database? dialog

In the unlikely event that Gramps crashes, the family tree will be left in a locked state (indicated by a lock icon in the Status colum next to the Family Trees name)

To unlock the Family Tree

  • If Gramps has been set to open a tree automatically on startup, then you will see the 'Database is locked' dialogue. Click on the Close button
Fig. 5.8 Database is locked - Error parsing arguments - dialog - example


  • Otherwise the Family Tree Manager will appear. Choose the locked family tree and then click the Load Family Tree button. The Break the lock on the "[Family Tree name]" database? dialog will be shown.
Fig. 5.9 Break the lock on the "Sample" database? - Dialog - example


  • Only do this if you are sure no other copy of Gramps is using the selected Family Tree. Click the Break lock button and the Family Trees (Manager) window should show that the lock icon has gone.
  • Choose the previously locked family tree and then click the Load Family Tree button to continue your work.


Repairing a damaged Family Tree

Fig. 5.10 Family Trees (Manager) - Dialog - Showing Red Error Status Icon for "Sample" Family Tree

Should your Family Tree become damaged or corrupted in some way, Gramps Family Tree Manager will display a red Error icon in the Status column.

To have Gramps attempt to repair the damage, select the Family Tree and then click the Repair button.

This will attempt to rebuild your Family Tree from the backup files that are automatically created on exit.

See also:


Converting a BSDDB Family Tree to SQlite

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From Gramps 5.1.x the default database is SQlite.

Before following the advice in this section take the time to backup your family trees

Fig. 5.11 Convert the 'Family Tree Name' database? dialog with Family Trees (Manager) - Dialog shown in background

If you have an older legacy BSDDB format Database Type shown for any of your family tree's in the Family Trees (Manager) - Dialog, then selecting a family tree in theFamily Trees (Manager) - Dialog will shown the Convert button as available.

It is highly recommended that before doing the following you back up the family trees to be converted.

When ready select the Convert button and the Convert the 'Family Tree Name' database? dialog will be shown with the message Do you wish to convert this family tree into a SQlite database? you can select Cancel to stop or Convert to start the process, once completed the Family Trees (Manager) - Dialog will show a new entry for the converted copy of your Family tree but with the Database Type of SQlite, you should then open and backup the converted family tree.

You may then rename the original BSDDB family tree with the word OLD or you can Delete it to avoid confusion, then you can rename the new SQlite database.

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This article's content is incomplete or a placeholder stub.
Please update or expand this section.



Importing data

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Importing vs. opening

Please recognize that importing a Family Tree is different from opening a Family Tree. When you import, you are actually bringing data from another Family Tree into a Gramps Family Tree. When you open a file, you are editing your original file.

Importing allows you to transfer data from other genealogy programs into a Gramps Family Tree. Gramps can import data from the following formats:

  • Gramps XML (.gramps file extension)
  • Gramps XML Package (.gpkg file extension)
  • Gramps CSV Spreadsheet - comma separated values (.csv file extension)
  • GRAMPS V2.x database (.grdb file extension)
  • GEDCOM (.ged file extension)
  • GeneWeb (.gw file extension) - GeneWeb is genealogy software with a web interface.
  • Pro-Gen (.def file extension) - Pro-Gen is very popular in the Netherlands and North-West Germany, often used by people who started decades before today collecting data and storing; this in a DOS based program (which is still today, patched up to Win 10).

Import Family Tree dialog

Gramps-notes.png
Note that data can only be imported into an existing Family Tree (database)

So, if migrating from another program, it is best to start by creating a new empty Family Tree and then import the data into it. Then clean up any corruptions or incompatibilities. If the intent is to merge into an existing Gramps Tree by importing, it is less risky to import data from a cleaned and validated Tree already in Gramps format. Importing is a risky task, always make a backup of your Tree before importing.

Fig. 5.12 Import Family Tree - dialog example

First create a new empty Family Tree. Then select the menu Family Trees ->Import or the keybinding CTRL+I to import data or restore a previously saved Gramps Family Tree (from an older version of Gramps or the current version) the Import Family Tree dialog will open, asking you to specify the file you wish to import.

If you attempt to import into an existing Family Tree the Undo history warning dialog will open giving you the opportunity to stop the import and create a new Family Tree, unless you are deliberately attempting to merge data.

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Data loss with some formats

It is important to note that there is no direct one-to-one correspondence between all the features of Gramps and those of GEDCOM or GeneWeb or Pro-Gen. Therefore, when importing from any of these formats data may be lost. Details of data that may be lost from GEDCOM is given below.

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Reorder Events generated by other programs

Some programs from which you have imported data may not order the events as you expect. Gramps provides help for reordering events according to your preference. See the Sort Events tool.

GRAMPS V2.x database import

GRAMPS V2.x database (.grdb): Prior to Gramps Version 3.0, this native Gramps database format was a specific form of the Berkeley database (BSDDB) with a special structure of data tables. This format was binary and architecture-dependent. It was very quick and efficient, but not generally portable across computers with different binary architecture (e.g. i386 vs. alpha).

Import from the GRAMPS V2.x database format is only supported by Gramps version 3.0.x. Import of V2.x into Gramps V3.0.x will not loose any data.

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Import from the Gramps V2.x format is not supported by Gramps 5.1.

If you have an old V2.x database, then you must import it into Gramps V3.0.x, export it from there to Gramps XML (or Gramps XML Package), and then import it into Gramps 5.1.

Moving a Gramps 2.2 databases to Gramps 3.x

To move your Gramps data from version 2.x to version 5.1.x you must import the v2.x database into an earlier Gramps v3.0.x program and then either save the database and import it into Gramps 5.1.x, or export the database in XML format from the earlier Gramps version and import it into Gramps 5.1.x.

Please refer to the User Manual for earlier versions of Gramps for instructions on the import of v2.x databases into Gramps v3.x.


Gramps XML and XML Package import

The Gramps XML and Gramps XML Package database are the native Gramps formats. There is no risk of information loss when importing (restore) from or exporting to these formats.

  • Gramps XML (.gramps): The Gramps XML file is the standard Gramps data-exchange and backups format, and was also the default working-database format for older (pre 2.x) versions of Gramps. Unlike the GRAMPS V2.x grdb format, it is architecture independent and human-readable. The database may also have references to non-local (external) media objects, therefore it is not guaranteed to be completely portable (for full portability including media objects in the Gramps XML package (.gpkg) should be used). The Gramps XML database is created by exporting (Menu Family Trees ->Export...) to that format.
  • Gramps XML package (.gpkg): The Gramps XML package is a compressed archive containing the Gramps XML file and all media objects (images, sound files, etc.) to which the database refers. Because it contains all the media objects, this format is completely portable. The Gramps XML package is created by exporting ( Menu Family Trees ->Export... ) data in that format.

If you import information from another Gramps database or Gramps XML database, you will see the progress of the operation in the progress bar of Gramps main window. When the import finishes, a feedback window shows the number of imported objects. If the imported data originates from the very family tree in which you import the data, the import feedback gives suggestions about what could be merged; the merge is not done automatically for you. If you want to merge basic genealogy data automatically, consider CSV Spreadsheet Export/Import.

Gramps CSV import

  • The Gramps CSV Spreadsheet format allows importing and exporting of a subset of your Gramps data in a simple spreadsheet format. See CSV Import and Export for more information.

GEDCOM import

First create a new empty Family Tree. Then select the menu Family Trees ->Import or the keybinding CTRL+I then use the Import Family Tree dialog to select the GEDCOM file you want to import, depending on the the type of GEDCOM you may then see the GEDCOM Encoding dialog.

When you import information from GEDCOM, Gramps main window will show you a progress bar. When the GEDCOM import finishes, the Import Statistics window and the GEDCOM import report: windows show any results or warnings.


GEDCOM Encoding dialog

Fig. 5.13 GEDCOM Encoding - dialog

The GEDCOM Encoding dialog will be shown when the GEDCOM file you are importing has identified itself as using the ANSEL encoding format. Sometimes, this is in error. If after the GEDCOM is imported you notice that your data contains unusual characters, undo the import, and override the character set by selecting a different encoding from the available list.

Encoding:

  • default
  • ANSEL
  • ANSI (iso-8859-1)
  • ASCII
  • UTF8


Import Statistics dialog

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This article's content is incomplete or a placeholder stub.
Please update or expand this section.


Fig. 5.14 Import Statistics - dialog


GEDCOM import report dialog

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This article's content is incomplete or a placeholder stub.
Please update or expand this section.


Fig. 5.15 GEDCOM import report - example results.

The GEDCOM import report details most of the GEDCOM lines that were either ignored or could not be understood. These are most likely because they are not part of the GEDCOM 5.5.1 standard. (See GEDCOM Extensions.) The contents of the GEDCOM line (or lines where there are continuation lines) are also shown. In some cases, the lines may not be exactly what is contained in the input GEDCOM file, because the line is reconstructed following some processing.

Reading the report
Fig. 5.16 GEDCOM import note indicating omitted data attached to "Source>Note"(data from "GEDitCOM" - "GEDCOM 5.5 Torture Test Files"

Gramps uses a more advanced 'data model' than GEDCOM, therefore some data in GEDCOM cannot be imported into Gramps. (See Gramps and GEDCOM.) The main exceptions are:

  • Some GEDCOM attribute structures are treated as Gramps Attributes and therefore many of the GEDCOM Primitive Elements cannot be stored.
  • The DATA elements of a SOURCE_RECORD (indicating the events recorded and responsible agency) are ignored.
  • Any source citations on notes are ignored.
  • Many GEDCOM Primitive Elements do not have exactly corresponding data elements in Gramps, and they are therefore stored as Attributes with appropriate names, normally the GEDCOM tag. This applies particularly to the header, submitter and submission GEDCOM records and particular fields like REFN, RFN, RIN and AFN.

Where data is listed as 'ignored', its omission is reported in the feedback at the end of import, and it is included in a Note attached to a relevant object with a custom type of GEDCOM import. See, for example, the Source object in the example screenshot.

Where data is listed as 'silently ignored', it is not reported and not included in a note. At present this may be regarded as something that has been missed by Gramps and should be raised as an issue.

GEDCOM import limitations

This section describes any GEDCOM data that cannot be directly represented in Gramps, and how it is handled. For additional information on the limits of GEDCOM imports (and exports), please read the section on Gramps and GEDCOM.

HEADer, SUBMitter and SUBmissioN

Gramps has no direct representation of this data, and hence all information there has to be stored in other objects. Depending on a General preferences setting, a 'default source' object may be created. If this is created, then much of the data is stored in that Source, or in Repositories attached to that source.

   HEADER:=
        n HEAD                                          {1:1}
          +1 SOUR <APPROVED_SYSTEM_ID>                  {1:1}  (Data item of the 'default source')
            +2 VERS <VERSION_NUMBER>                    {0:1}  (Data item of the 'default source')
            +2 NAME <NAME_OF_PRODUCT>                   {0:1}  (Data item of the 'default source')
            +2 CORP <NAME_OF_BUSINESS>                  {0:1}  (Repository of the 'default source')
              +3 <<ADDRESS_STRUCTURE>>                  {0:1}  (Repository of the 'default source')
            +2 DATA <NAME_OF_SOURCE_DATA>               {0:1}  (Data item of the 'default source')
              +3 DATE <PUBLICATION_DATE>                {0:1}  (Data item of the 'default source')
              +3 COPR <COPYRIGHT_SOURCE_DATA>           {0:1}  (Data item of the 'default source')
          +1 DEST <RECEIVING_SYSTEM_NAME>               {0:1*} (Data item of the 'default source')
          +1 DATE <TRANSMISSION_DATE>                   {0:1}  (Data item of the 'default source')
            +2 TIME <TIME_VALUE>                        {0:1}  (Data item of the 'default source')
          +1 SUBM @<XREF:SUBM>@                         {1:1}  (Data item of the 'default source')
                                                               (Also used to determine the SUBMITTER_RECORD)
                                                               (that should be stored as the database owner)
          +1 SUBN @<XREF:SUBN>@                         {0:1}  (ignored)
          +1 FILE <FILE_NAME>                           {0:1}  (Data item of the 'default source')
          +1 COPR <COPYRIGHT_GEDCOM_FILE>               {0:1}  (stored as the Publication information of the 'default source')
          +1 GEDC                                       {1:1}
            +2 VERS <VERSION_NUMBER>                    {1:1}  (Data item of the 'default source')
            +2 FORM <GEDCOM_FORM>                       {1:1}  (Data item of the 'default source')
          +1 CHAR <CHARACTER_SET>                       {1:1}  (Data item of the 'default source')
            +2 VERS <VERSION_NUMBER>                    {0:1}  (Data item of the 'default source')
          +1 LANG <LANGUAGE_OF_TEXT>                    {0:1}  (Data item of the 'default source')
          +1 PLAC                                       {0:1}
            +2 FORM <PLACE_HIERARCHY>                   {1:1}  (see below)
          +1 NOTE <GEDCOM_CONTENT_DESCRIPTION>          {0:1}  (note attached to the 'default source')
            +2 [CONT|CONC] <GEDCOM_CONTENT_DESCRIPTION> {0:M}
            
   * NOTE: Submissions to the Family History Department for Ancestral
     File submission or for clearing temple ordinances must use a
     DESTination of ANSTFILE or TempleReady.

The PLAC FORM is stored internally and used to govern the interpretation of places (in accordance with the GEDCOM specification).

The SUBMISSION_RECORD (there should be only one, but this is not checked) is stored as a Data item of the 'default source'

    SUBMISSION_RECORD:=
        n @<XREF:SUBN>@ SUBN                            {1:1]
          +1 SUBM @<XREF:SUBM>@                         {0:1}
          +1 FAMF <NAME_OF_FAMILY_FILE>                 {0:1}
          +1 TEMP <TEMPLE_CODE>                         {0:1}
          +1 ANCE <GENERATIONS_OF_ANCESTORS>            {0:1}
          +1 DESC <GENERATIONS_OF_DESCENDANTS>          {0:1}
          +1 ORDI <ORDINANCE_PROCESS_FLAG>              {0:1}
          +1 RIN <AUTOMATED_RECORD_ID>                  {0:1}

SUBMITTER_RECORDs (there may be more than one) are stored as Repository records attached to the 'default source' except as indicated in bold below. The SUBMITTER_RECORD that corresponds with the SUBM record in the HEADER is used to set the database owner.

   SUBMITTER_RECORD:=
        n @<XREF:SUBM>@   SUBM                          {1:1}
          +1 NAME <SUBMITTER_NAME>                      {1:1}
          +1 <<ADDRESS_STRUCTURE>>                      {0:1}
          +1 <<MULTIMEDIA_LINK>>                        {0:M}
          +1 LANG <LANGUAGE_PREFERENCE>                 {0:3}
          +1 RFN <SUBMITTER_REGISTERED_RFN>             {0:1}
          +1 RIN <AUTOMATED_RECORD_ID>                  {0:1}
          +1 <<CHANGE_DATE>>                            {0:1}
  • Mutimedia link is ignored
  • LANG is ignored
  • RFN and RIN are ignored
INDIvidual

The INDIVIDUAL_RECORD is stored as a Gramps Person record, except as indicated in bold below.

   INDIVIDUAL_RECORD: =
        n @<XREF:INDI>@  INDI                           {1:1}
          +1 RESN <RESTRICTION_NOTICE>                  {0:1}
          +1 <<PERSONAL_NAME_STRUCTURE>>                {0:M}
          +1 SEX <SEX_VALUE>                            {0:1}
          +1 <<INDIVIDUAL_EVENT_STRUCTURE>>             {0:M}
          +1 <<INDIVIDUAL_ATTRIBUTE_STRUCTURE>>         {0:M}
          +1 <<LDS_INDIVIDUAL_ORDINANCE>>               {0:M}
          +1 <<CHILD_TO_FAMILY_LINK>>                   {0:M}
          +1 <<SPOUSE_TO_FAMILY_LINK>>                  {0:M}
          +1 SUBM @<XREF:SUBM>@                         {0:M}
          +1 <<ASSOCIATION_STRUCTURE>>                  {0:M}
          +1 ALIA @<XREF:INDI>@                         {0:M}
          +1 ANCI @<XREF:SUBM>@                         {0:M}
          +1 DESI @<XREF:SUBM>@                         {0:M}
          +1 <<SOURCE_CITATION>>                        {0:M}
          +1 <<MULTIMEDIA_LINK>>                        {0:M}
          +1 <<NOTE_STRUCTURE>>                         {0:M}
          +1 RFN <PERMANENT_RECORD_FILE_NUMBER>         {0:1}
          +1 AFN <ANCESTRAL_FILE_NUMBER>                {0:1}
          +1 REFN <USER_REFERENCE_NUMBER>               {0:M}
            +2 TYPE <USER_REFERENCE_TYPE>               {0:1}
          +1 RIN <AUTOMATED_RECORD_ID>                  {0:1}
          +1 <<CHANGE_DATE>>                            {0:1}
   
  • Link to submitter, ancestor interest and descendent interest indicators are silently ignored.
  • The alias indicator ("An indicator to link different record descriptions of a person who may be the same person") is stored as an Association called 'Alias'.
  • The REFN and REFN:TYPE are stored as Attributes of the Person, but if there is more than one REFN, it may not be clear which TYPE is associated with which REFN.

Handling of the INDIVIDUAL_ATTRIBUTE_STRUCTURE is rather complicated. The following tags:

  • EDUC (Scholastic achievement),
  • NMR (Count of marriages),
  • OCCU (Occupation),
  • PROP (Possessions),
  • RELI (Religious affiliation),
  • RESI and
  • TITL (Nobility title)

are all treated as Gramps Events and the associated information is stored in the event structure. The details following the main tag (shown in brackets in the list above) are stored as the Description of the Event. The <EVENT_DESCRIPTOR> following the TYPE tag will overwrite the Description if the <EVENT_DESCRIPTOR> is not the attribute name.

The following tags:

  • CAST (Caste name),
  • DSCR (Physical description),
  • INDO (National ID Number),
  • NATI (National or tribal origin),
  • NCHI (Count of Children) and
  • SSN (Social Security Number)

are all treated as Gramps Attributess and most of the fields except the details following the main tag (shown in brackets in the list above), the source citation and the note structure are ignored, as indicated in bold below.

   INDIVIDUAL_ATTRIBUTE_STRUCTURE: =
        n  CAST <CASTE_NAME>                            {1:1}
          +1 <<EVENT_DETAIL>>                           {0:1}
             etc.
   
   EVENT_DETAIL: =
        n  TYPE <EVENT_DESCRIPTOR>                      {0:1}
        n  DATE <DATE_VALUE>                            {0:1}
        n  <<PLACE_STRUCTURE>>                          {0:1}
        n  <<ADDRESS_STRUCTURE>>                        {0:1}
        n  AGE <AGE_AT_EVENT>                           {0:1}
        n  AGNC <RESPONSIBLE_AGENCY>                    {0:1}
        n  CAUS <CAUSE_OF_EVENT>                        {0:1}
        n  <<SOURCE_CITATION>>                          {0:M}
          +1 <<NOTE_STRUCTURE>>                         {0:M}
          +1 <<MULTIMEDIA_LINK>>                        {0:M}
        n  <<MULTIMEDIA_LINK>>                          {0:M}
        n  <<NOTE_STRUCTURE>>                           {0:M}
        
        
  • Individual attribute structure, type, date, place structure, address structure, age, agency, cause and multimedia link are all ignored.
FAM_RECORD

The FAM_RECORD is stored as a Gramps Family record.

   FAM_RECORD:=
        n @<XREF:FAM>@   FAM                            {1:1}
          +1 <<FAMILY_EVENT_STRUCTURE>>                 {0:M}
          +1 HUSB @<XREF:INDI>@                         {0:1}
          +1 WIFE @<XREF:INDI>@                         {0:1}
          +1 CHIL @<XREF:INDI>@                         {0:M}
          +1 NCHI <COUNT_OF_CHILDREN>                   {0:1}
          +1 SUBM @<XREF:SUBM>@                         {0:M}
          +1 <<LDS_SPOUSE_SEALING>>                     {0:M}
          +1 <<SOURCE_CITATION>>                        {0:M}
          +1 <<MULTIMEDIA_LINK>>                        {0:M}
          +1 <<NOTE_STRUCTURE>>                         {0:M}
          +1 REFN <USER_REFERENCE_NUMBER>               {0:M}
            +2 TYPE <USER_REFERENCE_TYPE>               {0:1}
          +1 RIN <AUTOMATED_RECORD_ID>                  {0:1}
          +1 <<CHANGE_DATE>>                            {0:1}
  • The link to submitter is silently ignored.
  • The REFN and REFN:TYPE are stored as Attributes of the Family, but if there is more than one REFN, it may not be clear which TYPE is associated with which REFN.
SOURCE_RECORD

The SOURCE_RECORD is stored as a Gramps Source record, except as indicated in bold below.

   SOURCE_RECORD:=
        n @<XREF:SOUR>@ SOUR                            {1:1}
          +1 DATA                                       {0:1}
            +2 EVEN <EVENTS_RECORDED>                   {0:M}
              +3 DATE <DATE_PERIOD>                     {0:1}
              +3 PLAC <SOURCE_JURISDICTION_PLACE>       {0:1}
            +2 AGNC <RESPONSIBLE_AGENCY>                {0:1}
            +2 <<NOTE_STRUCTURE>>                       {0:M}
          +1 AUTH <SOURCE_ORIGINATOR>                   {0:1}
            +2 [CONT|CONC] <SOURCE_ORIGINATOR>          {0:M}
          +1 TITL <SOURCE_DESCRIPTIVE_TITLE>            {0:1}
            +2 [CONT|CONC] <SOURCE_DESCRIPTIVE_TITLE>   {0:M}
          +1 ABBR <SOURCE_FILED_BY_ENTRY>               {0:1}
          +1 PUBL <SOURCE_PUBLICATION_FACTS>            {0:1}
            +2 [CONT|CONC] <SOURCE_PUBLICATION_FACTS>   {0:M}
          +1 TEXT <TEXT_FROM_SOURCE>                    {0:1}
            +2 [CONT|CONC] <TEXT_FROM_SOURCE>           {0:M}
          +1 <<SOURCE_REPOSITORY_CITATION>>             {0:1}
          +1 <<MULTIMEDIA_LINK>>                        {0:M}
          +1 <<NOTE_STRUCTURE>>                         {0:M}
          +1 REFN <USER_REFERENCE_NUMBER>               {0:M}
            +2 TYPE <USER_REFERENCE_TYPE>               {0:1}
          +1 RIN <AUTOMATED_RECORD_ID>                  {0:1}
          +1 <<CHANGE_DATE>>                            {0:1}
  • DATA and its subsidiary records are ignored
REPOSITORY_RECORD

The REPOSITORY_RECORD is stored as a Gramps Repository record, except as indicated in bold below.

   REPOSITORY_RECORD: =
        n @<XREF:REPO>@ REPO                            {1:1}
          +1 NAME <NAME_OF_REPOSITORY>                  {0:1}
          +1 <<ADDRESS_STRUCTURE>>                      {0:1}
          +1 <<NOTE_STRUCTURE>>                         {0:M}
          +1 REFN <USER_REFERENCE_NUMBER>               {0:M}
            +2 TYPE <USER_REFERENCE_TYPE>               {0:1}
          +1 RIN <AUTOMATED_RECORD_ID>                  {0:1}
          +1 <<CHANGE_DATE>>                            {0:1}
  • REFN, REFN:TYPE and RIN are ignored
MULTIMEDIA_RECORD

The MULTIMEDIA_RECORD is stored as a Gramps Media record, except as indicated in bold below.

   MULTIMEDIA_RECORD:=
        n @<XREF:OBJE>@ OBJE                            {1:1}
          +1 FORM <MULTIMEDIA_FORMAT>                   {1:1}
          +1 TITL <DESCRIPTIVE_TITLE>                   {0:1}
          +1 <<NOTE_STRUCTURE>>                         {0:M}
          +1 <<SOURCE_CITATION>>                        {0:M}
          +1 BLOB                                       {1:1}
            +2 CONT <ENCODED_MULTIMEDIA_LINE>           {1:M}
          +1 OBJE @<XREF:OBJE>@     /* chain to continued object */  {0:1}
          +1 REFN <USER_REFERENCE_NUMBER>               {0:M}
            +2 TYPE <USER_REFERENCE_TYPE>               {0:1}
          +1 RIN <AUTOMATED_RECORD_ID>                  {0:1}
  • It is expected that there will be a 'FILE' tag to indicate the file holding the multimedia object. This usage is taken from GEDCOM 5.5.1, but the ability in GEDCOM 5.5.1 to have more than one <MUTIMEDIA_FILE_REFN> and having the FORM, TYPE and TITL subsidiary to the FILE gedcom_line is not supported (a later FILE may overwrite an earlier one - there is no error checking).
  • BLOB is ignored
  • REFN, REFN:TYPE and RIN are ignored
NOTE_RECORD

The NOTE_RECORD is stored as a Gramps Note record, except as indicated in bold below.

   NOTE_RECORD:=
        n @<XREF:NOTE>@ NOTE <SUBMITTER_TEXT>           {1:1}
          +1 [ CONC | CONT] <SUBMITTER_TEXT>            {0:M}
          +1 <<SOURCE_CITATION>>                        {0:M}
          +1 REFN <USER_REFERENCE_NUMBER>               {0:M}
            +2 TYPE <USER_REFERENCE_TYPE>               {0:1}
          +1 RIN <AUTOMATED_RECORD_ID>                  {0:1}
          +1 <<CHANGE_DATE>>                            {0:1}
  • source citation ignored
  • REFN, REFN:TYPE and RIN are ignored

Exporting data

Gramps-notes.png
Export is saving a copy

When you export, you are saving a copy of the currently opened database. Exporting creates another file with a copy of your data. Note that the database that remains opened in your Gramps window is NOT the file saved by your export. Additional editing of the currently opened database will not alter the copy produced by the export.

To export data, choose Menu Family Trees ->Export... or the keybinding Ctrl+E or Command ⌘+E on Apple Mac's. This will bring up the Export Assistant dialog.

Exporting allows you to share any portion of your Gramps Family Tree(database) with other researchers as well as to enable you to transfer your data to another computer.

Gramps can export data to the following file formats:


Export Assistant dialog

Fig. 5.17 Export Assistant: Saving your data - wizard start page

The Export Assistant pages will guide you through the output file format selection, and then the export options specific to that file format. After the Final confirmation page, the export will be performed according to the choices you have made. At any time, you can click the Back button and revise any selection, and then go forward to redo the export.


Saving your data

General information about exporting from Gramps.

Select the Next button to continue.

Gramps-notes.png

This article's content is incomplete or a placeholder stub.
Please update or expand this section.



Choose the output format

Fig. 5.18 Export Assistant - Choose the output format - wizard dialog

Select the file format to export your data to:

Then select the Next button to continue.

Export options

Fig. 5.19 Export Assistant - Export Options - wizard dialog (showing defaults for "Comma Separated Values Spreadsheet(CSV)") with highlight Bottom section for File format specific options

After you have adjusted your options in the two sections.

Select the Next button to continue.

Filters and privacy

Gramps allows you to export your selected Family tree into common file formats.

The following filters provide options that allow you to fine tune your export.

Filters allow you to export a limited amount of data, based on the criteria you select.

Privacy Filter:

[✓] Do not include records marked private: Check this box to prevent private records from being included in the exported file. (Checkbox checked by default)

Living Filter:

These option restrict data and help limit the information exported for living people. This means that all information concerning their birth, death, addresses, significant events, etc., will be omitted in the exported file. For example, you can choose to substitute the word Living for the first name (see your settings); you can exclude notes; and you can exclude sources for living people.

Sometimes, it is not always obvious from the data if someone is actually alive. Gramps uses an advanced algorithm to try to determine if a person could still be alive. Remember, Gramps is making its best guess, and it may not always be able to guess correctly all the time. Please double check your data.


Select from the following options:

  • Include all selected people (default)
  • Replace given names of living people
  • Replace complete name of living people
  • Do not include living people
Person Filter:

Select from the following options:

  • Include all selected people (default)
  • Descendants of [Active Person]
  • Descendant Families of [Active Person]
  • Ancestors of [Active Person]
  • People with common ancestor with [Active Person]
  • Create a custom filter by selecting the Edit icon to show the Define filter dialog.
Note Filter:

Select from the following options:

  • Include all selected notes (default)
  • Create a custom filter by selecting the Edit icon to show the Define filter dialog.
Reference Filter:

Select from the following options:

  • Include all selected records (default)
  • Do not include records not linked to a selected person
File format specific export options

Depending on the file format chosen, you may find a number of file format specific export options to choose from listed underneath the "Filters and privacy" section.

See the relevant section for each of file formats listed that have specific export options:

Gramps-notes.png

This article's content is incomplete or a placeholder stub.
Please update or expand this section.


Select save file

Fig. 5.20 Export Assistant - Select save file - wizard dialog - example

Enter a export file Name: Untitled_1.<file format extension>(default) and choose the folder location to save the export file to (normally your Documents folder.

Then select the Next button to continue.

If you don't have permission to save the file to that location you will see the Could not create <file location and export file name> warning dialog and then the Export Assistants Saving failed wizard dialog, select the Close button and start the export again this time choosing a suitable folder.

Final confirmation

Fig. 5.21 Export Assistant - Final confirmation - wizard dialog - example

The Export Assistants Final confirmation wizard dialog allows you to check the summarized details (Format/Name/Folder) of the export file to be created.

At this point you can press Back to revisit your options or Cancel to abort.

Or select the Apply button to continue.

Summary

Fig. 5.22 Export Assistant - Summary - wizard dialog - example

The Export Assistants Summary wizard dialog shows the Filename: and confirms that you export data has been saved successfully.

Select the Close button to exit the Export Assistant.

Comma Separated Values Spreadsheet(CSV) export

Fig. 5.23 Export Assistant - Export Options - wizard dialog (showing defaults for "Comma Separated Values Spreadsheet(CSV)") with highlight Bottom section for File format specific options

Comma Separated Values Spreadsheet(CSV): Allows exporting (and importing) a subset of your Gramps data in a simple spreadsheet format.

See CSV Import and Export for additional information and examples.

Comma Separated Values Spreadsheet(CSV) has the following file format specific export options:

  • Include people -
  • Include marriages -
  • Include children -
  • Include places -
  • Translate headers -


Also, see Export (List) View as Spreadsheet.

GEDCOM export

Gramps-notes.png
Gramps supports the GEDCOM 5.5.1 version last updated 15 November 2019.

Gramps allows you to export a database into the common legacy GEDCOM format.

For more information on the GEDCOM format see: :

See Gramps and GEDCOM for details of data which is not exported when exporting to GEDCOM (Use Gramps XML for a full family tree export/backup).

GEDCOM export has no file format specific export options.

Gramps-notes.png
If you have installed the third party addon GEDCOM Extensions(.GED2)

it will have its own specific file format specific export options.

Gramps-notes.png

This article's content is incomplete or a placeholder stub.
Please update or expand this section.



GeneWeb export

GeneWeb export will save a copy of your data to the GeneWeb genealogy format.

To find out more about GeneWeb and its format, visit:

GenWeb has no file format specific export options

Gramps XML (family tree) export

Gnome-important.png
Privacy Filters

It is important to verify your privacy options on Exporter. Do not enable filters or privacy options for Gramps XML backups.

Fig. 5.24 Export Assistant - Export Options - wizard (showing defaults for "Gramps XML (family tree)") with highlight Bottom section for File format specific options

Gramps XML (family tree) export (.gramps): This format is the standard format for data-exchange and backups (see the related .gpkg format below for full portability including media objects). Exporting into Gramps XML format will produce a portable database. As XML is a text-based human-readable format, you may also use it to take a look at your data. Gramps guarantees you can open XML output of older versions of Gramps in newer version of Gramps (not the other way around though!).


If a media file is not found during export, you will see the same Missing Media dialog you encounter with GEDCOM export.

Gramps XML (family tree) has the following file format specific export options:

  • Use Compression -


What's not included:

The Gramps Package backup only contains your family tree and (when the 'include media' backup option is selected) your media.

The following settings in Gramps are not transferred:

Tango-Dialog-information.png
Custom Filter migration

Keep your collection of custom filters through a minor updates to patch Gramps (e.g., from version 5.1.0 to 5.1.2) by manually copying your custom_filter.xml from Gramps User Directory to the corresponding directory in new gramps_version_number.

Even minor upgrades with feature changes (e.g., from a 5.0.x to a 5.1.x version) may include XML format changes since the recent innovation of addon rules are causing rapid evolution in Filters. So porting filters in this manner requires verification that the XML definitions haven't changed. Also, Addon rules may have to be installed in the new upgrade before copied custom filters will work safely.


You can keep your custom settings by manually copying each of the *.xml files from the Gramps User Directory to the corresponding directory in the new gramps_version_number directory. Be aware that (due to changes in different versions of Gramps) the settings may no longer work. So be diligent that you test.


Gramps XML Package (family tree and media) export

Gnome-important.png
Privacy Filters

It is important to verify your privacy options on Exporter. Do not enable filters or privacy options for Gramps XML backups.

Gramps XML Package (family tree and media) export (.gpkg): Exporting to the Gramps package format will create a compressed file that contains the Gramps XML database and copies of all associated media files. This is useful if you want to move your database to another computer or to share it with someone.

If a media file is not found during export, you will see the same Missing Media dialog you encounter with GEDCOM export.

Gramps XML Package (family tree and media) has no file format specific export options

What's not included:

The Gramps Package backup only contains your family tree and (when the 'include media' backup option is selected) your media.

The following settings in Gramps are not transferred:

Tango-Dialog-information.png
Custom Filter migration

Keep your collection of custom filters through a minor updates to patch Gramps (e.g., from version 5.1.0 to 5.1.2) by manually copying your custom_filter.xml from Gramps User Directory to the corresponding directory in new gramps_version_number.

Even minor upgrades with feature changes (e.g., from a 5.0.x to a 5.1.x version) may include XML format changes since the recent innovation of addon rules are causing rapid evolution in Filters. So porting filters in this manner requires verification that the XML definitions haven't changed. Also, Addon rules may have to be installed in the new upgrade before copied custom filters will work safely.


You can keep your custom settings by manually copying each of the *.xml files from the Gramps User Directory to the corresponding directory in the new gramps_version_number directory. Be aware that (due to changes in different versions of Gramps) the settings may no longer work. So be diligent that you test.


Web Family Tree export

Web Family Tree export creates a text file that can be used by the Web Family Tree program.

To find out more about Web Family Tree and its format, visit

Web Family Tree has no file format specific export options

vCalendar export

vCalendar export saves information in the format used in many calendaring applications, sometimes called PIM for Personal Information Manager.

For more information on the vCalendar format see:

vCalendar has no file format specific export options

vCard export

vCard export saves information in a format used in many addressbook applications, sometimes called PIM for Personal Information Manager.

For more information on the vCard format see:

vCard has no file format specific export options

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