Open, view, and print a GEDCOM file online
Got an exported .ged file from Ancestry, MyHeritage, or a desktop genealogy program? Open it in the Blaadline builder to explore your family as a chart, free and with nothing to install.
Why opening a GEDCOM file can be frustrating
Everything you need from an online GEDCOM tool
In-Browser Rendering
Import your .ged file and see it as a family chart you can pan and zoom. The chart follows the selected person's father's line and their descendants; click anyone to redraw it from them, or find them in the people list.
Private by Default
The file is read inside your browser. As a guest, the tree stays in your browser's storage; once you sign in, it is saved to your private account. Nothing is published unless you choose to share it.
Direct Vector PDF Export
Turn your GEDCOM records into a print-ready vector PDF chart, with text that stays sharp at any zoom level.
Details & Marriages Kept
Keeps birth, baptism, death, and burial dates and places, occupations, notes, sources, multiple marriages, and names in any script.
Blaadline vs Desktop Genealogy Software
| Feature | Blaadline Online | Desktop Programs (RootsMagic, Gramps, Legacy) |
|---|---|---|
| Software Installation | None (runs in the browser) | Downloaded and installed on your computer |
| Cost to View & Edit | Free | Varies by program |
| Chart Drawn | The selected person's male line and descendants; click anyone to redraw | Usually several chart types and reports |
| Research Tools | Notes and sources on each person; no record search | Usually more extensive |
| PDF Output | Vector PDF through your browser's print dialog | Built-in chart and report printing |
| Data Portability | Free GEDCOM import and re-export | GEDCOM import and export |
GEDCOM Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a GEDCOM (.ged) file?
- A GEDCOM (GEnealogical Data COMmunication) file is the long-established plain-text format for moving family history data between genealogy programs. Ancestry, MyHeritage, and desktop programs such as RootsMagic, Gramps, and Legacy can export one.
- How do I open and view a GEDCOM file for free?
- Open blaadline.com/try and import the file; no software or account is needed. Blaadline reads it in your browser and draws it as an interactive family chart.
- Can I convert a GEDCOM file to a PDF family tree?
- Yes. Once your GEDCOM file is loaded in Blaadline, open Print / PDF and save a vector PDF from your browser's print dialog. Free export is A4 with a light watermark; Premium removes the watermark and adds A3, A2, and A1 poster sizes.
- Is my GEDCOM file kept private?
- Yes. When viewing a GEDCOM file as a guest, the data stays in your browser's storage. If you save it to an account, it is stored on Blaadline's servers and stays private by default unless you choose to share an unlisted link or publish it.
- Which GEDCOM versions does Blaadline support?
- Blaadline imports GEDCOM 5.5 and 5.5.1 files saved as UTF-8 (plain ASCII files work too), and exports GEDCOM 5.5.1. Files in the older ANSEL character set are not supported; if your program offers a UTF-8 option, export with that. Names in Arabic, Bengali, Cyrillic, Greek, or any other script come through intact in a UTF-8 file.
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