FamilySearch Data Export Guide

Last Updated: June 7, 2025

Overview

FamilySearch.com is one of the world's largest genealogy platforms, but it doesn't offer a direct, built-in GEDCOM export feature. This guide provides comprehensive methods to export and preserve your family history data.

Why Export Your Data?

Backup Protection: Safeguard against data loss or changes
Data Portability: Use your research in other genealogy software
Offline Access: Work without internet connection
Personal Control: Maintain your own copy of family research
Sharing: Share specific branches with family members

Export Methods Ranked by Completeness

1. Third-Party Genealogy Software (Most Complete)

RootsMagic ⭐ Recommended

Cost: $29.95 (Essentials) or $39.95 (Full version)
Pros:
- Direct FamilySearch synchronization
- Preserves sources, notes, media links
- Excellent GEDCOM export
- Can download entire family lines
Process:
1. Install RootsMagic
2. Create new file
3. Use "FamilySearch Central" feature
4. Sign in with FamilySearch credentials
5. Select individuals/families to download
6. Export to GEDCOM or other formats

Ancestral Quest

Cost: Free basic version, $29.95 for full
Pros:
- FamilySearch certified partner
- Good for large tree downloads
- Multiple export formats
Best for: Users wanting free solution

Legacy Family Tree

Cost: Free standard, $29.95 for Deluxe
Pros:
- Strong FamilySearch integration
- Comprehensive reporting tools
- Good source management

2. Manual Export Methods

FamilySearch Native Tools

Pedigree Charts:
- PDF export available
- Limited to 4-5 generations per chart
- Access via "Tree" > "Print" options
Fan Charts:
- PDF/PNG export
- Up to 7 generations
- Visually appealing but limited data
Family Group Sheets:
- Most detailed native export
- One family at a time
- Includes sources and notes

Person Cards

Click "Print" on individual person pages
Saves as PDF with vital information
Time-consuming for large trees

3. FamilySearch Memories

Photos: Download individually or use "Gallery" view
Documents: PDF downloads available
Stories: Copy/paste to text files
Audio: Direct download as MP3/M4A

4. Developer API (Advanced Users)

FamilySearch API Access

Requirements:
- Programming knowledge (Python, JavaScript, etc.)
- Developer account registration
- API key approval process
Capabilities:
- Bulk data extraction
- Automated backups
- Custom data formatting
- Most comprehensive access

Sample API Endpoints:

/platform/tree/persons/{pid}
/platform/tree/ancestry
/platform/tree/descendancy

5. Browser Extensions & Tools

FamilySearch to GEDCOM Chrome Extension

Limited functionality
Small branches only
Not regularly updated

Web Scraping Tools

Use with caution
May violate terms of service
Consider rate limiting

Data Types and Export Limitations

✅ Exportable Data

Names, dates, places
Birth, death, marriage information
Parent-child relationships
Spouse relationships
Basic source citations
Notes (varies by method)
Some media links

⚠️ Partially Exportable

Source images (links only)
Memories (separate download)
Change history
Collaboration notes
Some custom facts

❌ Not Exportable

Temple ordinance details
Living person information (privacy)
Other users' private notes
Full collaboration history
FamilySearch-specific IDs (in standard GEDCOM)

Best Practices

1. Regular Backups

Export monthly or after major research sessions
Keep dated backup files
Store in multiple locations

2. File Organization

FamilySearch_Backups/
├── 2025-06-07_FullTree.ged
├── 2025-06-07_Sources.csv
├── Memories/
│   ├── Photos/
│   ├── Documents/
│   └── Stories/
└── Notes/

3. Source Preservation

Export source box to spreadsheet
Screenshot important source images
Save source URLs in notes

4. Privacy Considerations

Remove living person details before sharing
Check your export settings
Respect other contributors' work

Step-by-Step: RootsMagic Export

Download and Install RootsMagic
- Visit rootsmagic.com
- Choose appropriate version
- Install and register
Connect to FamilySearch
- File > New
- Select "Import from FamilySearch"
- Enter credentials
Select Data to Import
- Choose starting person
- Set number of generations
- Select "Include sources" and "Include notes"
Download Process
- Click "Import"
- Monitor progress
- Review imported data
Export to GEDCOM
- File > Export
- Choose "GEDCOM"
- Select all options
- Save with descriptive filename

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Login Problems: Clear cookies, try different browser
Slow Downloads: Download smaller branches
Missing Sources: Check software settings
Duplicate Individuals: Review merge suggestions

Data Quality

Review imported data for accuracy
Check date formats
Verify place names
Confirm relationships

Alternative Preservation Methods

1. PDF Books

Create custom books in RootsMagic/Legacy
Include charts, reports, and narratives
Professional printing options available

2. Local Database

Maintain offline genealogy database
Regular synchronization
Multiple backup locations

3. Cloud Storage

Store GEDCOM files
Organize exported memories
Share with family members

Future Considerations

FamilySearch Development

Watch for official GEDCOM export feature
API improvements
New partnership tools

Data Format Evolution

GEDCOM X development
JSON-based formats
Industry standardization

Resources

Official Links

Software Downloads

Community Support

FamilySearch Community Groups
Software-specific forums
/r/genealogy on Reddit

Summary Recommendations

For Most Users: Use RootsMagic for comprehensive export
For Free Option: Ancestral Quest basic version
For Developers: Explore the FamilySearch API
For Simple Needs: Use built-in print/PDF options

Remember: The collaborative nature of FamilySearch means the tree is constantly evolving. Regular exports ensure you don't lose valuable research, while respecting the collaborative spirit of the platform.

Note: This guide is based on information available as of June 2025. Features and capabilities may change. Always check current documentation.

robertefreeman/familysearch_export.md