What's the best way to merge a large GEDCOM into Family Tree
I have a GEDCOM with 60,000 lines (about 5,000 persons) that I'd like to start merging into Family Tree. I'd like suggestions about the best way of proceeding. I know that some of the individuals are already in the Family Tree.
Answers
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Very slowly and carefully.
When using View, the system at present is weak in identifying potential matches with people already in Family Tree. Thus, it is quite likely that, if you add a person for which a match has not been found, when you look at that new person in Family Tree, a potential duplicate may exist. In that situation, you can either merge the records (assuming they are the same) or delete your newly created record.
The need to try to avoid creating duplicates is why I strongly recommend taking your time over using the View feature. There is no requirement to complete the View stage in one go. You can take as long as you wish.
When you add a person, immediately go into that new record on Family Tree (open a new tab on your browser?). Check for duplicates and merge the two records (or delete the new record) if a duplicate is found at that stage.
The reality is that almost certainly more of the names will already be in Family Tree than you expect.
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One route that definitely works is to load the gedcom into a FS partner application such as RootsMagic, connect the application to FamilySearch, and then run through the entries one by one, sending updates (and their sources) to FT where they seem appropriate and are verifiable (and do not clash with an existing properly verified FT entry). See https://www.familysearch.org/en/innovate/solutions-gallery
There is a mechanism provided by FS to upload information from a gedcom into FT via a 'comparison' utility. I think I speak for many here when I say this is definitely not recommended, since it lets far too many duplicates through.
The other thing you might consider is the User Owned Tree or 'CET' Lab initiative here on FS which (while not yet fully live) allows you to create a stand-alone tree from a gedcom and then edit it. CETs don't currently integrate with the main FT but it's clear that FS are working to make such functionality available. See https://www.familysearch.org/en/labs/docs/CETsLearnMore
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If you have the ability to create smaller GEDCOMs rather than trying to load your full 5000-profile tree, you will find the process more manageable. The recommended size is 100 names.
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@BillTuel Please DON'T! I spend every 3-4 months a few days correcting the mess created by users who uploaded GEDCOM-files into the Main Tree. 😤 This cannot be safely done without creating multiple duplicates, inserting incorrect data and so on.
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@BillTuel You might also consider applying to try the new CETs where you can build a tree that can be shared publicly, but only be edited by those you have invited. They are currently working on a process where you would be able to compare the CET to the main FamilySearch Tree. If you wanted to wait until that Tree2Tree matching tool was fully functional, it might save you a great deal of time and trouble.
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Hi Bill, Welcome to FamilySearch Community. Before you ever consider merging your 5000 name GEDCOM, please spend a little time discovering what is already on Family Search/Tree. Because FamilyTree is a universal tree which we all share, the chances are extremely high that most of your 5000 names are already on the tree. Loading a GEDCOM with names already on Family Tree is a real pain for you and for those affected by the duplicate people created. So here is what I recommend.
Open your Family Search account and go to your tree. Starting with you, click on your name on the tree and go to your person page. Once on your person page, select the details tab and scroll down to the Family Members section. On the left will be you and, on the right, will be places for your parents and siblings. Click on Add parent and put in the information for your father. Put what information you have and click next. Family Tree will do a search to see if there is a match for you father. If so, you will be given the choice to accept the match or create a new person. Repeat the process for your mother. If matches are found, all the ancestors connected to your parents will now show for you. I recommend you repeat this process for your grandparents and great grandparents. If matches are found at any step along the way, the ancestors will be filled in automatically. By the time you get to this point, you will have a good idea of what is already on Family Tree.
The next step I would recommend is to follow the advice given by MandyShaw above to use a third-party program. She mentioned Roots Magic which is good. Legacy and Ancestral Quest are also good. These programs will interface directly with Family Tree and let you move information back and forth. It's a much better process and method that loading a GEDCOM.
If all of this sounds like too much. then I highly recommend you call the Family Search help line and let them help you get the first few generations on your tree. The help line is 1-866-406-1830. They are open Monday through Saturday 8am to 8pm and Sunday from 1pm to 8pm. Times are in Mountain Time.
Following these steps will get you off to a good start with Family Tree. Please don't hesitate to call the help line. Hope this helps.
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