Every major genealogy platform can export your tree as a GEDCOM (.ged) file, which you can then open in GED-VIEW. This page is the short version for each platform; every one of them has a full guide with the details, the options that matter, and what the export does and does not contain.

Menu paths are as of mid-2026. Vendors move things.

Ancestry
  1. Open the tree and click the tree name, then Tree Settings
  2. In the Manage your tree box, click Export tree
  3. Wait for the button to change, then click Download your GEDCOM file
MyHeritage
  1. Hover over Family tree and choose Manage trees
  2. Under Actions, click Export to GEDCOM
  3. Download the file, or follow the emailed link for large trees
FamilySearch
  1. There is no full export; the shared tree does not belong to any one member
  2. Install a connected program (RootsMagic Essentials is free)
  3. Pull your branch down inside the program, then export a GEDCOM from it
Family Tree Maker
  1. File > Export
  2. Choose Entire file and GEDCOM as the format
  3. Tick Include media files to get a folder of photos alongside the .ged
RootsMagic
  1. File > Export
  2. Choose GEDCOM file and who to include
  3. Tick notes, sources and multimedia links for a full copy
Gramps
  1. Family Trees > Export
  2. Choose GEDCOM as the format
  3. Tick media and notes in the options
Legacy Family Tree
  1. File > Export To > GEDCOM File
  2. Choose Generic GEDCOM
  3. Click Customize to include everything, then Start Export
WikiTree
  1. Open the family tree and tools menu from your profile
  2. Choose the GEDCOM export option
  3. Pick the starting profile, direction and generations, then download
Geni
  1. Open a profile's Actions menu
  2. Choose Export GEDCOM (no Pro subscription needed)
  3. Geni emails you when the file is ready

Full guides: Ancestry, MyHeritage, FamilySearch, Family Tree Maker, RootsMagic, Gramps, Legacy, WikiTree, Geni.

Once you have your .ged file, drag it into GED-VIEW or use the import button to start exploring your data instantly. No upload, no account needed.

If your exported file seems incomplete, check whether your application has options to include all linked individuals, all private records, and all source citations. Some apps exclude living people by default for privacy reasons. Moving to another site afterwards? Read what transfers and what doesn't. And if the photos did not come along, that is normal.