Downloading Pedigrees from FamilySearch Family Tree

Some people will tell you that it cannot be done, but it can, and it is easy.
What cannot be done is downloading pedigrees in GEDCOM format.

But if you use RootsMagic or Ancestral Quest that is not an issue. You simply download the data directly into your RM or AQ database. No GEDCOM file is needed. It should be possible using Legacy Family Tree as well, but I have not tried it personally.

Last week a patron came into the FHC with her MacBook and asked if we could help her download a copy of her genealogy from the Family Tree.

Step 1 was to download and install the free Macintosh versions of RootsMagic and Ancestral Quest. After looking at them both, she decided that AQ was most similar to PAF and so she decided to use it for now.

Step 2 was to create a new (empty) database in AQ, then sign into FS using the FamilySearch menu in AQ.

Step 3 was to create a record of herself in her AQ database, and record the ID number from Family Tree.

Step 4 using the FamilySearch menu she chose to import 10 generations of family lines from Family Tree. She forgot to put a check mark in the box to import spouses, but still ended up importing records for nearly 900 people from Family Tree into her new AQ database.

Step 5 was to link her parents to herself. in her AQ database. I am not sure why this did not happen automatically, but it was easily accomplished.


She was very pleased with the results. From AQ (or RM or Legacy) it is possible to print charts and do searches and analyses that are not possible in FT.

For example, you are going on a family history trip to Chippewa County, Michigan and want to create a list of everyone in your database who was born, married or died there? This is easily done using the software but not on the FamilySearch website.


If patrons come to your FHC with similar requests, this posting will help you provide any assistance needed. If their questions become too technical do not hesitate to refer them to the support system of the appropriate software company, They have instructions for doing this process with their own software.

CAVEAT: FamilySearch does not provide support for "third party" software. i.e. software that is certified by FamilySearch but produced elsewhere,  So this is one instance where you would NOT call FamilySearch Support.