Putting family tree details into database

[Roobarb]

I have recently learnt how to use Access databases and have started to set up my family tree details in one. However, it's taking rather a long time! I use Family Tree Maker - is there any quick way of exporting the data to a database?

                                                           

[downside]

It is a bit of a tricky task.  FTM will use an ID number for each individual and as you are aware you will have to give each individual a unique ID number in Access.  Those 2 numbers would have to be the same in both your Access database and the extracted FTM database.

You could export a gedcom file out of FTM and then fiddle around with it using NotePad.  You will have to create 4 separate text files from the gedom file that contain:

Individuals (I numbers)
Groups (F numbers)
Notes (N numbers)
Sources (S numbers)

You will then have to have 4 separate tables in Access that contain the same structure as the gedcom file i.e. the same field names.  You can then import the text files into Access into the appropriate table.

So the bottom line is it is not going to be easy.

I believe that there is some software that can extract certain data from a gedcom file and put it into an Excel format.  It won't extract all of the information and you probably will not be able to make a relational database out of it.

[Roobarb]

Mmmmmm..... don't think I'll bother Downside! As you say, it sounds quite complicated and I don't want every record anyway, just the close rellies. I'll put them in manually, it will be good practice for me!
Thanks for your help

[RJ_Paton]

There are utilities about that will convert a Gedcom file to a CSV (Comma Seperated Value) file which can be imported by Access to form a database.

I haven't used this particular one before but have used others

http://www.oxy-gen-soft.net/index_en.php

[downside]

The other thing to mention is that you can extract a partial gedcom in FTM by running an Outline Descendancy Report on a specific branch of a family by selecting the ancestor at the top of a branch and then saving the report as a gedcom file.

[mike175]

I found "Ged2Csv" easy to use.

http://www.infused-solutions.com/

[Roobarb]

Thanks folks, I'm a novice with Access but might have a go, I'm pretty computer literate in other things. Must admit I'm a bit wary of shareware though

                                 

[RJ_Paton]

Must admit I'm a bit wary of shareware though

Some of the best software available .....

The link I posted is to a free utility although as you are wary of shareware there are commercial alternatives available.