How do I import a massive GEDCOM from Geni.com?

Question

Hi there, I have an extensive family tree running on geni.com, and I'd like to import it into wiki-tree.  As it's too large (1500 profiles) I need to split it, but geni.com doesn't seem able to do this.  I went through the whole mission of checking matches etc, just to read after it's to big to import :(  will teach me to read before doing!  Any help would be appreciated.

 

Regards,

Willie

Answer 1

Welcome to WikiTree, Willie!  I, too, have a very large family tree (more than 5,000), and I have not yet imported all of it into WikiTree.  I highly recommend that you start by importing a very small part of your gedcom - no more than 100 people - as a trial to see how it looks and how much work will be involved in cleaning up your profiles.  I started with an import of 500 people, and I regretted it because of all the work involved.  Had I imported a smaller number, I would have seen what I could do to better prepare my files before importing them. You may want to read Before importing a GEDCOM. 

I don't mean to discourage you, though.  Once you see what your trial import looks like, you'll be prepared to split your gedcom into manageable parts and be on your way to adding your family to the one family tree.  And continue to post your questions in this G2G forum.  There are lots of helpful people here who willingly share their experience and insights.

Comments

I agree with Star. I imported two large GEDCOM's from Family Tree Maker, there is so much clean up to do afterward. Given the chance to do it again I would cut and paste individual profiles, plus it gives you a chance to review your past work. With over 5000 names there will be many that wont be added because of duplications with existing WikiTree files requiring merges...it can be overwhelming. Like Star though I don't mean to discourage just want to let you know about the work involved.

Answer 2

The link for splitting GEDCOM  files is here

http://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Splitting_a_GEDCOM

I do however agree with Star and advise to keep it very small at first, you will probably find it is less work to just recreate the files.