Files with the file extension GED are associated with multiple programs and applications which include GEDCOM Genealogy, Game Editor, Wicat, and EnerGraphics. GED files contain data that pertains to the program that created them.
GED files which are associated with GEDCOM Genealogy store data relevant to genealogy research. In this case, GED stands for Genealogical Data Communications and is an ASCII text file type which can be used with multiple platforms and a variety of different software applications that assist with genealogy research.
If the file extension GED is created by Game Editor, the file will contain data related to game development and editing. This type of file is typically used along with a primary game folder that contains the resources you need to run a gaming application.
GED file extensions that were created with Wicat are very old graphics formats which originate from a card-based computer that used the Motorola MC68000 processor. Wicat stands for World Institute for Computer Based Training, which produced one of the first computers to use a Motorola processor. In addition to monochrome graphics, the machine produced a video-disc overlay with color graphics.
GED files created by EnerGraphics are also a very old file type. It originates from microcomputers which convert numbers to graphics for the purpose of data analysis, 3D drawing, and custom graphics. The file format has since been replaced with more modern CAD (Computer Aided Design) software programs.
How to Open GED Files
Since GED files can be associated with multiple programs, double click on the file extension to see if it automatically opens in a default application. If the file was created on your PC, chances are you have the appropriate program installed for opening it.
If the GED file is associated with GEDCOM and you use Windows, you can open and view the contents using GeneWeb or Roots Magic, which is software designed for performing genealogical research. Programs such as Ages, LifeLines, and Taurus Family Tree will also open GED files from GEDCOM.
If you use Mac OS X, you can open GEDCOM GED files using GEDitCOM which is a genealogy software application for opening and editing genealogy files. You can also use GeneWeb, Leister Productions Reunion, and Taurus Family Tree, which is a java application for working with genealogical data.
For the Linux operating system, you can use LifeLines, which is an open source software application for working with genealogical data or GeneWeb. Gramps will also open GED files and is a free software application that is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux.
If the GED file was created using Game Editor, it is necessary to use Game Editor to open this type of file. Game Editor works with Windows and Linux and is an open source game editing program for game development. You can obtain a free download of Game Editor from the CNET website.
GED files which have been created by Wicat or EnerGraphics are quite obsolete due to being an old file type. Very little is known about opening and viewing these files types.
