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Export an Ancestry tree with its photos

Guide ยท 5 min readChecked Sources linked at the end

Ancestry lets you download your tree as a GEDCOM file, but the file has no photos. Download the GEDCOM, save your photos separately, then import both into RootsFree at /tree/. Photos match to people by file name.

Users who need every photo in one pass describe syncing the tree to a paid desktop program first. That route costs money and is not ours to sell, so we quote it as they describe it.

How to move the tree and the photos

  1. Download the GEDCOM. On Ancestry, open the tree, go to Tree Settings, and choose Export tree. Download the .ged file when it is ready.
  2. Save the photos you care about. Open each person's Gallery and download the photos one at a time. Keep them all in one folder.
  3. Or use the sync route users describe. Some users sync the tree to a desktop program, which downloads the media and writes a GEDCOM that names each photo file. See their words below.
  4. Import into RootsFree. At /tree/, import a GEDZIP, or a .ged file plus the photo folder. Photos attach where the file names match.
  5. Export back out any time. RootsFree exports GEDCOM 7 GEDZIP with photos inside, GEDCOM 5.5.1, and JSON.

In their own words

Ancestry's export leaves media out entirely, and Ancestry does not offer a bulk download of the gallery from the browser either.

GED-View guide, read

Ancestry has started blocking outside services from downloading media files.

MyHeritage help center, read

If I synch to ancestry with Family Tree Maker (FTM), I can include all the media.

r/Genealogy user, read

You can download the images from all the Ancestry sources when you sync your trees.

r/Genealogy user, read

all of my families pictures are forever being held hostage

Trustpilot review of Ancestry, read

Questions

Does Ancestry's GEDCOM include photos?

No. The GEDCOM holds people, dates, places and sources, but not the photo files.

Will RootsFree keep my living relatives private?

Your tree lives in your browser. Exports leave living people out by default.

Go to the records

Related guides

Move your tree from MyHeritageExport the GEDCOM, save the photos, import both. What users say about MyHeritage billing, quoted. Cancel Ancestry without surprise feesAncestry's own words on renewal, the two-day rule and the six-month plan fee, then the steps. FamilySearch vs Ancestry: what users sayFree records versus a paid index. What r/Genealogy users say about each, quoted with links.