Importing data with a GEDCOM - new FH user

willowherb · Post by **willowherb** » 08 Jan 2011 00:25

Hi

I have just got FH as my Christmas present and have started to play with it but have come up against a problem which I can't seem to find an existing answer for...

In my previous software I have 2 custom records for each individual ( call it Field1 and Field2) . I have managed to import these successfully and can see them sitting on the ALL tab on the Property Box.

Try as I might, I am now defeated on how I can start to use them in FH. How do I get them added to the main tab or as a FACT?

Many thanks
Fiona[confused]

ID:4930

YouTube · Post by **Jane** » 08 Jan 2011 09:05

I suspect your custom fields were not exported as invalid GEDCOM (Generations is a major culprit for this) and have been imported as UDF data (little starbursts next to them in the all tab).

Depending on the number you have it's normally reasonably easy to edit the GEDCOM file in the text editor to fix them.

If you look at the GEDCOM file in a text editor for your fields how do they show up?

willowherb · Post by **willowherb** » 08 Jan 2011 12:28

I am looking at it in WORDPAD and they show up like this:

1 GEDC
2 VERS 5.5
2 FORM LINEAGE_LINKED
1 CHAR IBM WINDOWS
0 @I1@ INDI
1 NAME James /HAWORTH/
1 SEX M
1 BIRT
2 DATE ABT 1811
2 PLAC Lancaster
1 DEAT
2 DATE 26 DEC 1883
2 SOUR @S5@
1 BURI
2 PLAC Immanuel
2 SOUR @S5@
1 OCCU Grinder(31),Carder (41),Carding Master(61),Overlooker in Cotton Mill(81)
1 FAML 13
1 NOTN 155
1 UREF 41.148
1 FAMS @F1@
1 CHAN
2 DATE 3 AUG 2010

It is the FAML, NOTN, UREF that I need to copy over ( I can sort out the source stuff OK as I am using the exercise as an opportunity to standardise my sources.

Yes - it did come from Generations!

Thanks

Fiona

YouTube · Post by **Jane** » 08 Jan 2011 12:47

There are a few ways to do this.

I would guess FAML is Family Line? So it's best treated as an Attribute

No Idea what NOTN is, but again an attribute should suit.

If UREF is a unique reference it would be best converted to a custom ID.

I do have a program I have been working on to switch Generations items to valid FH GEDCOM, but I am afraid it's not very user friendly at this point. However if you would be happy to send me you file I can run it through and flick the items over for you and send you file back.

Alternately you can go through your file and do the following (in a text editor (PsPad is free and works well):

Replace 1 UREF with 1 REFN

For the Attributes it's more complex as you need to

Change the value for _ATTR and then add a new line underneath with the Attribute name for example

Code: Select all

1 NOTN 155 
would become
1 _ATTR 155 
2 TYPE NOTN
or
1 _ATTR 155 
2 TYPE Notation

YouTube · Post by **Jane** » 09 Jan 2011 09:47

Looking at Mike's solution to someone else's problem you might be able to use regular expressions to fix the Attributes.

See How to reverse Place data

willowherb · Post by **willowherb** » 09 Jan 2011 12:18

Thanks for the advice so far...

I have been doing a little more playing and reading - why can't I make them into custom attributes using the customise dialog? I could then put them on a new tab

I know that is a bit of a pain as it carries over to every project but better on a separate tab

And if I do..what horrible things am I letting myself in for??

Fiona

Post by **tatewise** » 09 Jan 2011 14:01

In effect that is what Jane is suggesting.
The edits for FAML and NOTN convert these unrecognised tags into FH customised attributes using the _ATTR tag followed by the TYPE tag that defines the custom attribute name.
These will appear on your FH Property Box - Fact tab.
You then use FH Tools > Work with Fact Sets to define matching custom fact definitions.

YouTube · Post by **Jane** » 09 Jan 2011 15:15

. . . and
You can add a custom tab for for your new attributes on a new tab or on the main tab if you prefer.

willowherb · Post by **willowherb** » 11 Jan 2011 22:12

Just to say thanks to you both for your advice.

I downloaded the editor prog as suggested, had a play and tweaked the file to add in _ATTRs.

I have NOT had to use a custom set of attributes - they just seem to be there! (should I be worried about that?)

Thanks again

Fiona[smile]

Post by **tatewise** » 12 Jan 2011 09:44

Your edited GEDCOM tags are now recognisable to FH and appear in your Facts in default custom attribute style.
However, in the Property Box the Sentence at the bottom of the Fact tab might not be phrased the way you would prefer for your custom attributes.
Each Sentence will also appear in Narrative Reports when you come to produce them.
If you use the Tools > Work with Fact Sets > New button you can define matching custom attributes that specify a Template for each Sentence.
Click on the Help button for details about all the Fact Definition Dialog fields & buttons.

willowherb · Post by **willowherb** » 12 Jan 2011 17:43

Thanks again for the very helpful advice on this issue.

I am sure when I really get to play with my new toy then thre will be loads more questions!

Fiona

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