Storing multimedia content files

There are five ways to store multimedia content within GEDKeeper: store the file in its' original place and use an absolute pathname as a reference, relative path, use file "storage" (a directory), or use a file archive (ZIP), web link. Each method has its own advantages.

You can use any or all these methods freely.


Use case that ensures file path reliability and independence from internal path storage methods in GEDKeeper (archive, storage):

Advantages: short path to the file in the database, storage can be located next to the file, organization of files in the folder is as convenient.


In case the user has a primary preferred method - in the program settings for such cases there is a special option for the default method of storing multimedia. If you set it - in the dialog for adding and editing multimedia records, the desired method is always automatically the first one.


Important: It is recommended to always have a copy of the database and the entire array of multimedia files in cloud storage.


Important: GEDKeeper does not have the technical ability to track changes in file names or their locations if they were added using direct or relative links. Therefore, it is not recommended to change the name or location of a file after it has been added to the database. It is also not recommended to attempt to reorganize files in the storage folder.


Important: when using the GEDKeeper program on Windows 10/11 operating systems, if there is a space at the end of the database file name (for example, "Database .ged"), multimedia files saved in the storage may not open in the program due to the occurrence of system errors accessing the storage folder with a space at the end of the name (the storage folder is always created with exactly the same name as the database).


See also: Media records.