GRAMPS User Manual
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# Getting Started

Starting `GRAMPS` opens the Main window, shown in . You will be prompted to either open an existing database, or to create a new database. `GRAMPS` requires that a database always be open.

Figure 2. GRAMPS Main Window

## Importing data

If you already have a family file created using another genealogy program you can import your GEDCOM file into GRAMPS. To do this you select +File+ + + + + + + ->Import+ ->Import from GEDCOM+ . The GEDCOM Import box will open. Select New Database and click the Browse... button to select your saved GEDCOM file (`filename.ged`). Click OK to select the file and then click OK to import the file. The GEDCOM Import Status will tell you what the importer is doing and a little bit about your file (file location, which program created it, the version, Encoding, Number of Families, Number of People, and the Number of Errors). Once the Importer is done, you can click Close and start editing/adding to your file.

## Entering Data

If you have never used a genealogy program or you do not have a GEDCOM file to import, you can start creating your database right away. From the main window click the Add Person button and the Edit Person dialog will open. Enter in the information you have on the first person. Start with their general information (Name, Birth and Death Date/Place) and then move on to the Names, Events, Attributes, Addresses, Notes, Gallery, and Internet tabs and fill in the known information you have. Some of the information you enter has a Source button and/or a Note button. These buttons are there to add more information (Source button to add the source of where you acquired the information and the Note button to add more detail to the information)

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Running GRAMPS for the first time. |  | People View