For many years, Personal Ancestral File (PAF) was one of the most widely used genealogy programs. While it is no longer supported, countless family historians still have valuable data stored in PAF files. If you want to keep your research up to date, moving that data into a modern program is the best step forward. Legacy Family Tree is an excellent choice, and in this guide, we’ll explain how to import a PAF file into Legacy Family Tree easily.

Why Import a PAF File into Legacy?

Importing ensures your family history data remains safe, accessible, and supported by modern software. Legacy Family Tree not only supports PAF files but also gives you access to advanced features like charting, reporting, multimedia storage, and integration with FamilySearch. By transferring your records, you’ll have more powerful tools for discovering and sharing your family’s history.

Steps to Import a PAF File into Legacy Family Tree

1. Open Legacy Family Tree – Start the software on your Windows computer.

2. Create or Open a File – You can import into an existing Legacy file or create a new one.

3. Go to the Import Option – From the main menu, click on File > Import > PAF File.

4. Select Your PAF File – Browse your computer to locate the .paf file you wish to import.

5. Follow the Prompts – Legacy will guide you through the import process. You can choose how to handle duplicates, source citations, and multimedia.

6. Review Your Data – Once imported, check your tree to ensure everything transferred correctly.

Tips for a Smooth Import

• Back Up First – Always keep a copy of your original PAF file before importing.

• Check Media Links – If your PAF file included photos or sound files, verify that they display properly in Legacy.

• Use GEDCOM if Needed – If you face issues, exporting your PAF file as a GEDCOM and then importing it into Legacy is another reliable option.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to import a PAF file into Legacy Family Tree is a simple but important step in preserving your genealogy research. With Legacy’s powerful features, you’ll have a modern, supported program to continue building your family history. Whether you’re just starting out or managing decades of research, Legacy gives you the tools to keep your ancestry organized, accurate, and ready to share with future generations.