GPKG File Extension

What is GPKG file?

Files with GPKG extension contain compressed data packaged for GRAMPS genealogy software - Genealogical Research and Analysis Management Programming System. The tool was developed by Don Allingham in Python using PyGobject library. The purpose of this application is to be used as a tool for genealogy study. GRAMPS is a free, open-source application. Data saved in GRAMPS Package Format use XML format and additional multimedia files. GPKG is a fully portable format.

Types of data in GPKG files

Native data format used by GRAMPS, GPKG, is used to store complete genealogy tree data. It is a portable format supported by all versions of GRAMPS. Each GPKG archive files holds the following objects:

• GRAMPS XML file with .GRAMPS extension containing standardized data and backup copies; used by default on older versions of GRAMPS,
• multimedia objects such as audio, images, video, or notes,
• other metadata.

Genealogy tree contain information related to persons, their relations, places or events, etc. Alternative tree format based on database file is also supported (.GRDB format).

Managing GPKG files - importing and exporting projects

GRAMPS packages can be used to import, store and share data. These features are available form File - Export menu option, which allows to choose GPKG packages and additional options. Importing files can be done via File menu with Import option. GRAMPS software is actively developed.

Programs which support GPKG file extension

Below is a table that list programs that support GPKG files. Files with GPKG suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 09/21/2023

How to open file with GPKG extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening GPKG files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with GPKG extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with GPKG files.

Step 1. Download and install Gramps

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening GPKG files is that no program that can handle GPKG files is installed on user’s system. The solution is straightforward, just download and install Gramps. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading Gramps installed is by going to developer’s website (SourceForge.net) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update Gramps to the latest version

If the problems with opening GPKG files still occur even after installing Gramps, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Gramps is available. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. The reason that Gramps cannot handle files with GPKG may be that the software is outdated. The most recent version of Gramps is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Gramps Package Format files with Gramps

After installing Gramps (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open GPKG files. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the GPKG file
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Gramps is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open GPKG files and clicking OK.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected GPKG file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select Gramps and click Change for all...
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with GPKG extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Check the GPKG for errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the GPKG file in question. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Verify that the GPKG in question is not infected with a computer virus

Should it happed that the GPKG is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the scanner detected that the GPKG file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If the GPKG file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. When downloading the file with GPKG extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Gramps Package Format file again.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Gramps

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with GPKG extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Gramps Package Format files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with GPKG files affecting older versions of given software.

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