How to participate in a genetic genealogy investigation
Step 1. Take three DNA tests
Purchase and complete DNA tests from AncestryDNA (basic kit), 23andMe (Ancestry Service kit), and MyHeritage (basic DNA kit).
Step 2. Download one of your DNA files
To download your DNA file from AncestryDNA click this link and follow the instructions:
https://support.ancestry.com/s/article/Downloading-AncestryDNA-Raw-Data
To download your DNA file from MyHeritage click this link and follow the instructions: https://www.myheritage.com/help-center/en/article/how-do-i-download-my-raw-dna-data-file-from-myheritage
Do not open the “.zip” or “.gz” file after it downloads. (If you use a Mac this might happen automatically, but the original file is likely in your Trash.)
Step 3. Upload your DNA file to GEDmatch and FamilyTreeDNA
GEDmatch and FamilyTreeDNA have DNA research tools that aren’t available in AncestryDNA or 23andMe.
GEDmatch
To upload to GEDmatch follow these instructions: https://www.gedmatch.com/how-it-works/
Make a note of your GEDmatch kit number (two letters followed by seven numbers) after you’ve uploaded. The kit number is what you’ll share with others to compare matches.
FamilyTreeDNA
- Create a free FamilyTreeDNA account: https://www.familytreedna.com/autosomal-transfer
- Follow the instructions to upload your raw DNA data file from the other company.
- Note: Not all raw DNA files are transferrable. To see exactly which files may be transferred to Family Tree DNA, see: Autosomal Transfers.