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Family Tree DNA Step by Step Guide: How to Upload-Download DNA Files

Roberta Estes

In this Upload-Download Series, we’ll cover each major vendor:

You can both upload autosomal data files from another vendor to FamilyTreeDNA, and download from FamilyTreeDNA. Please note that downloading a copy of your raw data file from any vendor does not interfere with your matches at that vendor.

Uploading DNA Files TO Family Tree DNA

Please note that the name of FamilyTreeDNA‘s autosomal test is the Family Finder test. FamilyTreeDNA also offers Y DNA (male paternal line only) and mitochondrial DNA (matrilineal line only for both sexes) tests, so the Family Finder name differentiates the autosomal test from those other types of genealogical tests.

If you have already taken the Family Finder test at FamilyTreeDNA‘or already uploaded an autosomal DNA file from another vendor, there’s no need to upload a second file.

However, if you haven’t yet uploaded an autosomal file, now’s the time!

Upload Step 1

On the main Family Tree DNA page, click on “Upload DNA Data,” at the top.

Upload Step 2

Click on  “Autosomal DNA.”

Upload Step 3

Complete the form.

If you already have tested Y or mitochondrial DNA at Family Tree DNA, click on “Already have a Family Tree DNA account,” beneath the grey bar so that your uploaded test can be integrated with your existing account which will allow you to use the advanced matching tools.

Sign on to your account, then in the upper right-hand corner of your page, click on “Add Ons and Upgrades” and select DNA Transfer Options.

Then click “Transfer Now.”

If you have already taken the Family Finder test at FamilyTreeDNA, there’s no need to upload your autosomal DNA from any other vendor, so you’re all set.

To continue the upload process, you’ll need to tell FamilyTreeDNA which vendor’s file you’re uploading.

Upload Step 4

Select the vendor test that you are going to upload. Uploads accepted include:

If you select “MyHeritage,” you will be redirected to MyHeritage to log in and select your kit for transfer/upload.

If you select either 23andMe or Ancestry DNA, you will be directed to either drag and drop your data file from that vendor or browse to upload.

Family Tree DNA provides a step-by-step guide, including a video, for accessing your raw data files from those vendors by clicking here.

You will be assigned a Family Tree DNA kit number. After your results are processed, you can sign in to see your matches.

Upload Step 5

The upload to Family Tree DNA is free and so is viewing your matches along with basic tools. However, for additional tools, such as ethnicity and the chromosome browser, you’ll need to purchase the $19 unlock. This is a great value, as compared to retesting at the regular price of $79.

You will be prompted for the “Unlock” purchase if you click on either the Chromosome Browser button, the Ethnicity button or other advanced tools on your dashboard after your results are finished.

Downloading Your DNA File FROM Family Tree DNA

Download – Step 1

To download your raw autosomal DNA file from Family Tree DNA, click on the “See More” link in the Family Finder section on your dashboard. Then, click on “Data Download.”

Alternatively, you can select the “Download Raw Data” option at the top of the page under Results and Tools, then Autosomal DNA.

Download Step 2

You will be given the option of downloading different versions of your raw data file.

Different vendors request different types of files, but most specify the Build 37 concatenated file which includes all 22 chromosomes plus the X chromosome.

Click the arrow beside the version you need.

Download Step 3

Save the file in a manner that you’ll recognize. The file name will be something like “37_R_Estes_Chrom_Autoso_20180818.gz”. I append the word FTDNA in front of the 37 so there is no question which vendor’s file this is. The last several digits are the date.

FamilyTreeDNA File Uploads TO Other Vendors

You can upload Family Tree DNA results to other vendors, as follows:

From below to >>>>>>>>>>> Ancestry Accepts MyHeritage Accepts 23andMe Accepts GedMatch Accepts
Family Tree DNA No Yes No Yes

Neither Ancestry nor 23andMe accept uploads from any vendor.

FamilyTreeDNA Uploads FROM Other Vendors

You can upload files from other vendors to Family Tree DNA, as follows:

From Ancestry  From MyHeritage  From 23andMe  From Living DNA
Family Tree DNA Accepts Yes Yes* V3, V4, V5 No

*To upload MyHeritage files to Family Tree DNA, you must have tested at MyHeritage after May 7, 2019.

Testing and Upload Strategy

Uploading to Family Tree DNA is always free, and you can view:

In order to view your ethnicity and use advanced tools like the chromosome browser, you’ll need to purchase the $19 unlock.

Remember that while Ancestry and MyHeritage both have records subscriptions to sell you, Family Tree DNA doesn’t. For Tier 1 tools, GedMatch requires a subscription. At Family Tree DNA, you pay a one-time fee to unlock all of their advanced tools. Every company needs to be profitable to stay in business and develop new tools, and each company has a different product pricing model.

My testing/upload recommendations are as follows relative to Family Tree DNA:

I wrote a step-by-step guide about how to download from Ancestry here.

I wrote a step-by-step guide about how to download your DNA file from and to MyHeritage, here.

I wrote a step-by-step guide about how to download your DNA raw DNA file from 23andMe, here.

Have fun!

Please note that this article was updated in August 2021.

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Disclosure

I receive a small contribution when you click on some of the links to vendors in my articles. This does NOT increase the price you pay but helps me to keep the lights on and this informational blog free for everyone. Please click on the links in the articles or to the vendors below if you are purchasing products or DNA testing.

Thank you so much.

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