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DNA File Upload-Download and Transfer Instructions to and from DNA Testing Companies

Roberta Estes

Some of my most popular articles are the instructions for how to download your DNA files from the various vendors in order to upload and transfer your DNA files to other vendors to obtain more matches.

Now, I’ve put the instructions for all the vendors together in one place. Feel free to share with your friends, family and groups by posting the link to this article.

Why Upload?

People test at multiple vendors or transfer their files in order to:

Transfers, also known as uploads, themselves along with matching is free, but more advanced features require either a full subscription (MyHeritage,) a monthly subscription (GedMatch) or a one-time unlock fee (Family Tree DNA or MyHeritage without a subscription.)

Vendors who welcome uploads and have a full suite of products are:

GedMatch is not a testing vendor. Customers only transfer files from other vendors TO GedMatch to use their tools, not from GedMatch.

Vendors who don’t allow uploads, meaning you must test there, are:

Download and Upload Instructions

Transferring your DNA consists of downloading your raw DNA data file from one vendor and uploading the file to another vendor’s system.

This process does NOT delete your DNA file or results from the original system. That’s an entirely different process, not related to a file download.

Here’s how to transfer – with individual steps for downloading from and uploading to each vendor:

How many new matches will you receive by transferring to each vendor?

Upload a Tree 

Every vendor, except 23andMe, makes use of your family tree, although 23andMe does allow you to link to your tree elsewhere. I link to my MyHeritage, because you don’t have to be a member to view my tree.

Trees from your own desktop software or other vendors can be exported or saved as a GEDCOM file, and uploaded to each vendor. If you already have a tree at the vendors, you’re all set.

If not, this article will help:

Also, don’t forget to link yourself and the tests you manage to your tree. Instructions for linking to a tree at 23andMe are included in this article too.

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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.

DNA Purchases and Free Transfers

Genealogy Services

Genealogy Research

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