In order to enhance my research and that of others, I’m constantly encouraging people to submit a DNA test and upload the results onto GEDmatch.com. It’s a FREE process to transfer onto GEDmatch, and pretty simple, though there are a few steps. I’ve decided to make this step-by-step instructional.
STEP 1 – Log in to Ancestry.com and click on the DNA tab at the top of the screen.
STEP 2 – Click on the Settings cogwheel above the tester’s DNA you wish to use. If you are someone who manages multiple tests, each person will have their own Settings cogwheel.
Step 3 – On the right side of the screen you will see a list of options. Find the “Download your raw DNA data” and click “Get Started”.
Step 4 – You’re prompted to type in your Ancestry.com password; click confirm.
Step 5 – For this step, first you must go to your email and find the confirmation that Ancestry.com has just sent you. Open the email and find a confirmation prompt displayed in the picture below. Click “Confirm Data Download”.
Step 6 – Click the “Download DNA Raw Data” button to initiate the download. Take note the you will want to do this step as soon as you have the option, as it will expire after 7 days. Also note, you must leave this browser window open until the download is complete. If you are not computer savvy, note that you “should” see the download taking process in a download box somewhere on the bottom or top of your screen. It should indicate when the download it complete.
Step 7 – Click on the newly downloaded file and save it somewhere on your desktop where you can easily access it again. It is a large file, so smaller thumb drives may not hold it. You can delete the file from your computer after you’ve uploaded it to GEDmatch.com if you wish and the option to download this again from AncestryDNA is always available.
Step 8 – Go to GEDmatch.com, register for FREE and sign-in. At the top right of the Home Page you will see the section to Upload your Raw DNA. Click the Ancestry.com option and take note to NOT un-zip the raw DNA file before uploading. You do not want to accidentally corrupt the data.
Step 9 – Lastly, fill out the basic information about yourself or the DNA donor who’s DNA you’re managing. At the bottom of the page choose your method to upload the Raw DNA file you saved to your computer in Step 7. Take note of the warning at the bottom of the screen, that the uploading process will take several minutes. Don’t close the page until your upload it complete. At the end of the process, you will be given a Kit # which will also appear on your Home Page. This number is made public on the site and is the number you use to access your DNA on the site. Feel free to share your Kit # with other researchers.
I hope this instructional display was useful. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me through the inquiry form on my website. Happy researching! 🙂
Heritage Genealogy CTM 