Offering everything from genetic ancestry reports to wellness profiles, DNA upload options seem to be everywhere these days. But are they worth your time and money? If you’re hoping to learn more about your genetic heritage, the answer is likely yes.
Whether you tested though Ancestry, MyHeritage, 23andMe or Family Tree DNA, it’s important to know that the raw data from that test can often be uploaded to additional genetic databases for access to unique ethnicity reports, cousin matches, tools and insights.
And, for the most part, these DNA upload options are available for free, or at a very low cost. It’s actually quite easy to do and can be a great deal of fun as part of your journey to use genetic genealogy in your research.
How and Where to Upload Raw DNA Data for Genealogy in 2024
Because this guide is focused on genetic genealogy for recent heritage (autosomal tests) we have not included projects focused on mtDNA, Y-DNA or health.
Why should I upload my DNA data to other sites?
- Varied Genetic Ancestry Reports: Because each testing company analyzes raw data, and organizes geographic communities and diasporas a bit differently, you will find that your ethnicity reports (also known as admixture, ancestry or heritage reports) from each site are unique. While there will likely be overlaps, you may discover deeper insights into regions on one site versus another, making it well worth your time and the small expense.
- Unique Database of Potential Cousins: While some people have uploaded their raw DNA data to multiple databases, most have only tested with one company. That means that each time you upload your data you are gaining the opportunity to match with a whole new set of individuals.
- Different DNA Tools: Each company on our list offers different tools (and search filters) for better understanding your genetic heritage. Whether that’s a better chromosome browser, ethnicity reports, unique family tree integration, or increased search filtering and functionality, the variety of tools can help you turn up unique data.
Is uploading my DNA safe and private?
Choosing to share any personal information online always carries some level of risk. You need to decide if you are comfortable with these risks. While privacy has been a top concern for all of the testing companies mentioned on this page, we encourage you to read their terms and privacy policies before uploading so that you can make your own decisions.
It is also good to know that you do not need to use your real name when testing your DNA or uploading your data to other sites. You can chose to use initials or any other name you feel comfortable with. The same is true for email addresses. You can create an email address just for this purpose to help you further maintain your privacy.
You may also delete your data from these sites at any time.
How can I download my raw DNA data?
To download your DNA data you will need to visit the website associated with the DNA test you took and look for a raw data download link. You can often find instructions for doing this in the help documents of the site.
It is important to remember that each company on this list accepts DNA data from some, but usually not all, of the available testers. Every one of them accepts Ancestry’s DNA data, so if you have tested with them you will have the easiest time. However, MyHeritage, FTDNA and 23andMe are also widely accepted.
If you have tested with AncestryDNA your raw data can be found by clicking on your user icon in the menu bar, selecting Account Settings and then DNA. Scroll to the bottom of the DNA page to download your raw data.
Family History Daily may earn a fee to support our work if you chose to take advantage of some of the upload options on this page.
What are the best places to upload my DNA to?
These are the best places to upload your DNA if you want to better understand your genetic heritage:
- GEDmatch – very large database, multiple admixture reports and advanced tools
- MyHeritage DNA – cousin matching in a large global database, access to family trees and easy-to-read ethnicity report
- Family Tree DNA – origins report, cousin matching and Y-DNA haplogroup
- Living DNA – detailed ethnicity report, Neanderthal, Denisovan and Viking ancestry
GEDmatch Raw DNA Upload
GEDmatch is the original free database for uploading your DNA to gain additional tools for analysis, and to connect with cousins from around the world. While this site is definitely more confusing to navigate and use than some of the others, you’ll benefit from having a wide variety of advanced tools and reports..
GEDmatch accepts raw data from AncestryDNA, MyHeritage DNA, Living DNA, Family Tree DNA, 23andMe and tellmeGen and uploading and using many of the core features is free. A $10 monthly fee is charged if you chose to take advantage of some of the more advanced tools (Tier 1), but this is optional.
One of the unique aspects of GEDmatch is that they offer a variety of different ethnicity reports (admixture) from various sources. While these reports will not look like what you may have received from a testing site like Ancestry or MyHeritage, they can help you gain fascinating insights into your heritage.
The specialized reports include:
- MDLP – global focus
- Dodecad – European, Asian, or North African ancestry
- Eurogenes – Europeans with options to test for Jewish ancestry
- HarappaWorld – Southeast Asia
- Ethiohelix – African
- puntDNAL – ancient DNA groups
- GedrosiaDNA – Eurasian and Sub-Saharan African DNA
A number of these reports have several variations as well, Eurogenes offers one just to see if you have Jewish (Ashkenazi) ancestry, as mentioned above.
Here’s what the admixture report for my own kit (using MDLP) looks like:
And one using Eurogenes K13 version for the same kit:
Clicking on the Oracle links will provide interpretations of your data by comparing it to varied population clusters to estimate your genetic profile. It helps to have an understanding of your heritage through genealogical research when reading this information.
GEDmatch also has one of the largest databases of potential matches in the world and many advanced tools for determining how you may be related to someone. Members can also choose to upload a GEDCOM (family tree) and attach it to their kit number to help aid in making genealogical connections.
You’ll find an advanced chromosome browser, archaic DNA analysis, triangulation options and many other tools you won’t find anywhere else.
To upload your raw DNA to GEDmatch, join at no cost here and then follow the instructions for adding your data.
MyHeritage Upload Option
MyHeritage has been in the DNA game for awhile now and offers a great ethnicity report and some solid tools – including a chromosome browser – and cousin matches from a global database. If you upload with MyHeritage you’ll likely find matches from all over the world (which is less common with tests like Ancestry).
MyHeritage’s upload page states they accept raw data from AncestryDNA, MyHeritage DNA, and 23andMe, but other raw files – such as those from Living DNA – may work.
Uploading your DNA and getting cousin matches with MyHeritage is free. If you would like to get the ethnicity estimate and use the chromosome browser and some other tools you will need to pay $29 unless you have an active MyHeritage subscription.
Here is my current ancestry report (they call them Ethnicity Estimates) from MyHeritage.
To upload your DNA to MyHeritage visit this page and follow the instructions. You may want to log in first if you already have an account with them. You can also get a free trial of their subscription here and then upload your DNA to access all features.
Read more about the DNA features on MyHeritage here.
Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) Uploads
Family Tree DNA was one of the first companies to offer genetic testing for genealogy and is still a great site to explore.
You can upload data from an Ancestry or MyHeritage test (if your results were received after 2019) and get cousin matching at no cost. The charge for all of the tools in their Family Finder package after that is $19. This will give you access to the chromosome browser, matching with ancient European DNA and a genetic ancestry report called MyOrigins.
I have found MyOrigins to be the least accurate at providing ancestral DNA percentages of all of the tests and uploads I have done. It doesn’t feel like they have kept pace with other providers, such as Ancestry and MyHeritage.
However, this is only my own experience and yours may differ significantly, as is common with heritage estimates. But they do offer some unique tools like the ability to easily compare your report with those of other testers you match with.
Here is my current MyOrigins report:
A unique aspect of FTDNA is that they now also provide a Y-DNA haplogroup to biologically male uploaders.
FTDNA is also one of two companies on this list that offer separate tests for mtDNA (mitochondrial DNA passed from mother to child only) and Y-DNA (passed from father to son only). To get results for mtDNA or full results from Y-DNA you will need to order a kit and take a test for this separately, but the basic Y-DNA haplogroup is included in the upload.
To upload your raw data to Family Tree DNA head to this page and follow the instructions.
Living DNA Uploads
Living DNA is not as well known as some of the other tests on this list but they offer one of the most unique and detailed heritage reports available.
Living DNA accepts raw DNA data from AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, 23andMe, Family Tree DNA, Gene by Gene and Genographic. There is no cost to upload and you will receive a basic genetic ancestry report and cousin matching (requires a separate opt-in).
You can upgrade at various prices to receive more advanced ancestry information as well as several other reports, such as one for Neanderthal, Denisovan and Viking genetic history.
Here is my Living DNA report (complete ancestry – which requires a test with them or an upgrade price when uploading):
Like FTDNA, Living DNA also offers both mtDNA and Y-DNA haplogroups – but only if you test with them directly. These are included in the kit price, unlike FTDNA, but are not as detailed (depending on which FTDNA test you chose).
To upload your data to Living DNA visit this page homepage, scroll down to find the “Upload your DNA for free” button, click it and follow the instructions.
Can I upload my raw DNA to Ancestry?
At this time, AncestryDNA does not allow uploads of raw data from other testing companies. To gain access to their ethnicity report and relative matching system you will need to test directly with them.
This is one of the reasons that we suggest, if you are only going to take just one DNA test, to do it with Ancestry. You can then upload your data to the other sites shown above.
So that you may compare the heritage reports shown above with what you will find on Ancestry, here is my current report with them:
In addition to the cousin matching you’ll receive, you can see from the ethnicity reports on this page that each of the included companies provides a different interpretation of genetic heritage – making DNA uploads an important (and interesting) addition to your research.
More help with your genetic genealogy research can be found here.
By Melanie Mayo, Family History Daily Editor