The landscape of genetic genealogy is forever morphing.
I’m providing a quick update as to which vendors support file transfers from which other vendors in a handy matrix.
Come join in the fun!
Testing and Transfer Strategy
Using the following chart, you can easily plan a testing and transfer strategy.
Click on image to enlarge.
| Caveats and footnotes as follows:
1. After May 2016, the Ancestry test is only partly compatible, meaning you receive your closest matches (about 20-25% of the total) but won’t receive distant matches due to chip incompatibility. However, beginning in April 2019, when Family Tree DNA implemented the Illumina GSA chip, Ancestry files are receiving all matches. |
| 2. The 23andMe December 2010 (V3) version is fully compatible. December 2013-August 2017 (V4) and August 2017 (V5) tests are partly compatible meaning you receive your closest matches (about 20-25% of the total) but won’t receive distant matches due to chip incompatibility. However, beginning in April 2019, when Family Tree DNA implemented the Illumina GSA chip, 23andMe V4 and V5 files are receiving all matches. |
| 3. GedMatch has been working to resolve autosomal matching issues between vendor’s chips. Patience is a key word. |
| 4. LivingDNA does not yet have full blown matching (I have one match), which has been in the testing phase for months, and has recently changed chip vendors. |
| 5. Customer must extract the file using a file utility before it can be uploaded. LivingDNA indicates that they are working on a simpler solution. |
| 6. Files transferred to LivingDNA must be in build 37 format. |
| 4-12-2019 update – please note that MyHeritage does not accept 23andMe V2 files, only V3, V4 and V5.
Recommendations My recommendations are as follows, and why:
Transfer Costs Autosomal transfers and matching are free at the vendors who accept transfers, but payment for advanced tools is required.
All great values! Please note that as vendors change testing chips and file formats, other vendors who accept transfers will need time to adapt. I know it’s frustrating sometimes, but it’s a sign that technology is moving forward. The good news is that after the wait, if there is one, you’ll have a brand new group of genealogy matches – many holding clues for you to decipher. I’m in all of the databases, so see you there. |
Disclosure
I receive a small contribution when you click on the link to one of the 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.