Big news, especially for AncestryDNA customers.
Beginning today, Family Tree DNA will accept AncestryDNA raw data files!!! Secondly, any raw data file transfer, from either Ancestry or 23andMe is $49 for a limited time. Family Tree DNA states that this is an introductory offer, but they don’t say how long this offer extends, so if you’re interested, do the transfer now. If you have already taken the autosomal test at Family Tree DNA, called Family Finder, you don’t need to transfer autosomal data from any other company.
If you’ve taken both the 23andMe test and the Ancestry test, and want to know which one to transfer, Family Tree DNA says that there is no functional difference, so either is fine and they are equivalent.
You can see more information and transfer your data directly at this link:
Why would people want to do this?
One reason is that this allows you to swim in different pools where there are new genetic cousins to match and meet.
However, Family Tree DNA as compared to each company has some additional benefits.
First, as compared to 23andMe, people who test at Family Tree DNA are genealogists, and they tested for genealogy and not health traits, so they are more likely to reply to communications and they are more likely to know something about their family history.
Also, you don’t have to “invite” people at Family Tree DNA and wait for their acceptance to share. Everyone is sharing there, unless they opt out.
Third, for people with whom you have a confirmed relationship, you can see who the two of you match “in common.”
As compared to Ancestry, there are lots of reasons to transfer your data
Family Tree DNA has a chromosome browser, entirely lacking at ancestry, that allows you to confirm your genetic match, not just a genealogy “shaking leaf” match.
Family Tree has a surname search option so that you can search for matches that share common surnames.
Family Tree provides you with e-mail addresses of your matches instead of forcing you to go through a messaging system.
Family Tree DNA allows you to download your matches and their chromosomal segment data to build spreadsheets to further work with and triangulate your data.
Family Tree DNA’s ethnicity percentages are much more realistic than Ancestry’s.
In other words, the tools that Ancestry lacks, which are all tools other than “tree matching,” Family Tree DNA has. If you don’t understand why these are important, this article about why Ancestry needs a chromosome browser will help you understand that your tree matches may not be your genetic matches.
This is a great time to dive right into the Family Tree DNA autosomal pool. The water is fine so come on in and invite your Ancestry friends. Maybe you’ll find out exactly HOW you are related to them, and it may not be the line you think!
