For FREE: Find DNA matches with FamilyTreeDNA

If you have already completed DNA testing with 23andMe, MyHeritage, or AncestryDNA, you are in luck! You can use your raw DNA data file to access a number of other sites. One of these sites is FamilyTreeDNA, which will give you access to their Family Finder Matrix. With this tool, you can find any relatives who have used their platform!

What is FamilyTreeDNA?

FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA) is a testing company that focuses on genetic genealogy. It offers a DNA test kit that can give you results like an ethnicity estimate, potential migration paths your ancestors took, and even your maternal and paternal haplogroups. FTDNA is based out of England, making their test a great choice for users with a European heritage. 

How to use FTDNA for free

Simply download your raw DNA file from the company you purchased a DNA test kit from. FTDNA accepts files from AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and MyHeritage. You should check this list of all files and file versions accepted by FTDNA to make sure yours is compatible. Once you have downloaded your raw data, head over to the FTDNA Autosomal Transfer page.

Here, you can create an account and upload your file. The process will take a few minutes as the company’s computers read and analyze your file. After this process is complete, you will have access to the Family Finder Matrix. This program finds your family members within the FTDNA database.

What do you get for free?

Access to the Family Finder Matrix is the only service FTDNA provides for free. Through the Matrix, FTDNA will connect you to any of their users you are directly related to. The test will use your autosomal DNA test and compare your results to other users. Depending on how much you match the DNA from another user, the company can tell you how closely you are related to them. This makes it a great tool for users looking to reconnect with a long-lost family member, or adoptees trying to find relatives.

You can upgrade for more

If you like the Family Finder Matrix and want to see what other tools FTDNA has to offer, you can upgrade to their full suite of autosomal DNA tools for $20.

These tools include a chromosome browser, as well as reports on your recent and deep ancestry with myOrigins and ancientOrigins. These reports include an ethnicity breakdown, and information about your family history and migration routes. 

Unfortunately, you cannot get access to the reports about maternal and paternal haplogroups, because this information is not measured by 23andMe, MyHeritage, or AncestryDNA. If you want this information, you will have to purchase the Y-DNA test and mtDNA tests from FTDNA.

Other Sites to Use Your Raw DNA Data With

If FTDNA doesn’t quite fit your needs, no worries! There are plenty of other companies ready and willing to analyze your DNA data. Many of them also offer free services.

To find out more DNA upload sites, check out our article "The Best DNA Upload Sites"