This was extremely helpful. I have been on Gedmatch for a long time, but didn't know the best way to research. These sound like some easy first steps to take. Thank you.
I don't have a GEDcom file, so started building one on GEDmatch. It asked first for a mini Family-Tree, which I did. I can not now find a way to add to the mini-tree. Is there a way to do it? Thanks!
You're right. I didn't really have comments on those. However, GEDcom files can give us MRCA scores. I did a follow-up video on that. ruclips.net/video/jB0TJko5alc/видео.html
Hi great learning tool. I am wondering if there is a way for Gedmatch to add a tab to the Gedcom to All matches so that when we confirm a match there is a way to add the family name who we match with. This way when we go into this section on can see which family name they confirmed the match to. thank
Related to the previous comment, I can view the YDNA number on my Father’s half brother (who is now deceased) Through 23&Me, though not sure how would help me find my father’s father. Thanks again.
You are looking to find other more distant matches, cousins, 2nd cousins, 3rd cousins to help you identify which family your father would be from. From there, you would need to do some descendency research to see what family members might be in the location of your father's birth.
I'm adopted, I have no idea who my dna parents were or siblings. If I wanted to try and find my siblings, parents, I assume I would click on the GEDCOM +DNA. Is their a way to tell if I have a sibling, first cousin, ect from that information ?
Actually, you're jumping ahead a few too many steps. Watch this video series that begins with the First Steps For Using DNA to Find Adopted Family Members ruclips.net/video/aqD2q95Y4gY/видео.html. When you get to the end of each video, follow the video recommendation on the last screens to keep learning. Then, after you watch that series, let's talk about building your family tree using DNA matches.
Through 23&Me there are no completely identical DNA segments between my half uncle and myself, and a few half identical. He is a match for me at 1237cm and 16.6 percent shared DNA. So does that confirm he is a half uncle?
On Gedmatch I did the Gedcom+DNA Matches and the first show a good amount of shared cm & largest cm. First is 56.8 shared CM 40.1-Largest. The 2nd is similiar and the others go down from there. What does this exactly mean? Are they people closely related to me?
There are fewer family trees in GEDmatch than DNA kits. And GEDMatch is the smallest of the genetic genealogy companies. It's no surprise when some of the tools have fewer results than other users. However, that's when word of mouth is important for the growth of GEDmatch as a powerful research tool. Feel free to use our videos to help others learn how to use the platform and/or invite them to participate. It might help your research in the long run.
Hi there! When I am in the GEDCOM + DNA and when I put my number and then submit I just get a white page. No results, Errors or anything. Just a white page
Why do you make it look so easy - every person that I type in to search I find nothing - so I have uploaded my tree and even when I put in my father and mother nothing comes up - Why is this please
Sorry to make it look easier than it is. First, recognize that GEDmatch is one of the smallest databases. Your success will depend on whether 1. others have tested and 2. whether they have transfered their information into GEDmatch and 3. if they have uploaded family trees there.
If you use RootsMagic, you can download your family tree (not DNA) from Ancestry. Then you can import your GEDcom file from MyHeritage (not DNA) into the RootsMagic file with your Ancestry information. You'll run a MANUAL merge to see the differences between the trees. This isn't something that can be done on GEDmatch.
I use the DNA to GEDCOM feature very, very frequently. However, interesting situation here... So, for many of the DNA kits that I manage, they tested at 23andMe with the V5 chip, so I had to upload their kits to Genesis (before the merge). To be able to get their kits on FamilyTreeDNA, I had to convert their DNA profiles to the V3 chip (using the DNA Kit Studio application). When I did this, I also uploaded the converted kits to the original GEDmatch. Now that the original GEDmatch and Genesis have merged, there are two kits for each of these people (the V5 one and the converted V3 one). I would delete the converted V3 one, HOWEVER, when I run the V5 kit through the "DNA to GEDCOM" feature, I get different matches (some the same, some different) than when I run that same person's V3 kit, and vice versa (there are kits that match the V3 version and not the V5 one). The results on both do seem to be genuine as I've been able to find genuine tree matches on both. So, I've decided to keep both versions on the new GEDmatch, since both have given us valuable clues that the other one hasn't. I'm happy to share an example on a kit I manage (same kit, one V5 one V3) to demonstrate what I mean...
I haven't used PAF since the support for the program was discontinued. If I remember correctly, you can start with your target person (likely yourself) in the export tree option. Then select family for direct ancestors. Then click on your ancestors and click their direct descendants. (IF they have an option to exclude spouses, click that). When you export your GEDcom file, then make sure you're not including LDS information, notes, and so forth. You simply want a basic tree with no sources and no 'extra' relatives. Once you have done that, chose the option to export your file to a new GEDcom file and upload that. If that can't be done in PAF, then use RootsMagic. There's a free version and it's a close cousin to PAF.
Forgive me, I'm not entirely sure what you mean. Most tools on GEDmatch require you to run a test using one of your DNA kits. Then you'll see kit numbers for the user and a username. You can then use those matching kit numbers to use on other GEDmatch tools.
If a GedCom match comes up and I know my ancestor's information is accurate, but the other GedCom person has a different name, parents, location, etc., at what level is the DNA match? Is it saying some people in both trees share DNA, and these two ancestors appear to be similar? Or is it saying this is the actual person that matches, and since I know my information is all correct (based on personal knowledge and confirmed sources), then their information is all incorrect? Sorry if this was covered - just trying to wrap my brain around it! Thanks!
If you are just using the compare GEDCOM function, then no DNA is involved, it is comparing to any GEDCOM in their database. If you are using the GEDCOM with DNA, then it is only looking at those matches you share DNA with. That DNA may have been inherited from a common ancestor that you both have in your tree or it may have been inherited from someone who is not shown in your or their tree due to lack of research or inaccurate records.
Great question. This video not only tells you how to make the GEDcom file but also how to privatize the living persons ruclips.net/video/2YG0hPwVxC4/видео.html
I have a family tree with just under 42000 people. When I tried to upload it to gedmatch, it told me that the file is too large. Any suggestions? I have a 2nd cousin 1x removed looking for her birth father. Would comparing family trees on GEDmatch help find him?
Look on your main page and make sure you are using the numbers that it lists. If you have an extra space (which you can't see) at the end, then you will get an error.
I think my daughter in law had a hand full of matches with GEDCOMs and most of them were private. So no help here. On another note...I did see Ancestry now has a "shared matches" tool, sadly all her matches show nothing. Even the mother / daughter and brother / sisters ones I know of do not match each other.
Soooo, I simply see all your users/tests in my result list!!!!???? Your database seems empty so you place everyone to fill 3000. Why I'm saying that? Because I see my distant relatives in list who CANNOT SHARE ANY DNA WITH ME.
Are you sure those distant relatives can not share DNA with you? By the way, this video is about comparing family tree files, not DNA matches, so I'm really confused as to how you're approaching your feedback.
That's a great question. Do you use any software such as RootsMagic or Family Tree Maker? If so, there is an option to limit who you export to your GEDcom file before you upload it to GEDmatch. If you aren't using these programs, then download a free trial version of their programs and you should be able to decrease the size of your tree.
Can you recommend a tool, Gedcom, or another tool, that could help me to trace my grandfather? My father and his twin brother were born in late 1932. The man on the birth certificate whose last name they carry (my maiden name) died more than a year before they were born so he can’t be the father. I have tested my DNA with both Ancestry, and 23&Me, but because I don’t have the patrilineal line, I can’t directly trace my Dad’s DNA. He died in 1998, so I don’t have his DNA to compare with others, and his mother died in the 70’s so I don’t have her DNA either. One of my brothers has done his DNA with Ancestry but because they don’t do YDNA, I again don’t have more specifics. Matches that show up for both of us as shared matches are 2nd cousins and further out, and those second cousins so far would share DNA likely through his mother in her Merrill line, and that is where the match would be, but they would not be a match to my father’s father, whoever that is. One family story is that there was a butcher/grocer in the neighborhood where my grandmother lived who was the father. Another story is that the man who is said to be the father of the last two children, might also be my father’s father. When I search those two surnames names as shared matches though my brother’s Ancestry DNA, both names (Donahue and Davignon) show up as distinct matches for him. There are two matches at 4~6 cousin (53cm across 5 segments and 23cm across 2 segments) and several at 5~8 cousin (starting at 18cm, 1 segment) and decreasing from there, all for the Donahue name. The Davignon name provides matches that start out at 19cm and two segments and decreases from there.What does this mean? Is there a way to confirm either one could be our grandfather? Trying to solve the mystery. Thanks so much!
Do you have your mom still living or any close maternal relatives? Their DNA can help you identify which matches are on the maternal side, so the other matches would be on your paternal side (in most cases).
GEDCOM is a type of computer file (like .doc or .xls) that stores genealogical information. It is the standard that is used to transfer files between genealogy programs (Family Tree Maker to Roots Magic).
If there are names in your tree with non-English alphabet letters, then you will have significant problems after loading the gedcom as the names will not be properly recognized. I couldn't find a way to handle this. E.g. Dželila Čeliković is written as Dželila ÄŒeliković
![Eminem - Like My Shit [Official Audio]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/vx_IMvFkrfA/mqdefault.jpg)
This was extremely helpful. I have been on Gedmatch for a long time, but didn't know the best way to research. These sound like some easy first steps to take. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
great presentation - most useful thanks. Once you have done the initial one to many GED matching is there a way to save the results? Thanks
I don't have a GEDcom file, so started building one on GEDmatch. It asked first for a mini Family-Tree, which I did. I can not now find a way to add to the mini-tree. Is there a way to do it? Thanks!
Excellent tutorial. Thanks Andy!
Glad it was helpful!
Usually you discuss the boxes that allow the user to set parameters. No comments on those?
You're right. I didn't really have comments on those. However, GEDcom files can give us MRCA scores. I did a follow-up video on that. ruclips.net/video/jB0TJko5alc/видео.html
Hi great learning tool. I am wondering if there is a way for Gedmatch to add a tab to the Gedcom to All matches so that when we confirm a match there is a way to add the family name who we match with. This way when we go into this section on can see which family name they confirmed the match to. thank
ON the GEDCOM comparison, is the "match" an actual match or is it just matching common names, etc..
I cant find my GEDmatch number
Related to the previous comment, I can view the YDNA number on my Father’s half brother (who is now deceased) Through 23&Me, though not sure how would help me find my father’s father. Thanks again.
You are looking to find other more distant matches, cousins, 2nd cousins, 3rd cousins to help you identify which family your father would be from. From there, you would need to do some descendency research to see what family members might be in the location of your father's birth.
I'm adopted, I have no idea who my dna parents were or siblings. If I wanted to try and find my siblings, parents, I assume I would click on the GEDCOM +DNA. Is their a way to tell if I have a sibling, first cousin, ect from that information ?
Actually, you're jumping ahead a few too many steps. Watch this video series that begins with the First Steps For Using DNA to Find Adopted Family Members ruclips.net/video/aqD2q95Y4gY/видео.html. When you get to the end of each video, follow the video recommendation on the last screens to keep learning.
Then, after you watch that series, let's talk about building your family tree using DNA matches.
Through 23&Me there are no completely identical DNA segments between my half uncle and myself, and a few half identical. He is a match for me at 1237cm and 16.6 percent shared DNA. So does that confirm he is a half uncle?
No type of uncle should have completely identical segments segments. The amount of DNA you reported is right in line with a half uncle.
What happens when you see a descendant information but not pedigree?
They may not have any ancestors in their tree at that point.
How do I find myself in my gedcom tree that I uploaded?
You should have set yourself as the default person. Watch the second half of this video for more on that. ruclips.net/video/2YG0hPwVxC4/видео.html
I can't find my GEDmatch kit #. I upload through Ancestry. Where do I look to get this kit #? Thank you.Shelly
Right when you log in to GEDmatch, scroll down and on the left hand side it will list your kit number.
How can I delete the "Point Person"....I tried to follow the instructions but couldn't do it
Just clear out the colors for that column and start over with a different point person.
@@FamilyHistoryFanatics Thank you
How do I remove results that come up from "wildcard" matches on names? I search for McNall but also, unwanted, I get McNally.
You can't on GEDmatch. The search is rudimentary so you just have to sort through all of the McNallys
On Gedmatch I did the Gedcom+DNA Matches and the first show a good amount of shared cm & largest cm. First is 56.8 shared CM 40.1-Largest. The 2nd is similiar and the others go down from there. What does this exactly mean? Are they people closely related to me?
They may be 3rd cousins (shared 2nd great grandparents).
i searched names i know are in the and got zero result for any names I put in.
There are fewer family trees in GEDmatch than DNA kits. And GEDMatch is the smallest of the genetic genealogy companies. It's no surprise when some of the tools have fewer results than other users. However, that's when word of mouth is important for the growth of GEDmatch as a powerful research tool. Feel free to use our videos to help others learn how to use the platform and/or invite them to participate. It might help your research in the long run.
Hi there! When I am in the GEDCOM + DNA and when I put my number and then submit I just get a white page. No results, Errors or anything. Just a white page
You can always send a help request to the Gedmatch people.
Why do you make it look so easy - every person that I type in to search I find nothing - so I have uploaded my tree and even when I put in my father and mother nothing comes up - Why is this please
Sorry to make it look easier than it is. First, recognize that GEDmatch is one of the smallest databases. Your success will depend on whether 1. others have tested and 2. whether they have transfered their information into GEDmatch and 3. if they have uploaded family trees there.
Can I take a gedcom from Ancestry and one from MyHeritage and find the differences between them.
If you use RootsMagic, you can download your family tree (not DNA) from Ancestry. Then you can import your GEDcom file from MyHeritage (not DNA) into the RootsMagic file with your Ancestry information.
You'll run a MANUAL merge to see the differences between the trees. This isn't something that can be done on GEDmatch.
I use the DNA to GEDCOM feature very, very frequently.
However, interesting situation here... So, for many of the DNA kits that I manage, they tested at 23andMe with the V5 chip, so I had to upload their kits to Genesis (before the merge). To be able to get their kits on FamilyTreeDNA, I had to convert their DNA profiles to the V3 chip (using the DNA Kit Studio application). When I did this, I also uploaded the converted kits to the original GEDmatch. Now that the original GEDmatch and Genesis have merged, there are two kits for each of these people (the V5 one and the converted V3 one). I would delete the converted V3 one, HOWEVER, when I run the V5 kit through the "DNA to GEDCOM" feature, I get different matches (some the same, some different) than when I run that same person's V3 kit, and vice versa (there are kits that match the V3 version and not the V5 one). The results on both do seem to be genuine as I've been able to find genuine tree matches on both.
So, I've decided to keep both versions on the new GEDmatch, since both have given us valuable clues that the other one hasn't.
I'm happy to share an example on a kit I manage (same kit, one V5 one V3) to demonstrate what I mean...
That's interesting for sure.
It is because kit Overlapping that some kits do or don’t show as matches.
My guess is that the DNA Kit Studio uses some imputation to get the v3 kit.
really great video but on my account its says error message.
That's a question for GEDmatch Tech Support.
I have Paf 5. My file is way too large to upload. How do I make a smaller size, and what is the maximum on Gedmatch ?
I haven't used PAF since the support for the program was discontinued. If I remember correctly, you can start with your target person (likely yourself) in the export tree option. Then select family for direct ancestors. Then click on your ancestors and click their direct descendants. (IF they have an option to exclude spouses, click that).
When you export your GEDcom file, then make sure you're not including LDS information, notes, and so forth. You simply want a basic tree with no sources and no 'extra' relatives.
Once you have done that, chose the option to export your file to a new GEDcom file and upload that. If that can't be done in PAF, then use RootsMagic. There's a free version and it's a close cousin to PAF.
Do I only use numbers in comparing Kits to match with another person?
Forgive me, I'm not entirely sure what you mean.
Most tools on GEDmatch require you to run a test using one of your DNA kits. Then you'll see kit numbers for the user and a username. You can then use those matching kit numbers to use on other GEDmatch tools.
If a GedCom match comes up and I know my ancestor's information is accurate, but the other GedCom person has a different name, parents, location, etc., at what level is the DNA match? Is it saying some people in both trees share DNA, and these two ancestors appear to be similar? Or is it saying this is the actual person that matches, and since I know my information is all correct (based on personal knowledge and confirmed sources), then their information is all incorrect? Sorry if this was covered - just trying to wrap my brain around it! Thanks!
If you are just using the compare GEDCOM function, then no DNA is involved, it is comparing to any GEDCOM in their database. If you are using the GEDCOM with DNA, then it is only looking at those matches you share DNA with. That DNA may have been inherited from a common ancestor that you both have in your tree or it may have been inherited from someone who is not shown in your or their tree due to lack of research or inaccurate records.
How to make a Gedcom file?
Great question. This video not only tells you how to make the GEDcom file but also how to privatize the living persons ruclips.net/video/2YG0hPwVxC4/видео.html
I have a family tree with just under 42000 people. When I tried to upload it to gedmatch, it told me that the file is too large. Any suggestions? I have a 2nd cousin 1x removed looking for her birth father. Would comparing family trees on GEDmatch help find him?
I'd export your family tree to just 10 generations or even 7 generations with only a generation or 2 of descendants.
where can I locate the DNA Gedcom or GedMatch Project.
Those tools are down at the bottom of the right hand side on the main page.
I tried it and it keeps giving me an error, saying my number isn't there or something like that.
Look on your main page and make sure you are using the numbers that it lists. If you have an extra space (which you can't see) at the end, then you will get an error.
I think my daughter in law had a hand full of matches with GEDCOMs and most of them were private. So no help here.
On another note...I did see Ancestry now has a "shared matches" tool, sadly all her matches show nothing. Even the mother / daughter and brother / sisters ones I know of do not match each other.
That is too bad.
Soooo, I simply see all your users/tests in my result list!!!!????
Your database seems empty so you place everyone to fill 3000.
Why I'm saying that? Because I see my distant relatives in list who CANNOT SHARE ANY DNA WITH ME.
Are you sure those distant relatives can not share DNA with you?
By the way, this video is about comparing family tree files, not DNA matches, so I'm really confused as to how you're approaching your feedback.
How do I upload only 10 generations or 7 generations of my family tree to Gedmatch (my tree is large)
That's a great question. Do you use any software such as RootsMagic or Family Tree Maker? If so, there is an option to limit who you export to your GEDcom file before you upload it to GEDmatch. If you aren't using these programs, then download a free trial version of their programs and you should be able to decrease the size of your tree.
@@FamilyHistoryFanatics Thank you. I got it
Can you recommend a tool, Gedcom, or another tool, that could help me to trace my grandfather? My father and his twin brother were born in late 1932. The man on the birth certificate whose last name they carry (my maiden name) died more than a year before they were born so he can’t be the father. I have tested my DNA with both Ancestry, and 23&Me, but because I don’t have the patrilineal line, I can’t directly trace my Dad’s DNA. He died in 1998, so I don’t have his DNA to compare with others, and his mother died in the 70’s so I don’t have her DNA either. One of my brothers has done his DNA with Ancestry but because they don’t do YDNA, I again don’t have more specifics. Matches that show up for both of us as shared matches are 2nd cousins and further out, and those second cousins so far would share DNA likely through his mother in her Merrill line, and that is where the match would be, but they would not be a match to my father’s father, whoever that is. One family story is that there was a butcher/grocer in the neighborhood where my grandmother lived who was the father. Another story is that the man who is said to be the father of the last two children, might also be my father’s father. When I search those two surnames names as shared matches though my brother’s Ancestry DNA, both names (Donahue and Davignon) show up as distinct matches for him. There are two matches at 4~6 cousin (53cm across 5 segments and 23cm across 2 segments) and several at 5~8 cousin (starting at 18cm, 1 segment) and decreasing from there, all for the Donahue name. The Davignon name provides matches that start out at 19cm and two segments and decreases from there.What does this mean? Is there a way to confirm either one could be our grandfather? Trying to solve the mystery. Thanks so much!
Do you have your mom still living or any close maternal relatives? Their DNA can help you identify which matches are on the maternal side, so the other matches would be on your paternal side (in most cases).
This is too complicated for me. :)
GEDmatch can be complicated. However, what questions may I attempt to answer?
Yes it is
You never explained what gedcom means. Or what it is.
gedcom is a file format (like .doc or .pdf) that is used to store genealogy relationships.
What does GEDCOM even mean? LOrd I'm confused
GEDCOM is a type of computer file (like .doc or .xls) that stores genealogical information. It is the standard that is used to transfer files between genealogy programs (Family Tree Maker to Roots Magic).
I really can't figure out how to find matches to my dna
Use the One-to-Many tool.
If there are names in your tree with non-English alphabet letters, then you will have significant problems after loading the gedcom as the names will not be properly recognized. I couldn't find a way to handle this. E.g. Dželila Čeliković is written as Dželila ÄŒeliković
Massive mistake.
Interesting, thanks for commenting.
I'm LOST!
What part confuses you? Creating the GEDCOM file or uploading to GEDmatch?
So this is basically useless.