Add a Tree to AncestryDNA Test
Let’s face it: genetic genealogy needs GENEALOGY to be successful. Even if you don’t know much about your biological family tree, whatever you know is helpful. Start with what you know and build out from there.
Log in to your Ancestry.com account. (You can create and manage trees even with a FREE account, but an Ancestry subscription will allow you access to thousands of records to help you build out your tree.)
Then choose among the options below:
Link your DNA to your existing Ancestry tree
1. In Ancestry, click on the “DNA” tab in the top menu. Select “Your DNA Results Summary.”
2. Choose the appropriate DNA test, if there’s more than one linked to your account.
3. Then click the Settings button in the upper right corner.
4. Under the DNA and family tree linking section, click “DNA Link.”
5. Select the tree you want to link the DNA test to.
6. You can’t link to a tree that’s been shared with you; it has to be your tree
7. Ancestry will try to find you in the tree. If they do and it’s correct, click Yes. If not, click No and link the test manually.
8. If you need to link manually, you’ll type your name in the “Please tell us who you are in your family tree” field, select your name, and then click “Link DNA results.
Note that you can only link a DNA test to one tree at a time.
If you don’t have a tree on Ancestry
If you don’t have a tree on Ancestry with the tester’s genetic relatives, click on “Trees” in the top menu in Ancestry and choose “Create & Manage Trees” from the dropdown menu. At the bottom of the list of trees on your site, you’ll choose from the following options.
Create a new tree
This is the simplest option for AncestryDNA testers who haven’t done genealogy research before. If you select this option in Ancestry, a screen like this will appear. Just follow the prompts to begin adding what you already know about your family history.
After you create this Ancestry tree, follow the above instructions to link this tree to your DNA profile.
Upload a GEDCOM file
If you have a pedigree chart in a genealogy software program like RootsMagic or Legacy Family Tree, you’ll first have to export a GEDCOM file from that software. GEDCOM files are universal file types for trees. Your GEDCOM file must be less than 500MB to upload it to Ancestry.
1. Download the GEDCOM file to your computer.
2. In Ancestry, click on “Trees” from the top menu.
3. Click “Create & Manage Trees”
4. Click “Upload a GEDCOM file” and follow the prompts to select the file from your computer.
5. After you add this tree to Ancestry, follow the above instructions to link this tree to your DNA profile.
Now you’re ready to start working with your genetic matches!
So…you may want to pick up a copy of my AncestryDNA Quick Reference Guide. This inexpensive but essential tool can help you learn the most from your AncestryDNA test results!
