FamilyTreeDNA in Genealogy Research
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Introdcution
Family Tree DNA was founded in 2000 and is based in Houston, Texas. They are the only genetic genealogy company that sells autosomal DNA, Y-DNA, and mtDNA tests.
Autosomal Transfers
FamilyTreeDNA allows users to download their DNA raw data from another company and upload it for free into their database. Those who do this will be able to see their list of genetic relatives for free, but will need to pay a one time unlock fee in order to get full access to all the available tools such as the chromosome browser. Those who purchase a DNA test from FamilyTreeDNA directly do not pay the unlock fee.
It is not possible to get Y-DNA or mtDNA results by means of an autosomal transfer. The only way to get this information from FamilyTreeDNA is to test with them directly.
Pedigrees
Initially FamilyTreeDNA allowed users to upload their pedigrees as GEDcom files or create them on FamilyTreeDNA internally. As of September 2024, this is no longer possible. All existing trees remain there in read only mode, but since September FamilyTreeDNA has partnered with MyHeritage to host pedigrees on their website. When you click on the "Family Tree" button you will be redirected to where you can either create a MyHeritage account or link to an already existing one.
The advantage to this method is now you can create your tree once on MyHeritage and link it to all the DNA kits you manage on FamilyTreeDNA. Previously, if you managed the DNA of multiple relatives, you had to upload your GEDCom to each account individually and make any later changes on pedigree at a time.
FamilyTreeDNA allows users to upload their trees, and they have a chromosome browser. They allow you to find a DNA match and not only allow you to see which of your matches also share DNA with that person like the other companies do, but they also allow you to easily see which of your matches do not match that particular person. For example, if you and your mom test, you could use that feature to quickly see everyone who does not match your mom and is thus related on your dad's side.
In particular FamilyTreeDNA excels in the Y-DNA domain. As of June 2022 FamilyTreeDNA hosts 11,327 free Y-DNA surname projects. These projects attempt to compare Y-DNA results of men with the same surname to determine if and how they are all related to each other. Check to see if your surname has a special Y-DNA project that you can join. If so, the project administrator may be able to give you unique insights into your paternal DNA.
Another potential advantage to FamilyTreeDNA is they use a cheek swab whereas 23andme and Ancestry both use spit tubes. If you are trying to test someone who is old and unable to produce enough spit, FamilyTreeDNA and MyHeritage are great options since they both use swabs.