- How do I use the Update Contact Information link? faq id: 300
The Update Contact Information link is located at the left side column of your personal page. It helps you keep us up to date on your contact information. If any changes need to be made in order to contact you successfully (change of email, being the most important) you can update the information here. We highly recommend that you keep at least your e-mail updated so that you can keep receiving match notifications.
- Can my group members view my data in the Update Contact Information section? faq id: 301
No. Only you and your Group Administrator(s) can see your Update Contact Information page.
- Can I add a co-administrator to my project? faq id: 302
Not only you can, but you should add a co-administrator by entering his/her email address into the appropriate area of the Group Administration Page. They will receive all future notifications sent to the Group Administrator. To access the Group Administrator Page you will need to share the kit number (begins with the letter D) and password with that individual.
- What does the Project Profile Page do? faq id: 305
This page allows you to edit the information that is presented to potential members. When a person visits www.familytreedna.com they can search all of the surnames that have tested with Family Tree DNA. A list of projects that include the name will appear. This allows potential members to view a brief summary of the project and its goals and order a test to join your group (unless a Join Request is required, see below). This link allows you to edit the information pertaining to your group that is exchanged here.
- What is the Surname Project list? Should I check the box to show my project in this list? faq id: 306
The Surname Project list is an alphabetical listing of all the Surname Projects that are available for a person to join. Some individuals will not use the search feature, and will discover your project through this list. If this option is not selected, they will only find the project by searching for the surname. If you are organizing a small project with specific individuals you may not want to include your project in the list. However, if your goal is to attract as many people as you can for your project, than it is worth make it vusibale in that list.
- What is a Join Request? faq id: 307
The Join Request option changes the appearance of the Group Description that is shown to prospective members. This allows you to request that a potential member contact you before ordering a kit and joining your group. This can help prevent individuals ordering from groups to which they would not belong. It also helps with projects that are looking for specific descendants.
- What will happen if I do not allow an order without a Join Request? faq id: 308
If you require a Join Request, visitors interested in your group will not be able to order a kit from the Group Description. Instead of viewing an order form at the bottom of your description, if you require that a Join Request be used, the potential participant will see a form to contact you first. This form will not provide your email address to the user. When you receive the Join Request, you can use the “Send Join Authorization” link to send them a link which will guarantee that they are entered into your project and that they pay the group rate for their test. Alternatively, you can reply by telling the person if there are any conditions to be part of the Project. If this is your option, please make sure to check your e-mail as frequently as you can, so that people that have requested to join do not lose their motivation to order the test.
- What do I enter for the group name? faq id: 309
You should enter the name you would like displayed to individuals who view the Group Description. For example, if there are multiple spellings of a particular name, you may want to select the most popular. The name of the group will not limit the names that are used in the project. You’ll be able to include various spellings near the bottom of the Project Profile Page.
- How do I create a website to add to the Project Profile Page? faq id: 313
Use Family Project Website Setup link to create a free Family Tree DNA public website for your project. You will see that there are blank sections, each with a unique title, the first being “Title” where you should enter the name of your project. Enter any information about the history of the project in the "Project Background" section. "Project Goals" lets you explain what you want to accomplish with the group. "Project Results" allows you to include information about what the results show. "Project News" is a section that you can update to let members know about new developments such as new members or results. The page can automatically generate a table with the results of all participants without identifying them.
- What is the Email Options section? faq id: 314
As a Group Administrator, you can receive immediate notification any time there is news for your group. We will notify you when a new member joins the group, when results for a member are posted, when matches are found, when a kit is returned, etc. Here you have the option of selecting which notifications you would like to receive for your group. If there is no “X” next to the description, we will not send that notification.
- How do I add a description to the Project Profile Page? faq id: 315
Go to your Group administration Pages by using the specific ID and password. Choose the "Project Profile Page" link and simply add the text that you want to display regarding the group in the Group Description area. There is a maximum of 1500 characters for this section. This will be viewed by individuals searching and viewing information about your surname and its project.
- What is a join code? What is the join link? faq id: 316
The group join code is the identifying number that is assigned to your group. When this number is contained in links, like the join link, it ensures that your group members are included in your project.
- How can I add various spellings accepted in the project? faq id: 317
Log into your Group Administration Pages and click on the "Project Profiles Page". Just under the Group Description section, there is an area which will allow you to include surname variants for your project. There is no limit on how many surnames you can include and you can use one box to enter as many names as necessary, separating each name with a comma. Be sure to select “Update” after entering the information.
- Help, I entered information on the Project Profile Page, but nothing is showing up on Family Tree DNA, what did I miss? faq id: 318
After making any changes in the Project Profile Page, always be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom of the page and click on the “Update” button, or the changes will not be saved.
- Who will receive the bulk email message? faq id: 320
On the individual members’ personal pages, participants have the option to decide if they would like to receive bulk email messages from you, their Group Administrator(s). Those individuals who select “Yes” in their set up preferences will receive the bulk email message from the Group Administrator. Individuals who select “No” will not be included in the list of individuals who receive the bulk email message.
- Will group members be able to see each other’s email addresses in this section? faq id: 322
The bulk email uses the “blind carbon copy” option, which means it will generate a list so that the only email shown to the recipient is their own. They will not be able to view the other email addresses included in the bulk email.
- How does a member select to be on the bulk email list? faq id: 323
Participants may use the “User Preferences” link on the left side on their personal page to choose whether or not to receive bulk email messages.
- What is a Join Authorization? faq id: 324
A Join Authorization allows someone to join your project. This link will take them to an order form specifically for your group where they can order their test at group rate and can automatically join. This is not limited to groups that use the Join Request option. Group Administrators for any project can use this option.
- Who should I send a Join Authorization to? faq id: 325
This link should be sent to anyone that you would like to include in your project. If you use the Join Request option, this should be sent to people that you approve of allowing in the group. If you do not use the option, you can use it for emailing individuals who may have already spoken to you about the group. This is one way of making sure that they order and are included in your group.
- How do I use the Member section? faq id: 328
This section lists all the members of your group. If you receive an email from us notifying you that a kit has been returned, but you are unsure of whom the kit belongs to, you can use the Member section to find the kit number. To the right of the kit number you will find the participant’s name. In addition to that it lists several other facts related to the participant.
- How is the member list organized? faq id: 329
The list is arranged in numerical order of the kits that have been returned. Below that list of kits, we list the kits that have not been returned to Family Tree DNA. There is no link to their personal page because one is not created until the sample is received by Family Tree DNA. There are different columns shown with additional information.
- What does “Surname Matches Only” mean? faq id: 330
Each individual participant, in their “Setup Preferences” section, has the option to either see matches only in their Surname Project, or to see matches in the entire database, regardless of group. In the Member section, under the “Surname Matches Only” if a member has this option selected, “Yes” will be displayed. If the member has chosen to view all matches in the database, there will be a “No” displayed. The default setting for this option, that will appear before results are returned, is “Yes.”
- How can I tell when the kit was sent and when it was received? faq id: 331
The column next to the “Surname Matches Only” column is the “Kit Back/Kit Mailed” section. If a participant’s kit has been sent, but not received, we will display the date it was sent in red. If we have received the kit, we will list the date the kit was received in black.
- How can I determine if a group member has signed and returned a release form? faq id: 332
The "Release" column in the Member section will show which members have signed the release form. If there is a “No” next to a member’s name under this column, that member did not return a release form and his name and email address will not be shown to matches. If there is a “Yes” in this column, the member did sign the release form and can compare against others.
- What is genetic distance? faq id: 333
Genetic distance is the number of differences, or mutations, between two sets of results. For example, if two men test DYS # 393 and one of them scores a 12 and the other is a 13, but their results for all the other markers are identical, there is a genetic distance of one and they are a one-step mutation match. However, if the first man scores an 11 and the second scores a 13, then there are two mutations on the same marker, so the genetic distance is two.
- What does the Report button do? faq id: 334
Family Tree DNA has a patent pending tool that helps determine the probability that two individuals share a common male ancestor based on their genetic distance. This tool is called the FTDNATiP Calculator (link to FTDNA TIP FAQ). The Report option will show the genetic distance of the member selected compared to other members in the project. To see how that genetic distance translates to time to a common male ancestor, click on “FTDNATiP” across from the person to compare to. This will generate the FTDNATiP Report which shows the likelihood of having shared a common male ancestor in the past.
- Where is the country of origin entered for a participant? What does “unknown” mean? faq id: 335
The release form contains a section asking for the paternal country of origin, and the maternal country of origin. When a kit is returned we enter this information. If no country is reported or more than one country is entered, the country is listed as unknown. Group members can update this information in the Update Contact Information link on their personal pages.
- I have a new member but I don’t see him in the member list, why? faq id: 340
If a new member’s name and kit number do not appear at the end of the list (where kits which have not been received yet are shown) the individual may not have ordered through the group project. Please contact us IMMEDIATELY so we can confirm that the order was placed outside of the group, and we will correct the error, including adjusting the price for the test. Once the kit goes to our lab we cannot adjust the price.
- Someone is in our group who should not be, how do I remove him? faq id: 341
If there is an individual who does not meet your group requirements, or should be removed from the project you may do so using the black “X” to the right of the person’s name and profile information under the Members information area of the GAP. This will create a box that appears asking for a brief explanation as to why they are being removed. An email will be sent from info@familytreedna.com to the individual.
- What does the Add a New Member link do? faq id: 342
This allows you to quickly order a test kit for someone interested in joining the project. This is a simple way to guarantee that they are included in your group.
- How can I pay for a test? faq id: 343
In the process of placing an order, you will go through two screens. The first screen contains the name of the person being tested and where the kit needs to be sent. After you submit the information on the first screen, the next screen will be your payment option. Depending on your payment option, the second screen will ask for credit card details or billing information for the invoice. The credit card option should be selected if you would like to pay online with a credit card. When paying using the invoice option, once you receive the invoice - which may come either with the kit or to the billing address if different from the shipping address - payment can be submitted by US check, US money order, PayPal or credit card. Tests will be processed only after payment is received.
- I do not wish to pay for the test, but the bill should not go with the kit. How do I bill a third party? faq id: 344
Very simple. In the process of placing an order, you will go through two screens. The first screen contains the name of the person being tested and where the kit needs to be sent. After you submit the information on the first screen, the next screen will be your payment option. There you can have the name and billing information for the third-party.
The second screen will ask for credit card details or billing information for the invoice. Using the invoice option, include the billing address of the third-party - payment can be submitted by US check, US money order, PayPal or credit card. Tests be processed only after payment is received.
- How do I know the order I placed was completed? faq id: 345
After you have placed the order, you can go back to your Group Administrator Page menu page and select Members. The new kit should appear at the bottom of the list (if not you should be able to click refresh button and see this new name).
- What is the Order Multiple Kits link? faq id: 346
This allows Group Administrators to order many kits at one time. Sometimes it is helpful to have several kits to take to a family reunion or a genealogical meeting. You can order these kits to be sent ahead of time (either paying for them by credit card, or requesting an invoice).
- How many kits can I order at a time? faq id: 347
You can order up to ten kits at once using the Order multiple kits option. If you need more kits you are welcome to contact us.
- If I order multiple kits do I have to pay for them all at once? faq id: 348
Multiple kits do not have to be paid for at the time of order. You can request the kits be ordered on invoice. We will send a bill with the kits. As each kit is returned it can be paid for individually.
- If I order multiple kits at once, whose names will appear on the kit? faq id: 349
In each of the kits sent in a multiple order, Family Tree DNA includes a form asking for information about who provided the sample. When the kit is returned to us we enter this information into our records and the correct name will appear in the Members section.
- Is there a way to easily identify and update who returned a sample? faq id: 350
Yes. If a kit has been returned, you can update the information using the Group Administrator Page Members link. From the GAP, click on the Members link and then click on the name next to the kit number that should be updated. You can change the information in this section, select “Update,” and the information in our records will be updated.
- Why are there kits listed in the Pending Shipment to Lab section of my Group Administrator Page? faq id: 351
Kits that are received in our offices are sent once a week to the lab for processing. While they are awaiting their shipment to the lab, we list them here.
- When are kits shipped to the lab? faq id: 352
Kits are shipped to the lab once a week, on Wednesday. The following day pending results are posted to the group members’ personal pages as well as in the Unreceived Lab Results section.
- Why has this kit been listed as pending shipment to lab for so long? faq id: 353
Kits that have not been paid for will remain in the Pending Shipment to Lab section. Kits will not be shipped to the lab until complete payment is received.
- Why is the same kit listed more than once in Unreceived Lab Results? faq id: 354
The Y-DNA 25, 37 and 67 marker tests are performed in sections called panels. The Y-DNA 12 marker test (markers 1-12) is the first panel, the 13-25 marker section is the next, followed by the 26-37 panel, and finally the 38-67 section (made up of 3 panels: 38-47, 48-60, and 61-67). We show these sections to you so you can see the progress of each of these panels. Sometimes the lab will return results for the 26-37 marker section before returning results for markers 13-25. Family Tree DNA will post these 26-37 markers (if the first 12 have been posted) and the 26-37 markers will no longer appear in the Unreceived Lab Results section for the group.
- How do I check on the status of a test listed in Unreceived Lab Results? faq id: 355
Family Tree DNA will update the pending date results as soon as possible. However, for specific results questions not covered by the FAQ you can contact Family Tree DNA by emailing info at familytreedna.com.
- How is the Received Lab Results list organized, and what does it show? faq id: 356
Each time new results are posted for a group member, we notify you by email and register what was received, Y-DNA 1-12 for example, and when it was posted. This list will be organized chronologically by date of the returned results.
- What are my options for viewing Y-DNA Results? faq id: 357
You have two options when viewing Y-DNA results: the Generate Y-DNA Results Classic Chart and the Generate Y-DNA Results Colorized Chart. The classic chart will allow you to use fixed columns as well as to copy and paste results. Instructions for using the colorized chart can be found here: www.familytreedna.com/ftgroups_score_new_desc.html.
- Why are some haplogroups in red and others in green on the Y-DNA results chart? faq id: 358
Haplogroups that are in red are confidently predicted using a comparison of the Y-DNA 12 results of your members to our entire database of individuals who have been SNP tested. By comparing the members to men who have had their samples SNP tested, we can accurately predict which haplogroup would be assigned, if a SNP is performed.
Haplogroups displayed in green are confirmed by a SNP test.
- Why is my member missing a section of his Y-DNA results? faq id: 359
The lab performs testing in panels. A Y-DNA 37 marker test, for example, is actually three separate tests: the Y-DNA 1-12, Y-DNA 13 – 25 and the Y-DNA 26-37 marker panel. Sometimes the lab will complete one of these panels out of order, so the 26-37 markers will be complete before the 13-25, for example. When this occurs we provide the 26-37 marker results to the Group Administrator, so you can compare the first 12 and the final set without having to wait for the middle portion of results.
- What are fixed columns? faq id: 360
When viewing your group’s results, you have the option of either viewing them with or without fixed columns. Fixing the columns allow you to scroll to the right, but leaves the columns with the names and kit numbers of members shown on the left hand side. If you do not use fixed columns you will not be able to view the names and kit numbers when you scroll to the right. If you use subgroups you will not be able to fix columns.
- What is the mtDNA test? faq id: 361
The mtDNA test traces a person’s direct maternal line-the mother's mother's mother's...mother’s line with no influences from spouses along that line (see http://www.familytreedna.com/inheritance-chart.aspx)-and determines the single origin, such as Native American, African, Asian, or European. This test cannot be compared to the Y-DNA test to determine if two individuals share a common ancestor. The mtDNA test can be compared to the mtDNA tests of other individuals, in order to determine if they may have shared a common female ancestor in the past. For questions about mtDNA tests or results see our mtDNA tutorial section at http://www.familytreedna.com/reading-and-comparing-test-results.aspx.
- What does the Unique Haplotypes link show? faq id: 362
This section shows the different haplotypes found in your group, and lists the number of members who share them.
- What does the Unique Haplotypes section used for? faq id: 363
This helps the Group Administrator determine how many individuals within the group are descended from a common male ancestor, as well as how many are not connected to anyone in the project.
- What does the Family Project Website Setup link do? faq id: 364
This link allows you to create a public website for your group’s results. Family Tree DNA has provided a form that is designed to easily organize and display information about your group and the results from your project.
- How do I add information to the public website? faq id: 365
You will see that there are blank sections, each with a unique title, the first being “Title” where you should enter the name of your project. Enter any information about the history of the project in the "Project Background" section. "Project Goals" lets you explain what you want to accomplish with the group. "Project Results" allows you to include information about what the results show. "Project News" is a section that you can update to let members know about new developments such as new members or results. The page can automatically generate a table with the results of all participants without identifying them.
- Do I have to add project results to the public page? faq id: 366
The results will automatically be updated and uploaded to the project. You do not have to copy and paste any results. In fact, changes you’ve made to the Generate Y-DNA Results page, like subgrouping, will automatically be uploaded to the web page for your group.
- How can I edit the information that is displayed on the public website? faq id: 367
Any changes made to the results will be reflected on the results section of the page. So to edit information like subgrouping, you will have to update it within the GAP, and the changes will appear on your public website.
To edit the information you have provided in the cookie cutter spaces, return to the Family Project Website Setup link and make any changes to the content that you would like. Just be sure to click “Submit” after any changes to update the information.
- How can I show my email as the Group Administrator? How can I restrict my email? faq id: 368
You can control this option from the Family Project Website Setup link on your Group Administrator Page. You will find this and other choices under the "Project News" field.
- What are tabs? What will happen if I do not use them on the public website? faq id: 369
Group Administrators have the option of displaying at the top of their pages, the different sections available to view, so a member can click on “Y Results” and be taken to the section of the page that focuses on Y-DNA results. If you do not use this option, the participant will be able to view all of the information in the order of the cookie cutter forms, by scrolling down the page. Neither option will affect how results appear.
- What is the Member Distribution Map? faq id: 371
This is a new feature in your personal page which you can use to see where the ancestors of your matches come from. A pushpin will appear on the map for each match who has entered the latitude and longitude of their most distant known ancestor’s location. If you have entered the latitude and longitude for your own most distant known ancestor, it will also appear on the map so you can compare the locations. The map can display any matching level for Y-DNA and mtDNA, based on what you have tested.
- What is the Member Subgrouping link? faq id: 372
A detailed explanation of Member Subgrouping can be viewed here: http://www.familytreedna.com/GroupInstruction.html.
- How many projects can a person belong to? faq id: 373
Members can join unlimited number of projects.
- How many administrators should I have? faq id: 374
We generally recommend that a project eventually include more than one administrator. This is to help ensure that if for some reason (vacations, health, etc.) you are unable to administer the project, it will still have someone to govern it, help answer questions from group members and other functions. Additionally, many Group Administrators have found it helpful to add others who may have a little more technical know-how to the group to work on project results for the group’s website.
- How do I list additional administrators? faq id: 375
You can add a co-administrator by entering their name and email address in the additional email section of the Update Contact Information section on your Group Administrator Page. They will receive all future notifications sent to the Group Administrator. To access the Group Administrator Page you will need to share the kit number (begins with the letter D) and passcode with that individual.
- What happens when I am ready to retire as Group Administrator? faq id: 376
When you are ready to retire as the group’s administrator, if you have co-administrators, they can take over and maintain the group. If there are no co-administrators at the time, you can contact your group to let them know of the change, and ask if anyone would like to take over. Additionally, please let us know, as we will serve as a temporary administrator for the project until a replacement is found.
- Should my group status be public or private? faq id: 377
Groups can be kept completely private which means unless a member chooses through his “Setup Preferences” section to view matches outside the project, every member of your group will only see their matches only within the project.
Setting the group to public means the default setting for your group members will be to see matches within the entire Family Tree DNA database, unless the member chooses only to see matches in the group.
If a member does not sign his or her release form, these settings will not apply to them and they will see no matches at all.
Making the group status public will allow finding matches outside of your surname project. Many people found that their paternal lines were not the ones they thought, and adopted people or descendants from an adopted male were able to find their biological paternal line because they matched people that set their results to match against the entire database.
- How do I know which of my members have tested with the Genographic Project? faq id: 378
Individuals who transfer their results from the Genographic Project to Family Tree DNA have kit numbers that begin with the letter “N”.
- Should my members add their results to the Genographic Project? How much does it cost? faq id: 379
For individuals who have exact matches in the project, it is advised that only one person upload their results. The cost to upload one test result to the National Geographic Genographic Project database is $15.
- How can I view member passwords? faq id: 380
We do not show members’ passwords to the Group Administrator because there are settings in the “Setup Preferences” section, like the bulk email option, that must be selected by the participant only.
- What if a member forgets his or her password? faq id: 381
If a member misplaces his or her password and requests it from you, you can a) direct the member to the home page where there is a link "Forgot the password?" nect to the Login area, or b) forward the email to info at familytreedna.com and we will send the password to the member.
- What is a GEDCOM? faq id: 382
A GEDCOM is a common file format that allows genealogists to exchange information about their ancestors. A GEDCOM file can be created using genealogy software that allows you to export your data in GEDCOM format.
Your group members will have the opportunity to upload their own GEDCOM files to their personal pages. This will allow other matches to review their direct paternal or maternal line (depending on the test).
You can find about using your GEDCOM at your software here: http://www.familytreedna.com/about-gedcom.aspx or you can use this page to create one: http://www.rogerarrick.com/yged/ftdna.html
- Should all members take a Deep Clade SNP test? faq id: 383
Not all members of your group will need to have a Deep Clade SNP test. If there are one or two groups of men in your project who all closely match each other, then only one of those men needs a Deep Clade SNP test performed. All the other men that match his results will also belong to the same sub-clade. If there are samples that can no longer be collected (i.e. the participant is no longer alive) we recommend having anyone that matches that person have the Deep Clade test performed on that sample instead, as the test can require large amounts of DNA.
- Should members with no haplogroup assignment take a Backbone test? faq id: 384
In order to provide our customers with the highest level of haplogroup confidence, Family Tree DNA is now providing a SNP Assurance Program.
In this program, if we cannot predict a person’s Y-DNA haplogroup with sufficient confidence to match the standards required to join the National Geographic’s Genographic Project, we will automatically perform a Backbone SNP test in order to identify the haplogroup assignment.
When a haplogroup is in doubt, the Backbone SNP test will be ordered automatically after the initial Y-DNA test results are posted.
You can learn more about the SNP Assurance Program here: http://www.familytreedna.com/snp-assurance-program.aspx.
Members will still have the option to order a Backbone SNP test if they choose from their personal pages.
- What is the FTDNATiP Calculator, and how do I use it? faq id: 385
FTDNATiP™ is the world's first program that incorporates specific mutation rates that have been proven to differ across markers, which greatly increases the power and precision of estimates of Time to the Most Recent Common Ancestor (TMRCA). More about it can be seen here: http://www.familytreedna.com/faq-tip.aspx
- How do I start a project? faq id: 388
Starting a project is very easy to do, and involves no additional cost. We have no project set-up fee and we offer free analysis of the results. As a registered surname project at Family Tree DNA, your project will receive project pricing and a set of tools for the Group Administrator plus automatic matching notifications. Email support at familytreedna.com with questions about starting a group project. Remember, DNA is the Gene in Genealogy!
- What is the SNP Assurance Program? faq id: 504
In order to provide our customers with the highest level of haplogroup confidence, Family Tree DNA provides a SNP Assurance Program.
In this program, if we cannot predict a person’s Y-DNA haplogroup with sufficient confidence that they can join the National Geographic’s Genographic Project, we will automatically perform a Backbone SNP test in order to identify the haplogroup assignment.
When a haplogroup is in doubt the Backbone SNP test will be ordered automatically after the initial Y-DNA test results are posted.
You can learn more about the SNP Assurance Program here: http://www.familytreedna.com/snp-assurance-program.aspx. After the haplogroup has been assigned the customer can decide if upgrading to the Deep Clade test makes sense for them.
- A member of my project tested before you implemented the SNP Assurance Program. Will you confirm his haplogroup? faq id: 506
In most cases, if a previously tested member qualifies for the SNP Assurance Program we will confirm his haplogroup. We have already redrawn DAN form most clients who qualified prior to this program. If they don't have a results it usually means hat the DNA sample wasn't sufficient to run the SNP Assurance program on the sample.