Group Administration Page (GAP): Reference

The Reference page provides additional guidance beyond our GAP Guidelines on best practices for managing a group project.

  1. What is the Group Administration Page (GAP)? faq id: 300
  2. What are the parts of the Group Administrator's Page (GAP) 2.0 Interface? faq id: 412
  3. What types of tool pages are part of the Group Administration Page (GAP) 2.0 Interface? faq id: 413
  4. What tool pages are included in the Member Reports section of the Group Administration Page (GAP) 2.0? faq id: 414
  5. What tool pages are included in the Genetic Reports section of the Group Administration Page (GAP) 2.0? faq id: 415
  6. What tool pages are included in the Project Administration section of the Group Administration Page (GAP) 2.0? faq id: 416
  7. What pages are included in the Help section of the Group Administration Page (GAP) 2.0? faq id: 417
  8. What tool pages are included in the My Account section of the Group Administration Page (GAP) 2.0? faq id: 418
  9. What is a Family Finder Project? faq id: 599
  10. What is the difference between a Surname Project and a Family Finder Project? faq id: 600
  11. Who can start a Family Finder Project? faq id: 868
  12. What are my responsibilities as a Family Finder Project administrator? faq id: 869
  13. Are there guidelines for Family Finder Projects? faq id: 870
  14. As an Administrator, how will I communicate with my project members? faq id: 878
  15. How do I login to the Group Administration Page (GAP)? faq id: 1003
  16. How do I start a group project? faq id: 1235
  17. May I add additional administrators and co-administrators to my project? faq id: 1236
  18. How many administrators should I have? faq id: 1237
  19. What happens when I am ready to retire as Group Administrator? faq id: 1238
  20. 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: 1247
  21. How do I know the order I placed was completed? faq id: 1248
  22. How many kits can I order at a time? faq id: 1249
  23. If I order multiple kits, do I have to pay for them all at once? faq id: 1250
  24. If I order multiple kits at once, whose names will appear on the kit? faq id: 1251
  25. Why are there kits listed on the Pending Shipment to Lab page of my Group Administrator Page? faq id: 1253
  26. When are kits shipped to the lab? faq id: 1254
  27. Why has this kit been listed on the Pending Shipment to Lab page for so long? faq id: 1255
  28. Why is the same kit listed more than once in Pending Lab Results? faq id: 1256
  29. What is the Project Profile page? What should I put on the Project Profile page? faq id: 1261
  30. On the GAP Project Profile page, what should I enter for the Project Name? faq id: 1262
  31. On the GAP Project Profile page, what should I enter for the Description? faq id: 1263
  32. On the GAP Project Profile page, what should I enter for the Website? Where do I set up a group project website? faq id: 1264
  33. On the GAP Project Profile page, what is the join code? What is the join link? faq id: 1265
  34. On the GAP Project Profile page, what is the Allow order without join request? option? faq id: 1267
  35. What are the advantages and disadvantages of Join Requests? faq id: 1268
  36. If I require Join Requests, how often should I answer them? faq id: 1269
  37. If I do not respond to a Join Request within 48 hours, what will happen? faq id: 1270
  38. What will happen if I require a join request? faq id: 1271
  39. On the GAP Project Profile page, what is the show project in surname project list option? Should I check the box to show my project in this list? faq id: 1272
  40. On the GAP Project Profile page, what should I enter for Surnames? How can I add various spellings accepted in the project? faq id: 1273
  41. Who will receive bulk e-mail messages sent from the GAP? faq id: 1276
  42. Will group members be able to see each other’s e-mail addresses in bulk e-mail messages? faq id: 1277
  43. How does a member select to be on the bulk e-mail list? faq id: 1278
  44. How can I determine if a group member has signed and returned a release form? faq id: 1330
  45. How do I know which of my members have tested with the Genographic Project? faq id: 1331
  46. How do I check on the status of a test listed in Pending Lab Results? faq id: 1332
  47. How many projects can a person belong to? faq id: 1333
  48. I have a new member but I don’t see him in the member list, why? faq id: 1334
  49. Someone is in our group who should not be, how do I remove him? faq id: 1335
  50. How do I create a website to add to the Project Profile Page? faq id: 1336
  51. How do I add information to the public website? faq id: 1337
  52. How do I display project test results on the public website? faq id: 1339
  53. When should I use the Join Authorization page to send an e-mail? faq id: 1340
  54. Where is the country of origin entered for a participant? What does “unknown origin” mean? faq id: 1341
  55. Who can view my contact information? faq id: 1342
  56. How do I show my e-mail as the Group Administrator? How can I restrict my e-mail? faq id: 1343
  57. How can I view member passwords? faq id: 1344
  58. What if a member forgets his or her password? faq id: 1345
  59. May I post my project members' results on an external website? faq id: 1346
  60. What do the colors for the Y-DNA results chart headings mean? faq id: 1359
  61. What do the colors for the marker results on the Y-DNA Colorized chart mean? faq id: 1360
  62. On the Genetic Distance page, why am I unable to compare a project member to others in the project? faq id: 1449
  63. What do the different letters on my project members' kit numbers mean? faq id: 1687
  64. Why is all or part of the text from my surname project's Public Website on the myHeritage DNA page? faq id: 2082
  65. Are those who order through this myHeritage project page automatically added to my project? faq id: 2083
  66. In what languages are the myHeritage project pages available? faq id: 2084
  67. How often does myHeritage update the information and text they pull from my surname project's Public Website? faq id: 2085

Questions and Answers

  1. What is the Group Administration Page (GAP)? faq id: 300

    The Group Administration Page (GAP) is the FREE user interface that Family Tree DNA provides group administrators. It offers many tools to manage project membership and to analyze test results.

  2. What are the parts of the Group Administrator's Page (GAP) 2.0 Interface? faq id: 412

    The Group Administration Page (GAP) 2.0 interface has:

    • Menu: Navigate to all of the tool pages organized by task type.
    • Project Administrator News: Read about the latest advances in DNA Genealogy.
    • Release Notes: Learn of the latest improvements and bug fixes to the GAP interface.
    • Project Selector: Navigate between Family Tree DNA Projects that you administrate and co-administrate.
    • Task Page Lists: Access the most frequently used GAP tool pages.
  3. What types of tool pages are part of the Group Administration Page (GAP) 2.0 Interface? faq id: 413

    The Group Administration Page (GAP) 2.0 has five types of tools pages:

    • Member Reports: Track members' current contact profiles and their genealogical ancestry information.
    • Genetic Reports: Explore and analyze DNA test results.
    • Project Administration: Manage your project and communicate with project members.
    • Help: Find the answers to questions.
    • My Account: Set your own contact information and customize how Family Tree DNA communicates with you.
  4. What tool pages are included in the Member Reports section of the Group Administration Page (GAP) 2.0? faq id: 414

    The Member Reports section includes thirteen tool pages. They help you track members' contact profiles and their genealogical ancestry information. They are:

    • Country of Origin Chart: Generate bar and pie charts that show your project members' maternal (mitochondrial DNA) and paternal (Y-chromosome DNA) country of origin.
    • Maternal Ancestry: Evaluate members' maternal ancestry information.
    • Member Distribution Map: View your project members' most distantly known ancestor's information on a Google Map.
    • Member Information: Identify and contact project members by name, kit number, e-mail address, and other demographics.
    • Member Notes: View and edit notes about project members.
    • Order Summary: Examine project members' test status for each of the standard Family Tree DNA tests.
    • Paternal Ancestry: Evaluate members' paternal ancestry information.
    • Pending Lab Results: View test orders that are pending. Check for lab processing notes and status updates.
    • Pending Shipment to Lab: View tests that have not been added to a weekly batch and check their payment status.
    • Project Joins: Track membership in your project over time.
    • Project Statistics: View a summary of order trends in your project.
    • Received Lab Results: View test orders that have been returned.
    • Unreceived Kits: View a report of DNA Test Kits that have not been returned to the lab.
  5. What tool pages are included in the Genetic Reports section of the Group Administration Page (GAP) 2.0? faq id: 415

    The Genetic Reports section contains twelve tool pages where you may explore and analyze DNA test results. They are:

    • Family Finder (FF) Illumina OmniExpress Matrix: Select up to 20 people and compare their Family Finder relationships in a grid (matrix).
    • Family Finder (FF) Illumina OmniExpress Results: Compare project members using Family Finder test results and download the matching information.
    • Haplogroup Charts: View the distribution of mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosome DNA haplogroups within your project using interactive bar and pie charts.
    • mtDNA Results Classic: View the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) results table.
    • mtDNA Results: View the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) results table.
    • Y-DNA Genetic Distance: View the genetic distance between any one participant and their near and distant matches within your project.
    • Y-DNA TiP: Calculate TiP information to better understand Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) time to a common ancestor between any two of your project members.
    • Y-DNA Results Classic: View the Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) STR results table.
    • Y-DNA Results Colorized: Use a colorized version of the Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) results table to visualize differences between subgrouped result sets.
    • Y-DNA Results: View the Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) results table.
    • Y-DNA SNP: View the Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) SNP results table.
    • Y-DNA Unique Haplotypes: Display the frequency of unique Y-chromosome haplotypes in your project.
  6. What tool pages are included in the Project Administration section of the Group Administration Page (GAP) 2.0? faq id: 416

    The Project Administration section includes thirteen tool pages for you to use to manage your project and communicate with project members. They are:

    • Bulk E-mail: Send a message to all of your project members or to one subgroup.
    • Download Files: You may download many of the GAP reports in Comma Separated Variable (CSV) or XML (for Excel) format.
    • General Fund: Check the status of the project's general fund and track donation trends.
    • General Fund Charts: View trends in general fund contributions and fund usage over time.
    • Join Authorization: Invite potential project participants to join your project by sending them a message with a link to your project's order page and review requests to join your project.
    • Member Subgrouping: Utilize the Members Subgrouping section to create, manage, and delete subgroups. Add and delete project members from subgroups.
    • New Member Order: Order a DNA test kit for a new participant and have it shipped to their address. You may pay by invoice, credit card, or through project general funds.
    • Price Comparison Chart: Check the current test and sale prices available to project members.
    • Project Administrators: Manage project administration. Invite others to help administrate and co-administrate one of your projects.
    • Project Profile: Edit the information that is presented to potential members on the Project Join page.
    • Public Results Display Settings: Determine whether or not mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) test results for any one kit is displayed on your Public Project Website.
    • Public Website: Setup and manage your Public Project Website.
    • Welcome E-mail: Write a project e-mail that is automatically sent to new members upon joining your project.
    PublicProjectWebsite
  7. What pages are included in the Help section of the Group Administration Page (GAP) 2.0? faq id: 417

    The Help section contains four pages. They are:

    • GAP Guidelines: These are the guidelines that all Family Tree DNA project administrators and co-administrators must follow.
    • GAP How To: These are questions and Answers about using the Group Administration Page (GAP) 2.0 interface.
    • GAP Interpretation: These are questions and Answers about interpreting and explaining your project members' results.
    • GAP Quick Reference: These are questions and Answers about managing a DNA Group Project at Family Tree DNA.
  8. What tool pages are included in the My Account section of the Group Administration Page (GAP) 2.0? faq id: 418

    My Account has three pages where you may set your own contact information and customize how Family Tree DNA communicates with you. They are:

    • Add Projects: Associate additional DNA Projects with your Personal ID.
    • Change Password: Change your password.
    • Contact Information: Update your personal contact information.
    • My Settings: Choose which notifications you receive about your project and how you receive them.
  9. What is a Family Finder Project? faq id: 599

    A Family Finder Project is devoted to using DNA to trace and compare multiple descendants from a single ancestor or ancestral couple. Family Finder Projects help genealogists establish the genetic connections between descendants of one couple.

    Autosomal DNA results and traditional genealogical research are the primary tools of Family Finder Projects. They also use Y-chromosome DNA, mitochondrial DNA, and X-chromosome DNA for a full understanding of genetic connections across generations.

    Ideally, a Family Finder Project will be based on an ancestral couple four to seven generations in the past.

  10. What is the difference between a Surname Project and a Family Finder Project? faq id: 600

    In a Surname Project, the common connection between participants is their surname. In a Family Finder Project, the common connection between participants is a known or suspected relationship based on traditional genealogy.

  11. Who can start a Family Finder Project? faq id: 868

    Any family historian or genealogist can start a Family Finder project.

  12. What are my responsibilities as a Family Finder Project administrator? faq id: 869

    You may read about the responsibilities of a Family Tree DNA Project administrator in the GAP Guidelines. They are shown in the resources section of the Group Administrator Pages (GAP). To read them:

    • Login to your GAP account. (https://www.familytreedna.com/login.aspx)
    • Go to the Resources menu on the top menu bar.
    • Select Guidelines from the list.
  13. Are there guidelines for Family Finder Projects? faq id: 870

    Yes. Family Tree DNA would like every Family Finder Project to be a success. We ask that you consider these guidelines for planning and setting up Family Finder Projects.

    • The focus couple should be between four and seven generations in the past.
    • The administrator(s) should be able to explain their goals for the project.
    • The administrator(s) should have a descendant tree that shows potential test candidates.
    • The administrator(s) should be able to describe their plans for recruiting cousins to test.
  14. As an Administrator, how will I communicate with my project members? faq id: 878

    Family Tree DNA provides project administrators with a group e-mail tool. It allows them to send project participants messages about new results and other project news. We also provide project specific forums to facilitate communication both with the administrator and between project members.

  15. How do I login to the Group Administration Page (GAP)? faq id: 1003

    You may login to your Group Administrator Page (GAP) account from the Family Tree DNA Login page. To login:

    1. Go to the Family Tree DNA Login page. (https://www.familytreedna.com/login.aspx)
    2. Enter your Personal ID and password.
    3. Click the Log In button.
  16. How do I start a group project? faq id: 1235

    Starting a project is easy, and it 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 project administrator plus automatic matching notifications.

    If you would like to start a group project, please fill out the project application.

    Our customer support is happy to answer questions about being a group project administrator. Please include any questions in the application form.

    Note: Family Tree DNA will not create new projects that overlap with the themes and goals of current projects. Before you apply, make sure that we do not have a project with the same theme.

    To search our projects, visit our homepage (http://www.familytreedna.com). Use the "Project Search" on the right side of the page. If you find a project with a similar theme, you can contact the group administrator. You may be able to help with the group project.

  17. May I add additional administrators and co-administrators to my project? faq id: 1236

    Yes, you may add additional administrators or co-administrator to your project. Please follow these steps.

    1. Tell him/her about Family Tree DNA and DNA group projects.
    2. Have him/her read this FAQ. (http://www.familytreedna.com/faq/default.aspx)
    3. Ask him/her to agree to the GAP Guidelines
    4. Send him/her an invite through the Group Administration Page (GAP) Project Administration Project Administrators page.
  18. How many administrators should I have? faq id: 1237

    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 conduct 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.

  19. What happens when I am ready to retire as Group Administrator? faq id: 1238

    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.

  20. 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: 1247

    During the order process, you will be given the option of entering a separate billing address for the order. If you are ordering on invoice, then the invoice will be sent to the billing address.

  21. How do I know the order I placed was completed? faq id: 1248

    After you have placed the order, you will be sent a conformation e-mail.

  22. How many kits can I order at a time? faq id: 1249

    You can order up to ten kits at once using the Project Administration New Member Order page of your GAP (Group Administrators Page). If you need more than ten kits, please contact our sales department.

  23. If I order multiple kits, do I have to pay for them all at once? faq id: 1250

    Multiple kits do not have to be paid when the order is placed. 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 individually.

  24. If I order multiple kits at once, whose names will appear on the kit? faq id: 1251

    In each kit sent in a multiple kit order, Family Tree DNA includes a form asking for information about who provided the sample. When a kit is returned to us, we enter this information into our records, and the correct name will appear on the Member Reports Member Information page.

  25. Why are there kits listed on the Pending Shipment to Lab page of my Group Administrator Page? faq id: 1253

    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. Note that kits will not be sent to the lab until payment is complete.

  26. When are kits shipped to the lab? faq id: 1254

    Kits are shipped to the lab on Wednesdays. The following Thursday, pending result notices are posted to the group members' myFTDNA accounts and on the Member Reports Pending Lab Results page.

  27. Why has this kit been listed on the Pending Shipment to Lab page for so long? faq id: 1255

    Kits that have not been paid will remain on the Member Reports Pending Shipment to Lab page. Kits will not be shipped to the lab until complete payment is received.

  28. Why is the same kit listed more than once in Pending Lab Results? faq id: 1256

    A kit is listed on the Member Reports Pending Lab Results page by the test or procedure run at the lab. Therefore, if an order includes more than one test, it will be listed multiple times.

    For example, the Y-DNA12, 25, 37 and 67 marker tests are performed in sections called panels. The Y-DNA12 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 panel (made up of 3 test plates: 38-47, 48-60, and 61-67). We show these sections to you so you can see the progress of each of these panels. The lab may 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 Member Reports Pending Lab Results page.

  29. What is the Project Profile page? What should I put on the Project Profile page? faq id: 1261

    The Project Profile page is the description page for your project. You should include links to your group project's website, its name, and a brief description. As it is linked to our Projects page and allows new members to place their order through your project, this page is pivotal to the long term success of your project.

    You may update the information on the Project Profile page through the Project Management Project Profile page of your GAP account.

    See also: In GAP 2.0, what is the Project Profile page?

  30. On the GAP Project Profile page, what should I enter for the Project Name? faq id: 1262

    The Project Name should be something that briefly and clearly describes your project.

    For example, the DIDMOW project administrator titled her project Didmow Surname Project.

  31. On the GAP Project Profile page, what should I enter for the Description? faq id: 1263

    The Description should be something that briefly describes the scope of your group project and its goals. Although there is a 1500 character limit for this field, we recommend keeping the text between 100 and 150 words.

  32. On the GAP Project Profile page, what should I enter for the Website? Where do I set up a group project website? faq id: 1264

    The Website should be the URL for your group project. This is usually the address your Public Project Website. If you have both a Public Project Website and another website for your project, you should only list the Public Project Website in this field.

    For example, the administrator of the DIDMOW project put www.familytreedna.com/public/didmow/. 

    You may set up a FREE Public Project Website for your project on the Public Website page of your GAP (Group Administration Page) account.

    See also:

    PublicProjectWebsite
  33. On the GAP Project Profile page, what is the join code? What is the join link? faq id: 1265

    The group join code is the identifying number that is assigned to your group. The join link allows new members to order a kit through your project without filling out a Join Request form. This is useful for those individuals that you have already contacted about project membership. It will ensure that when they order they are added to your project.

  34. On the GAP Project Profile page, what is the Allow order without join request? option? faq id: 1267

    The Allow order without join request option allows you to determine if prospective project members need to fill out a join request to order a kit through or join your group project. If you check the box next to this option, all perspective participants will be able to freely order kits through and join your project. If you leave the box unchecked then perspective participants will have to wait for your approval of project membership.

  35. What are the advantages and disadvantages of Join Requests? faq id: 1268

    Many group project administrators require Join Requests because they like to screen perspective project members. During the screening process, they are able to collect known genealogical information such as most distant known ancestor and geographic origins.

    However, when you require a Join Request, you risk perspective project members being discouraged from joining your project. They may even feel discouraged from ordering a DNA test at all. If you require Join Requests then you also need to be able to respond to them within 48 hours. This will ensure positive service to your perspective project members.

  36. If I require Join Requests, how often should I answer them? faq id: 1269

    If you require Join Requests, you should review them once a day. All join requests should be answered within 48 hours. This helps ensure that all receive excellent service.

  37. If I do not respond to a Join Request within 48 hours, what will happen? faq id: 1270

    If you do not respond to join requests within 48 hours, then Family Tree DNA staff will respond to them. Afterwards, the privilege of using the Join Request option will be revoked.

    This is necessary to ensure timely responses and excellent service.

  38. What will happen if I require a join request? faq id: 1271

    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.

    If you require a Join Request, visitors interested in your group will not be able to order a kit from the Group Description page. 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. When they fill out this form, you will receive an e-mail with what they have written. The e-mail will include a link to approve or disapprove their project membership. Alternatively, you may login to your Group Administrator Page (GAP) and approve pending memberships on the Project Administration Join Authorization page.

    To allow orders (and project joins) without a join request:

    1. Login to your Group Administration Page (GAP). (https://www.familytreedna.com/login.aspx)
    2. Go to the Project Administration Project Profile page.
    3. Check the Allow Order without Join Request box.
    4. Click the Save Project Profile button to save your changes.
  39. On the GAP Project Profile page, what is the show project in surname project list option? Should I check the box to show my project in this list? faq id: 1272

    The Show project in Surname Project list option allows you to set whether your project is included in the Projects Index and on the Projects page. For the vast majority of projects, it is a good idea to include your project.

    To make your project private by removing it from the listing:

    1. Login to your Group Administration Page (GAP). (https://www.familytreedna.com/login.aspx)
    2. Go to the Project Administration Project Profile page.
    3. Uncheck the box next to Show Project In Surname Project List.
    4. Click the Save Project Profile button to save your changes.

    To make your project public by adding it to the listing:

    1. Login to your Group Administration Page (GAP). (https://www.familytreedna.com/login.aspx)
    2. Go to the Project Administration Project Profile page.
    3. Check the box next to Show Project In Surname Project List.
    4. Click the Save Project Profile button to save your changes.
  40. On the GAP Project Profile page, what should I enter for Surnames? How can I add various spellings accepted in the project? faq id: 1273

    For a Surname group project, this should be all surnames and variants accepted in the project. If you do not have a Y-chromosome lineage or Surname based group project, it is best to leave this field blank.

    To add/update the surnames listed for your project:

    1. Login to your Group Administration Page (GAP). (https://www.familytreedna.com/login.aspx)
    2. Go to the Project Administration Project Profile page.
    3. In the Surnames field, add or remove surnames. Separate multiple surnames with a comma.
    4. Click the Save Project Profile button to save your changes.
  41. Who will receive bulk e-mail messages sent from the GAP? faq id: 1276

    In the individual members' myFTNDA accounts, participants have the option to decide if they would like to receive bulk e-mail messages from group administrator(s). Those individuals who select "Yes" in their set up preferences will receive the bulk e-mail message from the group administrator. Individuals who select "No" will not be included in the list of individuals who receive the bulk e-mail message.

  42. Will group members be able to see each other’s e-mail addresses in bulk e-mail messages? faq id: 1277

    No, they will not. The bulk e-mail uses the blind carbon copy (BCC) option. This means it will generate a list so that the only e-mail shown to the recipient is their own. They will not be able to view the other e-mail addresses included in the bulk e-mail.

  43. How does a member select to be on the bulk e-mail list? faq id: 1278

    Your project members may set whether or not they receive project bulk e-mails on the My Account User Preferences page of their myFTDNA accounts.

    Note: This is not a setting that may be changed by group administrators.

  44. How can I determine if a group member has signed and returned a release form? faq id: 1330

    You can determine if a project member has signed and returned their release form on the Member Reports Member Information page of your Group Administration Page (GAP) account. To do so:

    1. Login to the GAP. (https://www.familytreedna.com/login.aspx)
    2. Go to the Member Reports Member Information page.
    3. Find their kit number and check the Release column.
    4. If it says Yes in this column then they have returned their signed release form. If it says No then they have not.
  45. How do I know which of my members have tested with the Genographic Project? faq id: 1331

    Individuals who transfer their results from the Genographic Project to Family Tree DNA have kit numbers that begin with the letter "N".

  46. How do I check on the status of a test listed in Pending Lab Results? faq id: 1332

    Family Tree DNA will update the pending results date and notes as information changes.

  47. How many projects can a person belong to? faq id: 1333

    Family Tree DNA customers can join an unlimited number of projects.

  48. I have a new member but I don’t see him in the member list, why? faq id: 1334

    If a new member's name and kit number do not appear at the end of the list (where kits that have not been received are shown) the individual may not have ordered through the group project. Please contact us immediately, so that we can confirm that the order was placed outside of the group. Family Tree DNA staff will correct the error including adjusting the price for the test. Once the kit goes to our lab, we cannot adjust the price.

  49. Someone is in our group who should not be, how do I remove him? faq id: 1335

    If there is an individual who does not meet your group requirements, or should be removed from the project you may do so. To remove a project member:

    1. Login to your Group Administration Page (GAP). (https://www.familytreedna.com/login.aspx)
    2. Go to the Members Reports Member Information page.
    3. Scroll to the listing of the project member that you are going to remove.
    4. Look for the X next to the project member's information, and click it.
    5. This will create a box that asks for a brief explanation as to why they are being removed.
    6. Fill in an explanation and confirm the removal.

    An e-mail will be sent from info@familytreedna.com to the individual.

  50. How do I create a website to add to the Project Profile Page? faq id: 1336

    Use the Project Management Public Website page to create a FREE Public Project Website for your project. There are blank sections. Each has a unique title.

    • Title: You should enter the name of your project.
    • Background: Enter any information about the history of the project.
    • Goals: Explain what you want to accomplish with the group.
    • Results: Include information about what the results show.
    • News: 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.

    PublicProjectWebsite
  51. How do I add information to the public website? faq id: 1337

    You may add information to your Public Project Website on the Public Website page. To do so:

    1. Go to the Family Tree DNA Login page. (https://www.familytreedna.com/login.aspx)
    2. Enter your Project Administrator ID and password. Then click the Login button.
    3. Find the Project Administration menu in the top menu bar.
    4. From the Project Administration menu, select Project Website.
    5. Modify the information in the Background, Goals, Results, and News fields.
    6. Click the Save Settings button to save your changes.
    PublicProjectWebsite
  52. How do I display project test results on the public website? faq id: 1339

    You may configure your project's Public Project Website on the Project Administration - Public Website page to show project test results. To do so:

    1. Go to the Family Tree DNA Login page. (https://www.familytreedna.com/login.aspx)
    2. Enter your Project Administrator ID and password. Then click the Login button.
    3. Find the Project Administration menu in the top menu bar.
    4. From the Project Administration menu, select Project Website.
    5. Check the Member DNA Test (YDNA) Results and/or Member DNA Test (mtDNA) Results boxes.
    6. Click the Save Settings button to save your changes.

    Test results will automatically be updated and uploaded to the project.

    PublicProjectWebsite
  53. When should I use the Join Authorization page to send an e-mail? faq id: 1340

    Messages should be sent to anyone that you would like to include in your project. We do suggest though that you make contact with individuals through customary means first (phone call, e-mail, genealogical gathering, etc.). This will help keep your invite from being regarded as spam.

    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 e-mailing 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.

  54. Where is the country of origin entered for a participant? What does “unknown origin” mean? faq id: 1341

    The release form contains a section asking for the paternal country of origin,1 and the maternal country of origin. When a kit is returned, we enter this information. If a country is not reported or more than one country is entered, the country is listed as unknown origin. Group members can update this information on the My Account Contact Information page of their myFTDNA accounts.

    1. Family Tree DNA uses the International Organization for Standardization's ISO 3166 for country names.
  55. Who can view my contact information? faq id: 1342

    Your contact information will be visible to Family Tree DNA staff and your project co-administrators.

    If your contact information changes, you can update the information My Account Contact Information page of the Group Administration Page (GAP). We highly recommend that you keep at least your e-mail updated so that you receive member questions and system notifications.

  56. How do I show my e-mail as the Group Administrator? How can I restrict my e-mail? faq id: 1343

    You may configure your Public Project Website on the My Settings page to show (or not show) your e-mail address. To do so:

    1. Login to your Group Administration Page (GAP). (https://www.familytreedna.com/login.aspx)
    2. Go to the My Settings page.
    3. To show your e-mail address, check the E-mail On Public Website box.
    4. To hide your e-mail address, uncheck the E-mail On Public Website box.
    5. Click the Save Settings button to save your changes.
    PublicProjectWebsite
  57. How can I view member passwords? faq id: 1344

    We do not show members' passwords to the Group Administrator because there are settings on the My Account User Preferences page of their myFTDNA account, such as the bulk e-mail option, that must be selected by the participant only.

  58. What if a member forgets his or her password? faq id: 1345

    If a member misplaces his or her password and requests it from you, you may direct them to the What is My Password? FAQ question.

  59. May I post my project members' results on an external website? faq id: 1346

    Yes, you may post your project members' mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) results on an external website. However, in accordance with the GAP Guidelines, you should make it clear that the results come from testing at Family Tree DNA and provide a link back to your Public Project Website.

    Because results on Public Project Websites are updated automatically, they ensure that your project members will always have access the most current data.

    See also:

    PublicProjectWebsite
  60. What do the colors for the Y-DNA results chart headings mean? faq id: 1359

    The Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) results chart headings are color coded in two ways. First, each testing level (Y-DNA1-12, Y-DNA13-25, Y-DNA26-37, and Y-DNA38-67) is coded with a different shade of blue. Second, the STR (short tandem repeat) markers that have faster mutation rates and are more likely to change within the genealogical time frame are coded with a red background.

    Y-DNA1-12 Y-DNA13-25 Y-DNA26-37 Y-DNA38-67 Y-DNA68-111 Faster Changing STR Marker

    See also: What do the colors for the marker results on the Y-DNA Colorized chart mean?

    PublicProjectWebsiteChartHeading
  61. What do the colors for the marker results on the Y-DNA Colorized chart mean? faq id: 1360

    The Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) results chart is color coded to show where someone in a subgroup differs from the calculated modal value for an STR (short tandem repeat) marker. For each step less than the modal value, a progressively darker shade of blue is used for the background color. For each step greater than the modal value, a progressively darker shade of pink is used for the background color.

    GAP Color Scale
    -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -6 -7 -8 -9 -10
    +1 +2 +3 +4 +5 +6 +7 +8 +9 +10
    Public Website Color Scale
    -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -6 -7 -8 -9 -10
    +1 +2 +3 +4 +5 +6 +7 +8 +9 +10

    See also: What do the colors for the Y-DNA results chart headings mean?

    PublicProjectWebsiteColorizedChart
  62. On the Genetic Distance page, why am I unable to compare a project member to others in the project? faq id: 1449

    On the Genetic Distance page, there is a limit on the maximum genetic distance between the project member you have selected and those who appear on the comparison list. The maximum genetic distances are:

    • Y-DNA12:  3
    • Y-DNA25: 10
    • Y-DNA37: 20
    • Y-DNA67: 40
    • Y-DNA111: 80

    The maximum genetic distances have been set to be more than what one would expect to find in the genealogical time frame and for higher testing levels, the historic time frame.

  63. What do the different letters on my project members' kit numbers mean? faq id: 1687

    The letters at the beginning of customers' kit numbers indicate where they originally purchased their kits.

    • A - Those who test with African DNA
    • B - Those who transfer Y-DNA or autosomal results through a lab transfer program
    • E - Those who test with iGenea, our European associate
    • H - Those who tested with DNA Heritage and transferred their results
    • M - Those who test with DNA Ancestry & Family Origin, our Middle Eastern associate
    • N - Those who test with and transfer from the National Geographic Genographic Project
    • U - Those who test at DNA World Wide, our UK associate
    Finding Your Roots Henry Louis Gates
    TermsOfService
  64. Why is all or part of the text from my surname project's Public Website on the myHeritage DNA page? faq id: 2082

    As part of myHeritage's affiliateship with Family Tree DNA, they are including information about Family Tree DNA surname projects on their website. They link their international customer base to pages built from the Public Websites of surname projects. This exposes your project to a greater number of potential members.

  65. Are those who order through this myHeritage project page automatically added to my project? faq id: 2083

    At this time, no. However, myHeritage is working to make this possible. For now, customers are advised that they may ask to join your project after they order.

  66. In what languages are the myHeritage project pages available? faq id: 2084

    MyHeriage uses the text from your Public Website which means if your site is in English, it is in English on the myHeritage pages.

  67. How often does myHeritage update the information and text they pull from my surname project's Public Website? faq id: 2085

    MyHeritage copies surname Public Website pages in real-time; thus, your updates are reflected almost immediately on myHeritage project pages.