Have you taken an ancestry test with 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or other companies? Then, you're already on the path to unlocking the incredible insights within your raw DNA data. This article delves into the world of DNA raw data analysis, guiding you through the tools to help decode the secrets hidden within your genes. Are you ready to discover the best platform to upload raw DNA data? Join us as we explore the top 10 tools that can help you get the best out of your raw DNA!
You can check out our DNA raw data download guides here:
How To Download Your Raw Data From FTDNA
How To Download Your Raw Data From AncestryDNA
How To Download Your Raw Data From 23andMe
How To Download Raw Data From MyHeritage DNA
What Is A Raw DNA Data?
Raw DNA data is the collection of genetic information obtained from a DNA test.
When you take a DNA test, such as the ones offered by companies like 23andMe or AncestryDNA, they analyze specific parts of your DNA to provide you with insights about your ancestry.
Imagine your DNA as a long sequence of letters, like a very complex code.
Raw DNA data is like having a copy of that code on a computer file.
It contains all the letters, or in this case, all the information about the genetic building blocks that make you who you are.
This file is a detailed record of the variations in your genetic code, called genetic markers or SNPs.
It's like having a book that contains all the information about the different chapters in your genetic story.
However, just like a book, this raw data file needs special tools or software to read and understand its contents.
So, why is raw DNA data important?
Scientists and researchers can use this raw data to study and learn more about genetics, human ancestry, and even specific health conditions.
They can compare your genetic markers with those of others and find patterns or connections.
Keep in mind that raw DNA data is like a blueprint of your genetic information, and it can reveal personal and sensitive details about you.
That's why it's important to handle it carefully and only share it with trusted tools and with proper privacy and security measures.
We’re here to help you with just that!
How’s Ancestry Information Obtained From DNA?
The DNA data file from genealogical tests has information on around 700,000 locations in your DNA.
The portions of DNA close to each other are often passed down together.
So, if the genetic marker is close to a sequence with known disease association, this marker can be used to identify and track the sequence of interest.
Genetic ancestry tests use these markers to track your lineage and report ancestry and ethnicity.
They compare your DNA data with that of millions of other people and find regions of similarity.
The more the similarity, the more closely you are related to that person.
But, this information is only a drop of water compared to the ocean of information you can get from your DNA raw data file.
There are many third-party tools and DNA upload sites that interpret your DNA raw data for you.
Some of the well-known DNA raw data analysis tools are Xcode Life, Genetic Genie, Stratagene, and GEDMatch.
Note: Most of these companies accept only genotyping raw data (like the ones from 23andMe and AncestryDNA).
Other Than Ancestry Reports, What Information Can You Get From Your DNA Raw Data?
You can get information on various health and wellness aspects from your DNA raw data. Here are some commonly offered DTC (direct-to-consumer) genetic reports:
- Nutrition
- Fitness
- Skin
- Allergy
- Health Predisposition
- Behavior and personality
- MTHFR and methylation
- BRCA and breast cancer
How to Read Raw DNA Data? Upload Raw DNA Data To These Sites!
You do not need to read your 23andMe raw data by yourself. But, if you are curious, the raw data files have 4 columns of data that kind of look like computer code.
The report providers translate this data into easy-to-read reports for you. You just have to upload your raw data and download your results.
There are companies like Xcode Life and others that specialize in providing you various reports based on your raw data from ancestry data providers such as 23andMe, AncestryDNA.com, or Family Tree DNA (FTDNA).
The best third-party tools or companies providing DNA raw data analysis services are listed below:
| Tool | Price | Categories covered |
| Xcode Life - the highest number of reports - 3000+ markers analyzed - 1000 + traits covered | Starting at $30 | Nutrition Fitness Allergy Skin Health Sleep Personality BRCA and Breast Cancer MTHFR and Methylation Personalized Medicine |
| Promethease | $12 | Basic health and reports |
| Genetic Genie | Free; Option for voluntary donation starting from $5. | Methylation and detox analysis |
| DNA Land UPDATE: the site ceased operations on 13 November 2021 | Free. The genome data will be used anonymously for research purposes. | Ancestry and lifestyle related traits. |
| GEDMatch | Mostly free. Premium tools are also provided. | Ancestry. Mainly for family matches using combined 23andMe, Ancestry DNA, Family Tree DNA database. |
| Genomelink | Free (25 traits); $14 every month subscription | Nutrition, personality, intelligence, physical, and sports traits |
| SelfDecode | 1 free report; $99 annual fee | Nutrition, fitness, and health |
| LivingDNA | 1 ancestry and 1 wellbeing report free; Other reports up to $99 | Ancestry, nutrition, fitness reports |
| FamilyTreeDNA | Limited access to family matching tool free | Ancestry reports only |
| MyTrue Ancestry | Basic version is free.; Membership costs up to $596 | Ancestry reports only |
| Genomapp | 3 reports are free; Other reports cost up to $25 | Health conditions and precision medicine |
| Livewello | 1 free trait; Up to $25/month subscription | Nutrition and Precision Medicine |
| Enlis Genomics | 1 free report; Other reports up to $80 | Health report only |
Happy choosing!
Xcode Life
Xcode Life is a global genetics and bioinformatics company that specializes in analyzing DNA raw data files from various companies like 23andMe, AncestryDNA, FTDNA, MyHeritage, and LivingDNA.
Xcode provides a variety of expertly curated reports, starting at $30, including 23andMe health reports, nutrition, medication sensitivity (precision medicine), fitness, allergy, skin, personality, sleep, and other custom reports.
Xcode Life Reports List
- Nutrition report
- Fitness report
- Health report
- Allergy report
- Skin report
- Breast Cancer and BRCA report
- Methylation and MTHFR report
- Personalized Medicine report
- Gene Sleep Report
- Traits and Personality report
These reports come with specific recommendations for people with your genetic type, all of which are delivered in under a couple of hours.
Moreover, counseling is also available upon request.
Xcode also provides bundle options to choose multiple reports for a single analysis. This ensures that you get more than 1000+ traits in a single analysis.
In addition, Xcode Life also provides reports to individuals and professional practitioners such as physicians, surgeons, nutritionists, sports trainers, chiropractors, and other professionals.
Get your 23andMe raw data analyzed here.
Promethease - Now acquired by MyHeritage - 2023 Updates
Promethease is a software program that was developed by SNPedia to perform raw data analysis.
It uses your 23andMe raw data to generate disease-based reports.
How Much Does Promethease Cost?
They charge $12 per report.
However, it is to be noted that they may be quite technical for most people unless they have expert knowledge of polymorphisms and biostatistics.
This literature retrieval system analyzes your 23andMe, FTDNA, or AncestryDNA raw data and then builds a report based on the vast SNPedia database.
The reports contain information about health, precision medicine as well as some other traits.
The report gives you health information regarding your genetic risks for certain illnesses such as Alzheimer's.
In spite of its popularity, the scientific rigor of Promethease is often questioned due to its reliance on SNPedia, a Wikipedia-like repository of scientific literature.
Update: In 2019, MyHeritage acquired Promethease and SNPedia.
MyHeritage offered Promethease free of charge through the end of 2019 and continues to maintain SNPedia as a free resource for academic and non-profit users.
For Non-European users, the DNA raw data will be shifted to MyHeritage into new accounts, which will be created for them.
However, the users will retain the ownership of their DNA raw data file and are free to delete it from MyHeritage's server.
GeneticGenie Methylation and Detox Analysis
Genetic Genie provides free methylation and detox reports.
This tool uses your DNA raw data from companies like 23andMe and AncestryDNA to perform methylation analysis.
The site also provides a tool for a detox analysis that looks for defects in the cytochrome P450 detox enzymes.
Genetic Genie Methylation
Incorrect methylation leads to a wide range of serious medical conditions.
This makes the methylation profile offered by genetic genie a good report.
The following genes are included in Genetic Genie’s Methylation panel:
- COMT
- MTHFR
- VDR
- MTR
- MTRR
- BHMT
- SHMT
- CBS
14 markers in these genes are reported in the panel.
Genetic Genie Detox
The detox profile looks at single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes that affect the detoxification pathway of the body.
The following genes are included in Genetic Genie’s Detox panel:
- CYP1A1
- CYP1A2
- CYP1B1
- CYP2C9
- CYP2E1
- CYP3A4
- GSTP1
- SOD2
- NAT1
- NAT2
22 markers in these genes are reported in the panel.
This is a free service, but a voluntary donation starting from $5 is accepted.
Read an in-depth comparative analysis of reports from Genetic Genie and Xcode Life
GEDMatch
GEDmatch offers a platform to delve into your family history by enabling the upload of raw genetic files from various DNA testing companies.
Although the service itself is free, it is important to note that navigating GEDmatch's tools may appear intricate for individuals unaccustomed to exploring genetic data.
GEDmatch provides a range of complimentary tools in addition to a selection of more advanced features that require a paid subscription.
GEDmatch.com Login
You can log in to your GEDmatch account in 4 simple steps:
- Go to www.gedmatch.com and click on the "Login" button in the top right corner.
- Enter the email ID that you used to register your account
- Key in your password
- Click on the "LOGIN" button
If you forgot your password, you can reset it with this link
Once you register your account, you can upload your DNA raw data here.
On the upload page, you'll be asked for the following details:
- Donor information
- Details of raw data
- Privacy information
Once the upload is successful, you should be assigned a kit number.
GEDmatch Genesis Free Tools
GEDmatch provides the following free tools:
- One-to-many
- One-to-one Autosomal
- One-to-one X
- Admixture / heritage
- Admixture/oracle
- Match both of 1 or 2
- DNA file diagnostics
- Are your parents related?
- 3D chromosome browser
- Archaic DNA match
- Ancestor projects
By opting for the Tier 1 membership, priced at $10 per month, users can access an array of additional tools that offer valuable insights into their ancestry and potential relatives.
GEDmatch Review
GEDmatch is a standard tool that is recommended among various genealogy groups on Facebook. It has also proved to be useful for law enforcement investigations to solve crimes.
GEDmatch helped with the arrest of the Golden State Killer, responsible for more than 50 rapes and at least 13 murders in California in the 1970s and 1980s.
Since this case was solved, GEDmatch has become a popular crime-solving tool.
Read an in-depth review of GEDMatch here.
Genomelink
Genomelink lets users upload raw DNA data from 23andMe, Ancestry, or MyHeritage. Users can also let the site connect directly to their 23andMe or Ancestry account to retrieve their DNA data.
Users who upload the DNA data will immediately receive 25 trait reports free of charge.
To unlock more traits, you must be subscribed to their ‘Unlimited Plan’ for $14/month, which may not be cost-effective.
After signing up, all your reports will be consolidated and present in your dashboard, which can be accessed only online, as downloadable PDF reports are unavailable.
A feedback option will be present next to every trait in your dashboard, so you can choose to let them know whether or not the results provided are accurate.
While the interface is pleasing, their reports are not extensive and cover only a little over 100 traits.
This is relatively small compared to other companies that provide over 300 traits.
In addition to the regular trait reports, they offer three reporting packages: Ancient Ancestry Report ($29), Personalized Nutrition Advice ($24), and Personalized Fitness Report ($39).
Genomelink Login
Follow these steps to log in to your Genomelink account:
- On the website homepage, click on the “Sign In” button in the top right corner.
- Enter the email address that you used to register your account.
- Key in your password and click on the “LOG IN” button.
Genomelink Dashboard Of A Free Account
Genomelink Reviews
Genomelink can be a good cost-free place to start if you are new to DTC genetic tests. The results are mostly user-friendly to read. They seem to have in-depth information on privacy and the use of users’ data. The free version of Genomelink is definitely worth a try.
You might want to think twice before going ahead with the subscription - Genomelink emails your results even for the locked traits - one each week.
The report bundles are definitely overpriced for the number of traits they cover. The reports do look visually appealing; however, the sample reports provided seem to only be for illustrative purposes. The real web-based reports need not be as attractive.
You can read a detailed review of Genomelink here.
SelfDecode
SelfDecode offers personalized DNA testing and provides health and wellness reports by analyzing your genetic data.
It also has some tools to analyze your genome and a personalized genetics blog that helps you understand your DNA results.
You can sign up with Selfdecode using the following link:
https://selfdecode.com/en/sign-up/
Upon account creation, before you can upload the file, you’ll need to fill out the following details.
Once you upload your file, in a couple of hours, you’ll find your free genetic results for 3-5 traits.
SelfDecode Lifetime Membership
SelfDecode has 2 plans:
- Annual subscription
- Lifetime subscription
Annual subscription plan - $194 $97 excl. DNA test kit price
This plan only includes five premium DNA Wellness reports/year, whereas an additional charge at a 50% discount is applicable to access other reports.
The plan comes with a provision to cancel anytime.
Lifetime Access Plan - $599 excl. DNA test kit price
This plan includes access to all current and future DNA Wellness Reports.
SelfDecode Reviews
Read a comprehensive review on SelfDecode here.
Livewello Raw Data Analysis
Livewello accepts raw data files from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, Family Tree DNA, and Gene By Gene.
After paying a one-time fee of $20, you get to keep your account for life.
A monthly subscription of $5.95 or a yearly subscription of $60 allows access to the Livewello app.
Livewello offers 20 reports. Some of them include:
- Warfarin sensitivity
- Hepatitis C treatment
- Preference for sweet foods
- Vitamin B12
- Alcohol tolerance
The New StrateGene Analysis
With the new StrateGene, you can no longer upload your DNA raw data files from 23andMe.
Their DNA kit is priced at $295, and you can choose between a tube kit (saliva sample) and a swab kit (cheek swab sample).
You'll receive the following:
- A DNA kit
- StrateGene Core Report – Digital
- StrateGene Raw Data – Digital - for browsing and downloading your raw data
- Dirty Genes by Dr. Ben Lynch – Physical Book
- Dirty Genes Course – Digital
- Dirty Genes Summit (2 Interviews) – Digital
- ABC's of Clean Genes – Digital
The users seem to find the reports a bit too complex to be of real use. So, this may not be the right choice for those who would prefer easily understandable results and readily implementable recommendations.
Enlis Genomics 23andMe Raw Data Analysis
This 23andMe raw data analysis service provider is more for educational purposes and not for direct consumer purposes.
Their service, which caters to research scientists, focuses on analyzing DNA data to provide users with information about the health risks associated with specific genetic variants.
The initial intention of developing this software is to allow researchers to analyze full genome files, but they have then added a software program for personal use and a free genome report accessible directly from their site.
NutraHacker Raw Data Analysis
Nutrahacker accepts DNA raw data files from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, tellmeGen, or MyHeritage.
Once you upload your DNA raw data, you'll be required to fill out a questionnaire and submit your email address.
You will receive a free copy of COVID report and Detox report.
Additionally, you can purchase the following reports:
- Celiac report - $20
- Complete mutation report - $37
- Depression report - $85
- Fitness report - $55
Interpretome (GENOtation)
Interpretome, now named GENOtation, has 12 publicly available genotype files for education/research purposes.
It also has SNP and genotype information for the following traits:
DNAFit Raw Data Analysis
DNAFit lets you upload your data from 23andMe or buy their kit. They offer the following reports:
- Diet Fit - £104.30
- Health Fit - £139.30
- Circle Premium - £349.30
The report is available online. Initially, the information does feel a bit overwhelming.
However, the reports do a good job of giving background information relevant to the results.
This is fairly comprehensive and includes a list of the genes analyzed in the test, along with information about each gene.
There are clauses in their privacy policy about how it could be passed on as aggregated data to third parties for research with or without client consent, according to DNA Testing Choice, a popular genetic testing company review website.
If you are a hardcore athlete, you might want to consider this. However, before buying, do check out our comparative blog on the top 5 fitness DNA fitness report providers.
Read an in-depth comparative analysis of reports from DNAFit and Xcode Life.
Lifenome Raw Data Analysis
Lifenome accepts DNA raw data files from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and FamilyTreeDNA. They offer the following products:
- COVID-19 Spare - Determine Risk of Severity
- XHealth Precision Health and Wellbeing Platform - Nutrition & Diet Programs, Fitness Programs, Sleep & Stress Management
- Genetic Predisposition Assessments - Nutrition & Diet Reports, Allergy and Sensitivity Reports, Beauty Reports, Fitness Reports
- Precision Consumption Ecosystem
Other Resources to Explore More
Here are some resources that will give you more information:
- List of the most popular genetic testing companies: ISOGG Wiki
- There are some good answers to a Quora question along similar lines: https://www.quora.com/Which-tools-can-be-used-to-analyze-23andMe-raw-data
About Xcode Life
Updated on May 25, 2023
Hi Great article full of practicle advice sadly missing in todays world.
I'm in the UK
I can get 23 and me via Amazon UK
My question is..
Do I need the full test or does the cheaper version contain all the DNA snps data that these companies can decode?
Very informative and comprehensive. It is also highly relevant given the number of Ancestry genetic kits sold every month.
Can I use my whole genome sequencing raw data from Dante Labs?
Looks like Promethease keeps pumping their price. From $5 straight up to $12.
This was a good article to start with. I have bookmarked this so that I can try each tool whenever I get a chance.
I really appreciated how you broke down the services offered by each company. Would you have a suggestion as to what to use for the most comprehensive information? It seems like XCode LIfe is easier to understand and the most comprehensive. However, are there a couple others that provide additional useful info, that I could use in addition to XCode Life. It is difficult to tell what XCode Life is missing. I see numbers by each as well. I am assuming the number indicate the rating (which one is better in your analysis?) Thank you in advance for your time in responding!
I uploaded my raw data to Promethease and Genetic genie. DNAFit is too expensive given that they check for very less number of markers.
This is a superb article. I have already started using Promethease, Xcode and Genetic Genie. Will post my experience with them as soon as I am through with their reports.
This is an amazingly detailed list. Going to get started on some of these tools right away. Thank you.
This is great! Finally a data analysis article that actually helps.
Thank you for the wonderfully detailed article!
I have been looking for a service to analyze my raw DNA. I will try one of these. Thank you for this!
Thank you for this DNA raw data analysis article. i wish I had read this before I got my sequencing done.
I did my 23andme raw data analysis from Promethease and then opted to get it simplified from Xcode. It cost me an additional $20 but it would not have been the case had I taken Xcode first.
The DNA raw data analysis from Xcode Life is by far the best of what I have tried. Thank you for the reports.
I tried Livewello and Genetic Genie and I was not happy with the support I got from both sites. Genetic Genie seems outdated and Livewello is unresponsive. Which of these report covers intolerances Allergy or Nutrition? Thanks on advance for your answer.
Selfdecode is a great site that I use .
Lots of information ,
Very comprehensive and informative. Thank you for this.
I have done my DNA and I have my genealogy back to 1583 we came from England but I'm trying to find out what my eight-time grandfather's name is and where he came from I'm thinking he came from France because the original spelling was supposed to be c o u v e and I'm traveling to England next year to do research his name was c o v e y his sons was James William and George they came to the United States and 1625 I believe
I need to have my DNA tested yet, and I need to know about what it indicates for Celiac and for Fragile X syndrome. What company would you recommend I use to test DNA, and what internet site would be best for testing for those two?
Hi John. Thank you for reading the article. If you are looking specifically to test Fragile X syndrome and Celiac disease, I would recommend that you do so through a clinical genetic testing lab. Any hospital close to your home with an active genetic testing facility can do this for you.
I used my DNA raw data to upload to Promethease. I got back about 20,000 rows of information. I tried changing parameters like magnitude and repute. But I am not sure if I am doing it right because it keeps throwing back results that I can either not understand or is too scary to read. And why am I getting results for prostrate cancer when I am biologically female?
I don't know what to do next. I went back to their website and saw that the price has been hiked to $12. I got my report in December 2017, when they had given it a free run. This makes me wonder if the quality of my reports are owing to the fact that I jumped the gun and got it for free. Will paying $12 now give me better reports? How can I get my reports interpreted and in a better format? Please help!
Hi Kathy. Thank you for stopping by. First off I'd like to tell you that third party raw data analysis does not give diagnostic information. It can be used as heads-up or a warning if the evidence is in sync with your clinical tests. But do not take it as a sentence.
Secondly, since you have your Promethease report from 2017, I suggest you try our Simplified Promethease report that, as the name suggests, gives you a simplified version of your Promethease report. You can get it from here: https://www.xcode.life/product/ftdna-ancestrydna-23andme-raw-data-interpretation-analysis-tools
Hey, your table is outdated. Looks like Xcode Life has introduced 3 new reports. I cannot find that on your table.
Hi Kenneth. Thank you for raising that. I will include the new reports in the next version of this blog.
Thank you for such a comprehensive list! I already tried few of the third party tools on the list. Have you thought about adding GEDMatch and DNA Land? I know that they don't cover health, but they are quite popular and i thought it might fit in well. Thanks again!
You are most welcome Lindsey. GEDMatch is definitely a popular and a useful tool. Thank you for suggesting it. I'll try adding it on my next update to the blog. DNA Land is also a widely used tool, but I have not suggested it since I am not comfortable with their privacy policy. They are an active research group so the policy seems to indicate that the genome files are directly taken for research. Let me see if they have made any updates to it and see about adding them.