Genealogy is more exciting than ever, especially with DNA testing helping people discover their family roots. One of the most powerful ways to organize and analyze these discoveries is by adding DNA matches to your Family Tree Maker (FTM). Doing this bridges the gap between your DNA results and your documented family history—helping you confirm relationships, discover new ancestors, and build a complete family story.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to add DNA matches to your Family Tree Maker research step-by-step, plus tips to keep your tree accurate and well-organized.
What Are DNA Matches in Family Tree Research?
DNA matches are individuals who share segments of DNA with you—meaning you likely share a common ancestor. Testing services like AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, 23andMe, and FamilyTreeDNA identify these matches and estimate how closely you’re related.
Adding these DNA matches to your Family Tree Maker allows you to:
- Verify existing family connections
- Discover unknown relatives
- Strengthen weak family links
- Organize DNA data with genealogical records
Why Add DNA Matches to Family Tree Maker?
Adding DNA matches to your Family Tree Maker isn’t just about storing data—it’s about creating powerful evidence for your genealogy research. Here’s why it matters:
- Confirmation of Relationships – You can confirm uncertain ancestral links using genetic evidence.
- New Discoveries – Find previously unknown relatives and branches of your tree.
- Better Documentation – Connect DNA data directly to individuals in your family tree.
- Organized Research – Keep track of where DNA evidence supports each relationship.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility – FTM integrates well with Ancestry.com, making syncing effortless.
Step-by-Step: How to Add DNA Matches to Family Tree Maker
Follow these easy steps to connect your DNA matches with your Family Tree Maker research:
Step 1: Log in to Your Ancestry Account
Most Family Tree Maker users link their tree with Ancestry.com. Start by signing in to your Ancestry account where your DNA matches are listed.
- Go to Ancestry.com.
- Navigate to the DNA Matches section.
- Choose a DNA match you want to explore.
Step 2: Review the Match Information
Before adding any match, review details carefully:
- Estimated relationship (e.g., 3rd cousin)
- Shared centimorgans (cM)
- Common ancestors (if identified)
- Shared matches and family lines
Tip: Take notes on each match’s relationship hints. This will help when connecting them in FTM.
Step 3: Open Family Tree Maker
Launch Family Tree Maker (FTM) on your computer. Ensure your tree is linked to your Ancestry account:
- Go to File > Manage Trees
- Confirm that your tree is synced with Ancestry
Step 4: Find or Create the Individual
In FTM:
- Search for the person who matches your DNA data.
- If they don’t exist, add a new individual.
- Include details such as name, birth date, and possible family connection.
Step 5: Add DNA Match Information
Once the person is added, you can note the DNA match connection:
- Go to the person’s profile in FTM.
- Click on Facts > Add Fact > DNA Match (if available).
- Enter the following details:
- Source (e.g., AncestryDNA, MyHeritage)
- Match name
- Relationship estimate
- Shared cM or segments
- Notes about common ancestors
This helps organize your DNA data with genealogical evidence.
Step 6: Sync Your Tree
After adding or updating DNA match details, sync your Family Tree Maker with Ancestry. This ensures your online and offline data are aligned.
Go to:
File > Sync Now
This saves your new DNA match information across both platforms.
Pro Tips for Managing DNA Matches in Family Tree Maker
Here are a few expert suggestions to keep your family tree accurate and useful:
- ✅ Use color coding for DNA-confirmed lines.
- 🧬 Group matches by ancestral line (maternal or paternal).
- 📑 Keep notes about uncertain or potential matches.
- 🔍 Use Ancestry’s ThruLines feature to identify connections automatically.
- 🧠 Review and verify before adding any match to avoid incorrect links.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When managing DNA matches, beginners often make these errors:
- ❌ Adding unverified matches without research
- ❌ Ignoring shared matches and triangulation
- ❌ Forgetting to sync FTM with Ancestry regularly
- ❌ Overlooking duplicate individuals in the tree
Avoid these to maintain a clean, evidence-based family tree.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I import DNA matches directly into Family Tree Maker?
Not automatically. You must manually record details or link them through Ancestry sync.
Q2. Does Family Tree Maker analyze DNA results?
No, FTM stores and organizes data—it doesn’t analyze DNA. Analysis happens on platforms like AncestryDNA or MyHeritage.
Q3. How can I see which relatives are DNA confirmed?
Use color coding, notes, or custom facts in FTM to track DNA-confirmed individuals.
Conclusion
Adding DNA matches to your Family Tree Maker takes your genealogy research to the next level. By connecting genetic evidence with your historical records, you create a more accurate and insightful family history.
Remember: DNA is just one piece of the puzzle. Combine it with thorough research, documented sources, and consistent updates to build a family tree that truly tells your story.