About
Genetic Affairs is a specialized genetic genealogy research platform that empowers individuals—from hobbyist family history enthusiasts to professional genealogists—to make meaningful discoveries from their DNA data. The platform offers a suite of advanced tools: AutoCluster groups DNA matches by shared genetic segments to reveal family clusters; AutoTree identifies common ancestors across linked match trees; AutoSegment reconstructs relationships based on shared DNA amounts; AutoKinship performs clustering, ancestor discovery, and location mapping directly in the browser; AutoLineage helps place individuals such as adoptees into reconstructed family trees; and AutoPedigree provides reclustering and file-based clustering utilities. Users can also perform hybrid segment analysis to find overlapping segments across different DNA testing companies, import segment data into DNA Painter for chromosome mapping, and visualize geographic locations linked to family events on a map. The platform is officially licensed by MyHeritage and GEDmatch, enabling seamless integration with two of the most widely used consumer genetic genealogy databases. Privacy-focused by design, Genetic Affairs ensures users maintain control over their sensitive genetic data. Access is credit-based with a free account tier, making it accessible for occasional users and scalable for intensive researchers.
Key Features
- AutoCluster: Automatically groups DNA matches into visual clusters based on shared genetic segments, making it easier to identify distinct family lines.
- AutoTree & Common Ancestor Discovery: Identifies shared ancestors by cross-referencing linked family trees of your DNA matches, helping you understand how matches relate to your family.
- AutoSegment & Hybrid Segment Analysis: Breaks down DNA at the segment level and finds overlapping segments across multiple DNA testing companies for deeper heritage insights.
- AutoKinship & AutoLineage: Browser-based tools for clustering, location mapping, and placing individuals like adoptees into reconstructed family trees.
- MyHeritage & GEDmatch Integration: Officially licensed by MyHeritage and GEDmatch, offering enhanced genetic genealogy research directly within these leading DNA platforms.
Use Cases
- Identifying common ancestors across multiple DNA matches to break through genealogical brick walls.
- Helping adoptees or individuals with unknown parentage find and place biological relatives using AutoLineage.
- Performing chromosome segment analysis to understand which parts of DNA are shared with specific family branches.
- Visualizing family clusters to organize hundreds of DNA matches into manageable, color-coded family groups.
- Combining DNA data from multiple testing companies to find triangulating segments and confirm family relationships.
Pros
- Comprehensive Toolset: Offers a wide range of specialized genetic genealogy tools—from clustering to segment analysis to location mapping—covering nearly every aspect of DNA research.
- Official Partnerships: Licensed integration with MyHeritage and GEDmatch means seamless access to large databases and trusted workflows.
- Free Account Available: A free registration tier allows new users to explore the platform before committing to paid credits, lowering the barrier to entry.
- Privacy-Focused: Designed with privacy in mind, giving users control over their sensitive genetic data and how it is used.
Cons
- Credit-Based Pricing Can Add Up: Heavy users conducting multiple large analyses may find the credit system costly compared to flat-rate subscription tools.
- Learning Curve: The variety of specialized tools and genetic genealogy concepts may be overwhelming for complete beginners without prior DNA research experience.
- Limited Platform Availability: The platform is web-only with no dedicated mobile apps, which may limit accessibility for users on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Genetic Affairs and who is it for?
Genetic Affairs is a genetic genealogy research platform designed for individuals who want to analyze their DNA matches to discover family connections, identify common ancestors, and reconstruct family trees. It is suitable for both hobbyist genealogists and professional researchers.
Is Genetic Affairs free to use?
Genetic Affairs offers a free account registration. Some features use a credit-based system, meaning certain analyses require purchasing credits. Pricing details are available on the platform's Prices page.
Which DNA testing companies does Genetic Affairs work with?
Genetic Affairs is licensed by MyHeritage and GEDmatch, and its tools are designed to work with data from these platforms. It also supports hybrid segment analysis across multiple DNA testing companies.
What is AutoCluster and how does it work?
AutoCluster is a tool that automatically groups your DNA matches into clusters based on shared DNA segments. These clusters typically represent distinct family lines, making it easier to identify which group of matches belongs to which branch of your family.
Can Genetic Affairs help adoptees find biological family?
Yes. The AutoLineage tool is specifically designed to help identify how a person—such as an adoptee—fits into a reconstructed family tree based on DNA match data, making it a valuable resource for unknown parentage cases.
