DNA CSV Match Files: How to Define Your Own Format

When you get your DNA test done, you can upload your raw DNA file to a matching service such as GEDMatch, or use DNAGedcom to retrieve your match results from Ancestry, 23andMe, or Family Tree DNA. When the matching process is complete, you can download a CSV (Comma Separated Value) spreadsheet with all your matches.

Charting Companion enables you to combine the match results with a Descendant Tree, giving you a DNA Matrix that describes the relationships in a clear and simple diagram. Charting Companion automatically recognizes twenty-three of the most common and popular CSV match file formats. If your CSV match file is not identified by Charting Companion, or if you have built your own custom match file, you can get Charting Companion to recognize it by labeling it as a "User-defined" file, and telling CC where the columns are located. CC needs only three columns: Kit No. 1, Kit No. 2, and the total match length in cM (centiMorgans). In the example above, the second row (highlighted in blue) contains the original column headers that were in the file. The first row (yellow) are the standard CC column headers assigned by the user: Kit 1, Kit 2, Chromosome number, start, end and length. All other columns are ignored. To assign column headers to your own CSV match file, simply click on the "View" button in the DNA Matrix tab of the options dialog. See Help File or User Guide for complete details. Charting Companion works with all genealogy programs: Family Tree Maker, RootsMagic, Legacy, Ancestral Quest, Family Historian, GEDCOM, etc. You can also download your Ancestry, FamilySearch or MyHeritage GEDCOM file. Get Charting Companion today and make family history. Charting Companion is compatible with Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10.