AutoSegment

AutoSegment groups DNA matches by overlapping chromosome segments. Inspect each group’s chromosome interval, segment sizes and members in the interactive report.

The regular file-based workflow uses the segment data you provide. AutoSegment ICW for FamilyTreeDNA adds shared-match evidence to the overlap analysis. The opposite-sides view highlights overlapping groups that may fall on different parental copies. Overlap alone is not proof of a shared ancestral segment.

GEDmatch also hosts AutoSegment. For other file-based workflows, use supported segment files you already have; do not assume that testing companies still offer new exports.

Overlapping Segments: AutoSegment using local CSV files looks for overlapping DNA segments that you share with multiple matches. These overlapping segments indicate that you and your matches could share a common DNA segment, which can be traced back to a shared ancestor. By grouping these matches together based on overlapping segments, AutoSegment creates clusters that likely represent different ancestral lines.

Disclaimer

AutoSegment ICW (In Common With) is an advanced feature of the AutoSegment tool that enhances the accuracy of segment-based clustering by incorporating shared match data from FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA). This method improves the process of identifying and verifying triangulated groups, making it easier to pinpoint common ancestors among your DNA matches.

Here's how AutoSegment ICW works:
Using Shared Match Data: In a regular AutoSegment analysis, overlapping DNA segments are grouped together to suggest possible shared ancestry. However, it can be difficult to confirm whether the shared segments are from the same ancestral line. AutoSegment ICW tackles this issue by cross-referencing shared match data with overlapping segments. This means that if two or more DNA matches share the same segment and are also shared matches (ICW), it strengthens the likelihood that they inherited that segment from a common ancestor. If they are not shared matches, the overlapping segments are disregarded, and the individuals are not grouped into the same triangulated cluster.
ICW Validation:
AutoSegment ICW automates part of the shared match process, which typically requires manual verification using tools like FTDNA’s matrix tool. These clusters are also well-suited for advanced techniques like DNA Painter’s Cluster Auto Painter feature, which allows you to visualize how DNA segments are inherited across different matches.
Additional Features: AutoSegment ICW also integrates with AutoTree functionality, which identifies common ancestors by analyzing family trees of your DNA matches. You can also use ID-based clustering to focus your analysis on specific matches, further refining your results.

AutoSegment Opposite Sides is a feature of the AutoSegment tool that helps users identify DNA segments inherited from different parental sides by analyzing shared DNA matches (for FTDNA) or triangulations (for GEDmatch). This enhanced version of AutoSegment ICW can distinguish segments that are likely inherited from either your maternal or paternal side.

Here’s how it works:
Identifying Opposite-Sided Segments: When two or more DNA matches share overlapping segments but are not a shared match (In Common With, ICW for FamilyTreeDNA) or do not triangulate (for GEDmatch), it suggests that these segments are inherited from different parental sides. For instance, if two segments overlap but the DNA matches do not share a connection with each other, it's likely that one segment is inherited from your maternal side and the other from your paternal side.
Sorting DNA Segments by Parent Side: This feature helps you sort your DNA segments into maternal and paternal sides, a valuable tool for researchers, especially adoptees or individuals trying to reconstruct their family history. By identifying opposite-sided clusters, you can gain insights into the heritage linked to each parent. In cases where one parent’s DNA matches are underrepresented, the lack of opposite-sided clusters can provide clues about that parent's ethnic background or family history.
Visualizing and Analyzing Clusters: The results of AutoSegment Opposite Sides can be visualized using tools like DNA Painter, which allows for the easy import and exploration of your segment clusters. These clusters are color-coded, indicating whether the matches triangulate (same parent side) or not (opposite sides). You can explore these clusters further by viewing a shared match or triangulation matrix, helping you verify whether the segments are indeed inherited from the same or opposite parent.

By incorporating this methodology, AutoSegment Opposite Sides provides a powerful way to organize your DNA segments and make sense of the complex inheritance patterns in your genetic data. Whether you’re trying to trace specific parental lines or uncover ancestral connections, this tool can help you make informed discoveries.

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The AutoSegment ICW tool is fully automated for running analyses with FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA). Users can generate AutoSegment ICW reports after registering their FTDNA autosomal kits and perform the analysis automatically, running on the servers of Genetic Affairs. In addition, it's possible to run AutoSegment using a CSV file containing segment information, although it is recommended to use the AutoSegment ICW feature.

At this time, an automated AutoSegment ICW is not supported for 23andMe due to the increased security measures that have been implemented by 23andMe. It is possible to run AutoSegment using a CSV file containing segment information although the ability to download CSV files from 23andMe has been discontinued. Please check back for updates or explore other compatible services.

AutoSegment is not available for AncestryDNA due to the platform's limitations.

An automated AutoSegment approach is not available for MyHeritage, although it is possible to run AutoSegment using a CSV file containing segment information. However, the ability to download CSV files from MyHeritage has been discontinued.

AutoSegment is available using segment and triangulation files for GEDmatch users, but it is recommended to run the tool on the website of GEDmatch (requires a tier 1 subscription). Moreover, an improved version of AutoSegment, named AutoSegment Split is available on GEDmatch. This tool is focused on separating segments for both parental sides, even if they do not triangulate with other segments.

First, check the junk and or spam folder of your mail provider. If it is not in these folders, check for a notification (in the top right of the screen) on our members page. Click on the notifications icon to access the notifications. If there results associated with a notification, a download link should be present in the notification.

Analysis results are no longer sent as email attachments. We send an email with a download link instead. Follow the link to download your results; the link remains available for two weeks.

For analyses run through the Genetic Affairs members area, the free tier can analyze up to 50 matches, a customer outside the free tier without an active subscription up to 200 matches, and a member with an active subscription up to 400 matches.

These are match-count limits, separate from credit balances. Available data and selection settings can result in fewer matches. Combined Analysis is available to customers outside the free tier; its optional AI addition requires an active subscription. Tools hosted by other testing companies and AutoLineage imports follow their own workflows.

Total shared cM is the sum of the DNA you share with an individual match across all shared segments. Use the total-cM and match-selection controls shown in the current wizard. Total shared cM differs from the size of the largest individual segment or a segment overlap. Your account’s match-count limit is a separate setting.