Raw DNA data — how to download, read and upload it

The plain-text file your DNA test gave you is just the beginning. Here's what raw DNA data actually is, how to download it from 23andMe, AncestryDNA and MyHeritage, and how to turn it into a personalized health plan — safely, in your browser.

What raw DNA data actually is

When 23andMe, AncestryDNA or MyHeritage tests your saliva, they generate a genotyping file — usually 600,000 to 1,000,000 rows. Each row is one SNP: an rsID, its chromosome and position, and the two letters you inherited (e.g. rs1801133 1 11856378 AG). Your testing company shows you a curated slice of that data as "health reports"; the rest sits unused until you download it and run it through an interpretation tool.

How to download your raw DNA file

ServiceWhere to clickFormat
23andMeAccount → Browse Raw Data → Download.txt (zipped)
AncestryDNASettings → Download Raw DNA Data (email confirmation).txt (zipped)
MyHeritageDNA → Manage DNA kits → Download.csv (zipped)
FamilyTreeDNAmyFTDNA → Data Download.csv
Living DNASettings → Download Raw Data.txt (zipped)

Where to upload raw DNA data

GENO is a browser-only interpretation service — your raw file is parsed on your device and never uploaded. It reads files from every major consumer testing provider (23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, FTDNA, Living DNA) plus VCFs from whole-genome sequencing services. In seconds you get a personalized supplement schedule with dose, form and timing; a genotype-matched diet plan; blood-work interpretation in genetic context; and a daily health plan.

Upload your raw DNA — free

Common questions

What is raw DNA data?

Raw DNA data is the unprocessed genotyping file your testing company (23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, FTDNA, Living DNA) generates when they scan your saliva. It's a plain-text file listing 600,000–1,000,000 SNPs — each row shows a genetic marker (rsID), its chromosome and position, and the two letters (alleles) you inherited.

How do I download my raw DNA data?

23andMe: Account → Browse Raw Data → Download. AncestryDNA: Settings → Download Raw DNA Data (confirmation email required). MyHeritage: DNA → Manage DNA kits → Download. FTDNA: myFTDNA → Data Download. The file arrives compressed (usually 6–25 MB). You don't need to unzip it before uploading to GENO.

What can I do with my raw DNA data?

Upload it to a third-party interpretation service to unlock health, nutrition and lifestyle insights your testing company doesn't show. GENO turns your raw file into a personalized supplement schedule, a genotype-matched diet, blood-work interpretation and a daily health plan — with dose, form and timing tied to specific variants like MTHFR, COMT, APOE, VDR and FTO.

Where can I upload my raw DNA data safely?

GENO processes your raw file entirely in your browser — the DNA never touches our servers, so we can't sell, share or lose it. Only your account email and subscription metadata are stored. Check any tool's privacy policy for 'processed on your device' before uploading.

How do I read raw DNA data myself?

Open the file in a spreadsheet: columns are rsID, chromosome, position, genotype (two letters). Look up an rsID on SNPedia or dbSNP to see what each variant means, then check your genotype against the reference. This works for a few SNPs at a time; for the ~600,000 in your file an interpretation tool like GENO is the practical option.

Is uploading raw DNA data safe?

It depends on the service. Ask: (1) Is the file processed in your browser or uploaded to a server? (2) Is your data ever used for research, sold, or shared with partners? GENO's answer is browser-only, no sale, no sharing — but read the privacy policy of any tool before uploading.

What's the difference between raw DNA data and health reports?

The raw file is the underlying data — every SNP your test measured. Health reports are curated interpretations of a small subset. 23andMe's reports cover ~50 conditions; your raw file contains hundreds of thousands of markers services like GENO can interpret for supplements, diet, methylation, detox, cognition and longevity.

Does GENO work with raw DNA from any testing company?

GENO reads raw DNA files from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, FTDNA and Living DNA. Whole-genome sequencing files (VCF from Nebula, Dante, Sequencing.com) also work.

GENO is informational only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical decisions.