General DNA Research Checklist
The General DNA Genealogy Research Checklist is Genetic Voyage's master workflow, designed to guide you from raw DNA test results to a verified, source-backed family tree. Use this printable framework as your high-level research roadmap and dip into our specialist checklists as each stage requires.
📥 Free Download: General DNA Research Checklist
Printable PDF format • 100% Free • Perfect for binding or research binder storage
A systematic research process prevents double-work. By combining autosomal database coverage (AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, FTDNA, GEDmatch) with rigorous paper-trail documentation and segment triangulation, you transform raw match lists into definitive ancestral proof.
Phase 1 — Establish Foundations
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Test across all four major DNA databases
Test with AncestryDNA and upload your raw data to MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA), and GEDmatch to maximize your match universe.
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Build your paper-trail tree back 4–5 generations
Document your known ancestry back to great-great-grandparents using civil, church, and census records before drawing DNA conclusions.
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Attach primary sources to every generation
Ensure birth certificates, marriage entries, census pages, and obituaries support every link in your traditional family tree.
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Define your 4 grandparent ancestral regions and surnames
Explicitly list the surnames and origin parishes/counties for all four grandparent lines as your baseline reference points.
Phase 2 — Work the Match List
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Maintain a fixed match review schedule
Schedule weekly or bi-weekly match auditing sessions on your calendar to systematically evaluate new DNA matches.
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Investigate all matches over 90 cM
Apply our DNA Match Research Checklist protocol to every new match sharing 90+ centimorgans (2nd cousin range or closer).
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Re-run match clustering periodically
Execute the Leeds Method or AutoCluster tools every few months as new relatives test to sharpen your four grandparent clusters.
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Keep a centralized master match log
Maintain your master DNA match spreadsheet with real-time updates for total cM, largest segment size, and confidence status.
Phase 3 — Build Genetic Evidence
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Triangulate key chromosomal segments
Verify that shared segments overlap across 3+ mutually matching individuals to prove descent from a common ancestor (IBD).
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Maintain an active chromosome map
Log verified segments into DNA Painter or your mapping template to visually assign ancestral stretches of DNA.
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Cross-reference genetic findings with paper records
Verify that genetic relationship hypotheses align with historical timelines, geography, and civil records.
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Document conflicting evidence explicitly
Note discrepancies in cM ranges or tree links in your research log rather than ignoring unexpected data points.
Phase 4 — Address Special Research Cases
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Apply Unknown Parentage / NPE Workflows
Utilize dedicated checklists for adoption, unknown biological parents, or Not Parent Expected (NPE) discoveries.
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Account for endogamy or pedigree collapse
Adjust cM thresholds upward (e.g. 90+ cM minimum) in populations with historical intermarriage to prevent inflated relationship estimates.
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Incorporate Y-DNA or mtDNA for direct-line mysteries
Order specialized Y-DNA (direct paternal line) or mtDNA (direct maternal line) testing via FTDNA for specific single-line questions.
Phase 5 — Preserve & Share Discoveries
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Backup trees, spreadsheets, and maps monthly
Export offline GEDCOM files and CSV backups of your match spreadsheets and chromosome maps outside commercial platforms.
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Cite DNA matches in your family tree notes
Add explicit citations (e.g., "Confirmed via 142 cM match to [Match Name] sharing ancestor [Couple]") to tree profiles.
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Share conclusions with collaborating matches
Send brief follow-up notes to relatives who provided tree data or segment details, sharing your final verified conclusions.
Treat every DNA-based conclusion the way a professional genealogist treats a documentary record: write down the exact evidence, record the confidence level (Confirmed / Probable / Speculative), and remain willing to revise your hypothesis when stronger matches arrive.
DNA Academy - Quick Answers
What formats are your free templates available in?
Our templates are available as downloadable Excel/Google Sheets files (for digital tracking).
How do I use a research log effectively?
A research log helps you track which records you’ve searched, what you found, and what’s still missing. We recommend filling it out as you go, it prevents duplicate searches and helps you identify patterns. Our template includes columns for date, source, location, and findings.
Are the templates available in languages other than English?
Currently, our templates are in English only. We are exploring translations into Swedish, Spanish, and German based on user requests. If you need a specific language, contact us and we’ll prioritize it.