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Getting Started

Getting started

Upload a DNA file, pick a tool, run an analysis.

IoA lets you analyze your raw DNA file against a public database of ancient and modern human populations called the AADR (Allen Ancient DNA Resource). You don't need to install anything, and most analyses finish in under a minute.

Quick start

The flow is the same every time. Upload, configure, run.

  1. Upload your raw DNA file on the Home page. We accept files from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, FTDNA, and LivingDNA.
  2. Wait for the file to show as Ready. This usually takes a few seconds.
  3. Open Admixture Analysis or Genetic Distance, configure the run, and click Start analysis.

Which tool to use

You have two tools, each answering a different question.

Use Genetic Distance (FST) when you want to know which populations are genetically closest to your DNA. It's fast, and it's a great starting point for almost everyone.

Use Admixture Analysis (qpAdm) when you want to know what mix of ancient populations best explains your DNA. It's a heavier tool, but it gives you actual percentages.

Use Rotation when you want to run qpAdm over many combinations of sources at once. It's a time-saver once you know which populations are plausible candidates.