What is DNA Painter?

DNA Painter is an online tool that makes understanding chromosome mapping simple.

Chromosome painting is a technique that lets people visually represent and map segments of their DNA. It can show which parts of your DNA come from different ancestors or family lines.

DNA makes interpreting DNA results easy. It was created by Jonny Perl, a UK-based genealogist, DNA enthusiast, and web developer.

It is an award-winning software that allows the user to:

• Visualize their direct ancestry line
• Map DNA segments to ancestors
• Ascertain how they are related to a DNA match
• Identify unknown ancestors using matches

Introduction to DNA Painter

DNA Painter is a tool used for chromosome mapping or DNA painting. It simplifies DNA results visually, providing a picture of a user’s ancestry.

Important: DNA Painter isn’t a DNA test itself. It works with data you get from existing tests to make charts of your family connections.

Raw DNA data may be obtained from genetic testing kits supplied by various companies, such as:

• 23andMe
• FamilyTreeDNA
• MyHeritage
• Gedmatch
• LivingDNA
• Ancestry

According to its website, DNA Painter does not endorse nor is it affiliated with any DNA testing company.

Where Is DNA Painter Used?

Interpreting the results of an autosomal DNA test can be challenging. DNA Painter makes this easier by providing a platform where the user can:

• Thoroughly assess what they already know about their ancestry by importing or building a family tree
• Use DNA matches to determine relationships with the use of interactive tools
• Use tools for chromosome mapping to envision actual DNA segments shared with other matches and determine inheritance from other ancestors found in a user’s tree

Family history enthusiasts and genealogists mostly use this DNA and chromosome app.

How does DNA Painter Work?

DNA Painter allows users to “paint” individual DNA segments, differentiating maternal and paternal copies of a specific chromosome.

DNA Painter lets you highlight a part of your data. Then, anyone matching that exact spot is likely related to that side of your family.

How to Get Started on DNA Painter

Here are a few simple steps on how to create your DNA Painter account:

1. Register by going to their website.
2. Fill out the registration box with your name, email address, preferred username, and password.

3. They will email you a link to activate your account.

4. Verify your account. Once verification is successful, you will be asked to log in.
5. After logging in, you will be taken to the DNA Painter Dashboard.

6. You can create an Ancestral Tree or do a Chromosome Map, depending on what you want to do.

The DNA Painter interface is very intuitive and easy to understand and navigate. If you’re new to chromosome mapping, there’s a how-to video that can help.

DNA Painter Tools

At the top of the DNA Painter dashboard are three online tools available to the user. This allows DNA visualization in a number of ways. These include:

1. Family Tree Fan Chart

Using a Family Tree Fan Chart, users can visualize their family tree. This can be done by:

• Manual data entry
• Uploading a GEDCOM file obtained from another family tree service

Users can customize colors for easy labeling and tracking. Preset colors are also available.

2. Shared cM Project Tool

Users simply input the DNA length (in centimorgans) they share with their matches from other sites. Using this data, DNA Painter can create a family tree.

Using a shared cM tool, users can:

• Refine their family tree
• Identify relationships that aren’t genetically possible
• Find common ancestors shared with matches

Blaine Bettinger is the man behind the shared cM tool. He is an expert in using DNA to trace family history.

3. Chromosome Mapping

Chromosome Mapping allows users to view their chromosomes using a color-coded chart that shows whether a segment came from the maternal or paternal side.

Using chromosome mapping, users can:

• See how their DNA might influence traits like hair color, eye color, and even some aspects of personality.
• Perform genetic genealogy research on both maternal and paternal lineages

DNA Painter Costs

DNA Painter’s basic features are free to use. A free account allows a user to:

• Review one profile
• Create one family tree up to the fourth great-grandparents

For users who wish to explore their family history further, getting a subscription is the best way to go. A subscription allows a user to:

• Make up to 50 profiles
• Create a family tree with unlimited generations
• Create and test unlimited family trees
• Do bulk uploads of information 

Subscription prices are as follows:

• $30 for six months
• $55 for an entire year 

Accepted payment options include:

• Visa
• Mastercard
• American Express
• Discover
• Diners Club International
• Paypal

Feature	Free	Subscription
Profiles Allowed	1	Up to 50
Family Tree Depth	Limited	Unlimited
Bulk Upload	No	Yes

DNA Painter Privacy

DNA Painter values a user’s privacy. Its privacy policy outlines data collection, use, communication, and disclosure principles.

The highlights of their privacy policy are:

• A user’s name is needed to register an account. However, users can choose not to use their real names.
• A genuine email address is needed for account verification.
• Profiles are private by default and can only be viewed by others when the user makes them visible to others.
• DNA Painter does not store raw DNA data.
• The IP address is stored.

DNA Painter assures its users that it does not sell user data to third parties. All server communications are encrypted via HTTPS/SSL.

DNA Painter Pros and Cons

Using DNA Painter has many pros and cons. These include:

Pros

• Provides a unique visual tool to understand DNA data obtained from other sites easily
• Provides the ability to generate and test their theories about their ancestry
• It can be used with many different kinds of DNA tests

Cons

• Presence of a steep learning curve for first-time users
• User interface and terms can be confusing at first
• Works best with DNA test results of several known relatives

DNA Painter Review: Is It Worth It?

DNA Painter is an online tool that isn’t meant for everyone. However, genetic genealogists, DNA enthusiasts, and those who wish to dig deeper into their ancestry can benefit from using DNA Painter’s software.

Those who want to “look around” can do so with a free account. There is no need to jump into a subscription right away. However, with six-month or 12-month options, subscriptions don’t force users to stick around for a long time.

DNA Painter is an excellent tool for those wanting to know more about their ancestry.