FTDNA Matrix Compiler and Reporter — Quick Start Guide

1. Open the Tool

Open the tool in your browser.

Leave Forensics Mode enabled.

For added comfort, you may save a copy of the HTML file to your computer and open it locally.

2. Import the Match List

1. Enter the subject name.

2. Choose the match list file.

3. Click Import Match List.

4. Confirm that the match count loaded correctly.

3. Restore Prior Work, If Available

If you already have a Saved Pair Dataset:

1. Choose the saved pair dataset file.

2. Click Import Saved Pair Dataset.

3. Confirm that stored pairs were imported.

If this is your first session, skip this step.

4. Import the Auto-Zero / ICW File, If Available

If you have a target pair list / ICW pair file:

1. Choose the Auto-Zero / Gather Target Pair List file.

2. Click Import Target Pair List.

3. Confirm that the target pairs loaded.

This helps the tool avoid treating every possible pair as still needing to be gathered.

5. Choose the Active Match Set

Most users should use Top N from Match List.

1. Select Top.

2. Enter the number of matches to work with.

3. Click Build / Refresh Active Set.

Start smaller if you are unsure.

6. Find the Next Matrix Run

1. Click Best Next Run.

2. Copy the listed names.

3. In FTDNA, select those matches for the matrix.

4. Generate the FTDNA matrix.

7. Paste the Matrix Back Into the Tool

1. Copy the FTDNA matrix grid.

2. Paste it into the matrix paste box.

3. Click Add Pasted Matrix.

4. Confirm that new pairs were added.

Repeat steps 6 and 7 as needed.

8. Save Your Work Often

Click Export Saved Pair Dataset regularly.

Do this:

• after several matrix pulls

• before refreshing the page

• before closing the browser

• at the end of every session

This file preserves your compiled work.

9. Review Reports

Open the Reports tab.

Useful reports include:

• View Matrix

• Show Pair Listing

• Matches Both Analysis

• Export Matrix HTML

• Export Matrix CSV

• Export Pair CSV

10. Continue Later

At the start of the next session:

1. Import the Match List.

2. Import the latest Saved Pair Dataset.

3. Import the Auto-Zero / ICW file if using one.

4. Rebuild the active set.

5. Continue gathering where you left off.