Genomelink data is gathered using the same browser-based approach as 23andMe. You log in to Genomelink through an embedded browser in the Client, and match data is captured automatically as the Client intercepts page responses. Additional data types (In Common With, shared segments) are gathered via automated browser navigation after the initial login.
Genomelink is an upload-based service — you bring raw DNA data from another test and Genomelink builds your matches (DNA relatives) from it. Gathering works against those DNA relatives once your kit has been uploaded and processed on Genomelink.
| Data Type | Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | Yes | DNA relatives, captured automatically during browsing |
| ICW (In Common With) | Yes | Shared matches, gathered via automated navigation (default: On) |
| Chromosome Segments | Yes | Shared segment data where Genomelink exposes it. Toggle available (default: Off). |
| Ancestry Composition | Yes | Ethnicity/ancestry estimates (default: Off) |
| Haplogroups | No | Genomelink does not expose haplogroup data for gathering |
| Family Tree | No | Genomelink does not provide match tree data |
Genomelink builds matches from an uploaded raw DNA file. Make sure your kit has finished uploading and processing on Genomelink before you gather, or no DNA relatives will be returned.
If you have more than one kit on your Genomelink account, select which profile to gather from using the dropdown.
Default: On. Gathers shared match (In Common With) data. This data is essential for clustering tools (CLM, Shared Clustering, Warthen Interactive Cluster). Has a dedicated Clear button to remove previously gathered ICW data.
Default: Off. Gathers chromosome segment data showing where you share DNA with each match. This data is used by CMA and the chromosome browser in the Warthen Interactive Cluster. Has a dedicated Clear button.
Chromosome gathering adds significant time to the gather process. Enable it when you specifically need segment data for CMA or chromosome mapping.
Default: Off. Gathers ethnicity and ancestry composition estimates.
Set the minimum and maximum shared centimorgans to filter which matches are gathered. Only matches within this range will be collected.
Genomelink sessions can expire during long gather operations. The Client handles session expiration and re-authentication automatically when possible. If you are logged out, you may need to click Web Login again to resume.
Use Web Logout to explicitly end your Genomelink session when done gathering.
Gathering saves your data into the local database (the .db file in your database folder). It does not create CSV files on its own. CSV files are produced by the report step, which reads the data already in your database and writes it out in the universal CSV format used by other genealogy tools.
There are two ways to produce the CSV files:
If you gathered without Auto-Report turned on and don't see any CSV files yet, your data is still safe in the database — just click Run Report to create the CSVs. There is no need to gather again.
The CSV files are saved directly in your database folder, alongside the .db file — the same folder the Open Folder button on the home page opens. You do not need to look inside the BrowserData subfolders; those hold the embedded browser's session cache, not your gathered data.
The exported CSV files are compatible with other genealogy tools, including DNAPainter, the Genealogical DNA Analysis Tool (GDAT), RootsFinder DNATools, and spreadsheet programs such as Excel and Google Sheets.