Import Templates
Importing data from DNA source locations is done through Import Data Templates. Each template must be “Activated” before it can be used to load data into GDAT.
GDAT comes with a collection of “built-in” templates that support the major DNA sources.
Some of the data loads will require the use of a browser. Currently, Chrome is the browser that is supported by GDAT; however, other browsers “may” work. If you are using a browser other than Chrome and have issues, revert to Chrome and see if the issue continues before requesting assistance.
If you are installing a new version of GDAT over a previous version, it is typically recommended that you “delete” and re-activate all templates that were previously used. This will ensure that any changes to templates that are part of the new version will be used for imports.
All Import templates have the option to have their import stats recorded or not recorded to the Profiles page by use of ticking or unticking the tick box shown.
Right Click Menu
Right click (Control-Click on Mac) on the Import Data Template List to get the following options:
Add New Template: Changes the right hand column to blank to allow the user to create a custom template (see below for more information)
Activate All Templates: Activate all templates.
Activate Selected Templates: Activates the selected template/s when right clicked on.
Remove All Templates: deletes or deactivates all templates.
Remove Selected Templates: deletes or deactivates the selected templates.
Note: Removing the built-in templates is simply deactivating them from active use. Custom templates are deleted. Export any custom templates you wish to retain before using the Remove functions.
Quick Start Templates
A easy way to activate all the templates needed for your data source, is to use the "Quick Start Template Selection".
Select the desired options for the data source/s you use
Click "Activate Data Templates".
If you made a mistake and want to start over, click "Clear Selections".What import templates you choose to use are your own personal preference based on where you tested or transferred your DNA to, and your chosen download method.
A dialog box will be displayed asking if you want to replace existing templates of the same name with selected one(s). Click “Yes”.
Another dialog box will be displayed indicating the template(s) were added and you are ready to load data. Click “OK”.
Important - Gedmatch users:
Activate only the templates for your access level.
Gedmatch displays data differently for Basic access and Tier 1 access.
This is most obvious for One to Many imports where extra information is displayed for Tier 1 members.
Using the template for the other access level will cause imports to fail.
NOTE: "Clear Selections" is Only used to clear the button selections made in the list immediately above it. It impacts nothing else, and is not used to delete or update templates.
Updating Templates
Export any custom templates to be kept (see below for more)
Remove All Templates by right clicking (Control-Click on Mac) on any template and selecting "Remove All Templates".
Select desired templates and Activate them. This can be done either from the Quick Start Templates, or by right clicking on your chosen template and selecting "Activate Selected Template".
If an import has failed and you are sure you used the right method, update your templates in case it was forgotten at the time of program update.
Custom Templates
Custom Templates can be manually created, exported for safe keeping, and imported.
Debugging of a custom template is primarily up to the creator of that template, however with enough information provided, the Facebook group may be able to offer assistance.
Some Custom Template Examples are shown here.
To Manually Create a Custom Template
Creating a custom template is simpler than it sounds. First consider if you need a custom source. If you do, see Source Settings for more information.
Right click (Control-Click on Mac) anywhere within the central area underneath the heading "Import Data templates", and select "Add New Template"
Enter information for "Menu Item" - this is typically the method you used to download the data, and will be the label shown first in the Import Data menu
Enter the Unique Template Description - this should instantly remind you what sort of data will be imported.
Select the Source of the data - this will be the company you tested at, and may either be an in-built source or a custom source.
Select the Input Type - this will either be a .csv file or pasted data
Select the Data Type - Ahnentafel (tree data), DNA Segments, Relatives, or ICW.
If you have no DNA Segment data at all to import, only Relatives and ICW or tree data, remember to ensure that your Custom Source has had Segment data set to False.Select the Profile Location - Use Current Profile (typically when the imported data does not contain the Profile ID), Find Profile in File (typically when the imported data does contain the Profile ID or for ICW information), or "Not Applicable (typically for Ahnentafel and/or ICW information).
Once the Profile Location has been selected, the lower portion of this area will change according to your selections. You can now carefully cross reference between your data and the options presented and by clicking on a column space next to each value line, enter an appropriate column number. Even pasted data will have column numbers.
Use the Test line to copy a line of data to test and ensure that your data matches with your columns. This should be done for all custom templates.
Lastly, enter Import Instructions - these are typically to remind yourself of how to obtain the data and anything else you may need
When you are happy with your new template, click Save.
Your new template is now active and ready for use. Remember to export it as backup.
See Custom Template Examples for some detailed guides.
To Export a Custom Template
Click on the custom template to be exported so that it displays on the right hand side.
Click “Export” and save to a location of choice.
Repeat for all custom templates.
To Import a Custom Template
Click on "Import" and locate the text file that is your custom template.
Click "Open".
Check the structure of the template looks correct in the right hand section, and ensure the template has a unique name. Click "Save".
The template is now loaded and ready for use.
DNAGedcom & Gedmatch Tier 1
DNAGedcom Client, and Gedmatch Tier 1, are both paid subscription tools.
Neither of these are required tools to be able to use GDAT, you will still be able to use all areas of GDAT without them.
If you are going to use the DNAGedcom Client, it is assumed that you will already have an account set up at DNAGedcom and downloaded and installed the Client. If not, please see:https://www.dnagedcom.com/
Note: “Sync with DNAGedcom” and “Sync with GF” are not required for GDAT. If synced files are used, imports will fail.
Any issues with the use of the DNAGedcom Client should be directed to DNAGedcom.
Any issues with the use of Gedmatch Tier 1 should be directed to Gedmatch.