Your 23andMe Raw Data File: What It Contains and How to Use It
Everything you need to know about downloading, interpreting, and maximizing your genetic data
By GenomeInsight Science Team
Key Takeaways
- Your raw data file contains 600,000+ genotyped positions — far more than what's in the standard reports
- 23andMe/AncestryDNA reports cover only a fraction of what your data can reveal
- GenomeInsight processes your data 100% in your browser — zero server uploads
- Pharmacogenomic insights are especially valuable and completely absent from standard reports
- Store your raw data securely — it contains deeply personal genetic information
- Your raw data works with all three major providers: 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage
What Is a Raw Data File?
When you take a 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or MyHeritage DNA test, the company genotypes approximately 600,000 to 700,000 specific positions in your genome using a microarray chip. Your raw data file contains the results of every single position tested.
The file is a simple text file (usually .txt or .zip) with four columns: the rsID (SNP identifier), chromosome, position, and your genotype (the two alleles you carry at that position). For example:
`rs12913832 15 28365618 GG`
This line tells us that at position rs12913832 on chromosome 15, you carry two G alleles. This particular SNP is in the HERC2 gene and is the primary determinant of blue vs. brown eye color.
How to Download Your Raw Data
From 23andMe: 1. Log in to 23andme.com 2. Go to Settings → 23andMe Data (or browse/settings/download) 3. Click 'Download Raw Data' 4. Enter your password and complete 2-step verification 5. You'll receive an email with a download link 6. The file downloads as a .zip containing a .txt file
From AncestryDNA: 1. Log in to ancestry.com 2. Go to DNA → Settings (gear icon) 3. Click 'Download Raw DNA Data' 4. Confirm via email 5. Downloads as a .zip file
From MyHeritage: 1. Log in to myheritage.com 2. Go to DNA → Manage DNA kits 3. Click the three dots → Download 4. Downloads as a .csv file
All three formats are supported by GenomeInsight — just drag and drop the file.
What 23andMe Doesn't Tell You
23andMe's health reports cover fewer than 20 conditions and stopped reporting on several important variants (like APOE for Alzheimer's risk). Here's what their standard reports miss:
Pharmacogenomics: 23andMe reports on zero drug-gene interactions in their standard health reports. Your raw data contains CYP2D6, CYP2C19, CYP2C9 variants that affect dozens of common medications.
Comprehensive carrier screening: 23andMe tests ~44 carrier conditions but only reports on a fraction. Your raw data contains variants for additional conditions.
Polygenic risk scores: Your raw data can be used to calculate risk scores across dozens of health conditions using the latest GWAS research.
Ancestry deep-dive: While 23andMe provides ancestry composition, your raw data contains the actual ancestry-informative markers that can tell you about haplogroups, Neanderthal DNA percentage, and population-specific variants.
Traits and wellness: Hundreds of interesting traits (bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, muscle fiber type, earwax type, etc.) are encoded in your raw data but not all are reported.
Privacy and Safety
Your raw DNA data is highly personal. Here's how to handle it safely:
GenomeInsight processes everything in your browser. Your genetic data never leaves your device. We don't store, transmit, or have any access to your data. The analysis runs entirely client-side using JavaScript.
Be cautious with other services. Some third-party analysis tools upload your data to their servers. Always read the privacy policy before uploading your raw data anywhere.
Secure your raw data file. Store it in an encrypted location. If someone gets your raw data, they know your genetic predispositions, family relationships, and ancestry.
Consider the implications. Genetic data affects not just you, but your biological relatives. Findings about carrier status or disease risk may have implications for siblings, parents, and children.
Getting Started with GenomeInsight
Upload your raw data file to GenomeInsight in three steps:
1. Upload: Drag and drop your .txt, .csv, or .zip file onto the upload zone. We auto-detect the format (23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, or VCF).
2. Analyze: Our engine scans 200+ clinically relevant variants in seconds — entirely in your browser.
3. Explore: Navigate your personalized report across health risks, pharmacogenomics, carrier status, traits, ancestry, and more.
The free tier includes traits and basic ancestry. Premium unlocks health risks, pharma interactions, carrier screening, and the full analysis suite.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Genetic information should be interpreted in the context of your full medical history by a qualified healthcare provider. Never change medications without consulting your doctor.
References
- [1]Tandy-Connor S et al. (2018). False-positive results released by direct-to-consumer genetic tests highlight the importance of clinical confirmation. Genet Med. 20(12):1515-1521.PubMed
- [2]Moscarello T et al. (2019). Direct-to-Consumer Raw Genetic Data and Third-Party Interpretation Services. Genet Med. 21(1):54-60.PubMed
- [3]Roberts JS, Ostergren J (2013). Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing and Personal Genomics Services. J Gen Intern Med. 28 Suppl 3:S573-8.PubMed
Check your genetic variants
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