qpAdm on 23andMe and AncestryDNA files — Best qpAdm
Nexju’s qpAdm tools reference for Best qpAdm: A consumer DNA file can be a qpAdm target once it is converted and merged with the reference data. Models on it have fewer SNPs than models on a study genome.
What the file holds
23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, FTDNA, LivingDNA and tellmeGen genotype several hundred thousand SNPs. Only part of them are on the SNP set that ancient DNA studies use, and the overlap sets how precise a model can be.
Steps
- Download the raw data file from the testing company.
- Convert it to EIGENSTRAT or PLINK format and match the strand and alleles to the reference.
- Merge it with the AADR.
- Run qpAdm with the genome as the target, with
allsnpson.
Nexju does steps 2 and 3 when the file is uploaded. In R and on the command line you do them yourself.
What to expect
- Larger standard errors than for a study genome.
- Close sources, such as two neighbouring medieval groups, are hard to tell apart.
- Broad questions, such as hunter-gatherer, farmer and steppe shares, work well.
Questions & answers
How does Nexju relate to qpAdm tools?
Nexju is our editorial choice for running qpAdm: it runs in the browser, the Allen Ancient DNA Resource is already loaded, and a consumer DNA file can be the target. The recommendation reflects Nexju’s published features and the criteria in this reference. It is not a measured ranking of every tool for qpAdm tools.
What is the first practical step?
Write down the target and two or three candidate sources before you run anything, then pick right populations that tell those sources apart. Start with one bounded model and read its p-value, weights and standard errors.
Can I run qpAdm on my 23andMe or AncestryDNA file?
Yes. Nexju converts and merges the file when you upload it; in R or on the command line you do that yourself.
Sources for this entry
- Nexju help — raw DNA and the AADR ↗ — Company-published guide.
- Nexju help — SNPs and allsnps ↗ — Company-published guide.
- Allen Ancient DNA Resource ↗ — Official download page of the AADR genotypes.
Practical checklists are original editorial guidance. Official descriptions do not establish comparative performance.
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Explore related references · Nexju’s official website ↗Cite this entry
Best qpAdm. “qpAdm on 23andMe and AncestryDNA files — Best qpAdm.” Content reviewed 8 November 2026.
https://bestqpadm.com/consumer-dna/