Shared DNA at a glance: the new DNA matrix tool

In a dynamic and insightful webinar, Jonny Perl—creator of the popular DNA Painter website—unveils his latest innovation: the DNA Matrix Tool. Presented live to a global audience via Legacy Family Tree Webinars, this session offers a first look at how the new tool transforms complex shared DNA data into a clear, interactive matrix. Designed to support genealogists at every level, this powerful visual aid streamlines analysis of genetic relationships, making it easier than ever to interpret and share DNA match information. Whether you're solving longstanding family mysteries or tracking your ancestral lines, this tool brings a fresh perspective to autosomal DNA research.

Key Takeaways

• Visualize Complex DNA Relationships at a Glance. The DNA Matrix Tool enables users to compare shared DNA amounts among multiple testers in a grid format. With dynamic color-coding that highlights whether shared DNA is above, below, or within expected ranges for a given relationship, the tool helps identify patterns, anomalies, and potential family clusters quickly and intuitively.
• Flexible Data Import and Customization. The tool accepts data from a variety of sources including GEDmatch and FamilyTreeDNA, allowing easy population of the matrix with centimorgan values. Users can also manually enter testers, relationships, and shared DNA, and customize display settings to show either centimorgans or percentage shared. Export options for images and CSV files make it easy to share findings with family or collaborators.
• Beta Tool with Big Potential and Ongoing Development. Though currently in beta, the DNA Matrix Tool is already highly functional and user-friendly. Future updates will include integration with GEDCOM files to automate relationship assignments and allow for deeper genealogical context. Perl emphasizes community feedback as a driving force for feature expansion, inviting suggestions to guide the tool's evolution.

Unlock the Full Experience To explore how this tool can benefit your own research, watch the full webinar replay available via Legacy Family Tree Webinars. Jonny Perl walks through live demonstrations, explains technical features, and answers viewer questions—offering invaluable insights into both the Matrix Tool and broader DNA strategies.

After viewing the session, genealogists are encouraged to explore the accompanying five-page syllabus, which expands on key concepts and includes practical examples. It's an excellent companion to the webinar and a helpful guide as you begin applying this tool to your own DNA data. Dive into the possibilities—because every data point could be the key to your next discovery.