As you learn about your DNA matches, writing notes to document your findings and organize your research is important. Your notes can help you (and others you’ve invited) continue your research and follow up on leads or connections later. 

You can add notes about anything, but many people find it helpful to include things like:

• Shared surnames
• Family lines
• Common ancestors
• Contact dates and methods
• Research follow-up thoughts

Viewing DNA match notes

Notes for your DNA matches appear underneath them in your match list (when available). Only you and the people you’ve invited can see these notes.

To view all DNA matches with notes:

1. Above your list of DNA matches, click Filter.
2. In the panel on the right, select Notes.
3. At the bottom, click Apply filters.

If you don't see any matches, you may not have any with notes. If you added multiple filters, try changing or clearing your filters.

Adding, editing, and deleting match notes

Only you and invited managers and collaborators can add, edit, or delete match notes.

From your list of DNA matches:

1. Next to a match, click + Add and choose Add/Edit Note.
2. In the opened side panel, write or edit your note (with up to 500 characters). Or, to delete your note, erase everything in the notes field. 
3. At the bottom of the side panel, click Save.

Once saved, you'll see the note below the match in your match list.

Frequently asked questions

Who can see and edit the match notes?
Only the DNA owner and people invited to it can see DNA match notes. Their access depends on their role:

• Viewer: Can view match notes.
• Collaborator: Can view and change match notes.
• Manager: Can view and change match notes.
• Owner: Can view and change match notes.