What is the Ultimate Compatibility File?
By Dr. Brandon Colby, MD, Founder of Sequencing and author of Outsmart Your Genes. An early voice in direct-to-consumer genetic testing.
The Ultimate Compatibility File (or UCF) is a specialized genetic data file formatted to match a typical 23andMe raw data layout. It includes about 600,000 selected genetic markers, mirroring the data structure and size most third-party platforms support. This makes it easy to use your sequencing results with genealogy sites, ancestry analysis tools, health trait platforms, and other third-party services.
Although the UCF is derived from high-coverage 30× whole genome sequencing, it does not include your full genome. Instead, it presents the specific subset of data that aligns with what 23andMe would provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
The UCF includes roughly 600,000 genetic markers, chosen to match standard genotyping arrays used by popular services.
No. The file mirrors the size and format of a 23andMe file and includes only selected variants, not your full genome data.
Sequencing’s raw files such as FASTQ or VCF can be too large or formatted in a way that third-party sites cannot accept. The UCF solves this by providing a compatible and streamlined text file that you can easily upload to genealogy or analysis platforms.
Any platform that accepts uploads in 23andMe format will work with the UCF. This includes services like GEDmatch, openSNP, WikiTree, Promethease, and others.
Yes. You can still download and use your full raw sequencing files for advanced analysis or backup. The UCF is just an additional option for compatibility.
Once your sequencing is complete, the UCF will be listed under Files in your account. Just choose the UCF for download. If you need help, our support team is ready to assist.
If you have any questions about the Ultimate Compatibility File or using it with third-party platforms, please reach out to our support team at support@sequencing.com for assistance.