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  2. Group Projects
  3. Group Project Administration
  4. Administration - Getting Started

How to Add Members to Your Project

The process of joining a project may differ depending on who initiates the process. The most common method is for customers to search our list of available projects to join and clicking Join. 

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NOTE: Depending on your display settings or screen size, you may need to scroll to the right to see this button. 

If your project has Join Authorization disabled, this will automatically join them to your project. 

Join Authorization

By default, FamilyTreeDNA customers must submit a join request to join a project. This helps you ensure that only people who are a good fit for a project can access it. A join request is simply a form for prospective project members to list any relevant genealogical information you may need. You can read more about Join Authorization here. 

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  1. Website - This is the public-facing website for your project. You can read about how to set this up here. 
    NOTE: You cannot change the URL for your project. 
  2. Description - You can enter any description you would like for your project with the Project Profile Tool. This should include the specific information you require such as most distant known ancestor, location, genealogical organization enrollment, test type, or any other requirements you have for your project. 
  3. Surnames in Project - This refers to any Search Terms you have entered in the Project Profile Tool. 
  4. Request - This field allows the applicant to enter any information your require. 

Disabling Join Authorization

If you do not want to worry about reviewing individual applications, you can disable the requirement to submit a join request on the Project Profile tool in GAP. 

  1. Navigate to the Project Profile tool in your GAP dashboard.
    Join Authorization drop-down w lines.png
  2. Uncheck the box that says “Allow new members to join without a join request.”
    Project Profile join authorization toggle w lines.png

Join Requests and Inviting New Members

This is the most common way to add new project members. You can read about how to review and approve Join Authorization requests here. You can also send invitations to join your project from this page. 

Sharing Join Links

The most efficient way to bring new members into your project is by sharing your unique project URLs. These links can be placed on your external website, genealogical forums, newsletters, or social media pages. When a person is signed into their kit, they can simply paste this Link in their website address bar and it will allow them to join.

NOTE: If you have Join Authorization on, they will still need to submit a request with this link. 


Your project's unique join links can be found on your Project Profile page in GAP:

Project Profile join link and return join link w lines.png
  • Project Join Link - This URL is for potential members who have not yet tested with FamilyTreeDNA. When they use this link to purchase a DNA test, their new kit will automatically be linked to your project upon checkout.
  • Returning Member Join Link - This URL is for individuals who already have an established FamilyTreeDNA kit. Sharing this link allows them to bypass the manual project search on their dashboard. Clicking it will prompt them to sign in and immediately join your group.
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