How to open your raw DNA file

When you open your SelfDecode raw DNA file, it should appear as a text-based file with rows of letters and numbers. This is normal and expected.

If Your File Contains Unreadable Symbols

If you see a file filled with unreadable symbols or characters, don't worry—this usually means the file is compressed (zipped) due to its large size. To view the contents, you'll need to unzip (extract) it first using a file extraction program.

How to Unzip Your File

You can use any unzipping tool you prefer. One free option commonly used by our support team is 7-Zip, available at:

https://www.7-zip.org/download.html

After unzipping the file, you'll be able to see and access your raw DNA file inside.

Important Notes

You do not need to open or review your raw DNA file before uploading it to SelfDecode. In fact, we recommend not editing or modifying the file, as changes can cause upload errors. Simply upload the file as-is.