I created these images to make mirror trees on Ancestry more manageable. The icons visually help show known paths, ancestors, possible ancestors, and matches. The X icon is especially useful if a branch is a known dead-end.
Tree tip: I tend to use a match’s username as first name, Ancestry as their last name, and cMs/segments as their suffix. I can easily find matches in a tree by looking at Ancestry surname and quickly get their cMs too.
If you want to recommend an addition or change, contact me.
Use this icon (or the green Descending/Ascending icon) for confirmed genetic ancestors.
Use this icon (or the green Descending/Ascending icon) for confirmed genetic ancestors on maternal line.
Use this icon (or the green Descending/Ascending icon) for confirmed genetic ancestors on maternal line.
Use this icon on DNA-confirmed cousins.
Use this icon on DNA-confirmed cousins on paternal line.
Use this icon on DNA-confirmed maternal cousins.
Most Recent Common Ancestors (MRCA) are potential ancestors discovered through mirror trees or by connecting two or more DNA matches. Use this icon when you’ve discovered a potential ancestor but can’t confirm.
Most Recent Common Ancestors (MRCA) are potential ancestors discovered through mirror trees or by connecting two or more DNA matches. Use this icon when you’ve discovered a potential ancestor but can’t confirm.
Most Recent Common Ancestors (MRCA) are potential ancestors discovered through mirror trees or by connecting two or more DNA matches. Use this icon when you’ve discovered a potential ancestor but can’t confirm.
Use this icon on relatives that have been confirmed. Can be used interchangeably with Ancestor icon.
Can be used for paternal lines. I don’t use this icon, but it was requested.
Can be used for maternal lines. I don’t use this icon, but it was requested.
I use this icon to connect ancestors or MRCAs to my DNA match. When looking at a crowded tree, it becomes apparent which lines lead to DNA relatives.
When a branch is a dead end, I put this icon on the top level.
I use this image to let adoptees know they can contact me for help/info.
Update 02/05/2024: Added non-binary DNA Match Icon.
Update 04/09/2018: Added maternal/paternal MRCA, maternal/paternal Ancestor icons. Also added Adoptees Welcome icon for Ancestry/23andMe profile pics (for those willing to help adoptees).
Update 03/21/2024: Added maternal and paternal DNA Match icons.
