MedBetterDNA 5.1 update allows full length notes display on DNA results summary

MedBetterDNA 5.1 extension for the Chrome browser adds a new option called "show full length Notes". This option displays up to 99 lines of entry notes on the DNA results summary, rather than the AncestryDNA default of 2 lines.

Why limit it to 99 lines? Because when I set the extension to allow any number of lines, the browser ignored it. (Browser internals can occasionally misbehave.) Regardless, 99 lines seems like enough for almost any useful purpose, but if I'm wrong, someone should let me know, and probably will.

MedBetterDNA version 5.0 supports AncestryDNA new site with over 200 filters

MedBetterDNA has been updated to work with the July 1st, 2019 major site revision on the AncestryDNA site and is available at the Chrome Web Store. This is an almost complete rewrite from earlier versions of the extension.

The biggest change is that MedBetterDNA now supports 100 filters each to only show or hide AncestryDNA DNA Matches page entries based on the notes in an entry. If you place a hashtag (a word prefaced by a '#') in the notes, MedBetterDNA will detect and can filter out those entries with those notes from view, or only show those entries with the notes containing that hashtag or others. Filters can be up to 100 characters long.

Note that MedBetterDNA will match any hashtag that contains the word it's looking for, even if there are extra letters or symbols at the end of the match, e.g. the filter "cow" matches #cow, #cows, and #cowabunga. Spaces are not allowed in filters and will be removed if added.

You can turn off and on filters through the context menu settings "show only with Notes hashtags" and "hide all with Notes hashtags" and clicking on the desired filter. To input the hashtags themselves, navigate to the Configure MedBetterDNA page via the context menu "Configure options" or the Browser toolbar MedBetterDNA icon dropdown menu or the main browser Extensions page settings.

Keeping one filter from the previous versions, MedBetterDNA allows users to filter out any entries on the DNA matches page of AncestryDNA without a profile picture by unchecking show No Profile Photo Entries in the context menu entry for MedBetterDNA.

A few quick questions:

• Can I really put in 100 filters each? Yes, but for performance and memory reasons, you may not want to go full ham on them. I only tested operations with a handful, but each filter will incrementally add to runtime performance overhead. 100 may not be reasonably achievable. I was too lazy to put in 100 unique filters and test them all myself to see how bad things got.
• Are there any known bugs? Nope, but given the complexity of the extension and the first release of an effectively ground-up rewrite, there are probably a couple lurking. Let me know if you see one and I'll try to fix it.
• I briefly see some entries before they are filtered out. You will see this at times, it's a race between the browser pulling more entries and displaying them, and the extension catching the entries and filtering them out.  Sometimes the browser wins by a fraction of a second.
• If I filter out most entries, I can't scroll. Actually you can keep scrolling on a blank page and you should see an entry with the note or notes which the filters allow, assuming there are any. Because entries are dynamically loaded by the AncestryDNA website, you may have to keep scrolling for a while, even if you don't see anything (that is, all the entries are still there, but simply hidden from view.)
• I had to refresh the DNA matches page after I Saved settings on the configuration page for the extension to come back. Yup. That's how it works. Chrome has a bad habit of retaining older context menu settings on anything less than a full reload, so the configuration page Save button will reload the entire extension to flush them out.
• Can I set the filters so that no entries will ever be displayed, e.g. simultaneously have a Show only and a Hide All filter active? Absolutely, there's no AI at work. The extension will filter what you tell it, even if it seems a completely useless task.

New MedBetterDNA extension is planned and coming for the major AncestryDNA site update

I am indeed working on a new release of MedBetterDNA Chrome browser extension for the AncestryDNA site that will have at least two unique filters not found in the major AncestryDNA site update of July 1st, 2019.

Barring major issues, I anticipate a first release within the first half of July 2019. It will probably be fairly underpowered compared to the final version of the previous site's MedBetterDNA features, but it will continue to be enhanced and improved based on user feedback and requests. Significant filtering enhancements appear to remain a possibility with the new site. However, the extension will undergo what is almost a complete rewrite from scratch, so this will take time.

Honestly, for all the filter ideas AncestryDNA used in their update that were in my original extension, I think they ought to give me a free AncestryDNA subscription for life, but I am not so silly as to expect such a thing. They are certainly under no legal or moral obligation to do so.

MedBetterDNA now supports filtering out AncestryDNA results by Unlinked Tree

MedBetterDNA version 4.3, updated to add the feature of filtering by Unlinked Tree results. Unlinked Tree entries are normally shown on the AncestryDNA results page, but can be hidden from view via the standard context menu checkmark, or the extension options page.

That is all.

MedBetterDNA 4.1 reintroduces No Trees filtering of AncestryDNA results

MedBetterDNA version 4.1, updated to reintroduce the previous feature of filtering by No Trees results, while we wait for the AncestryDNA beta to become a public release. No Trees entries are normally shown on the AncestryDNA results page, but can be hidden from view via the standard context menu checkmark, or the extension options page.

Also, minor wording changes to the context menu and elsewhere, based on user feedback.

MedBetterWTHAY updated, new popup information window in family tree

MedBetterWTHAY, a Chrome extension for use with the Ancestry site to display extra family information in a popup window, has been updated with a new feature. It now shows a popup window of a person's relationship to you when the cursor is placed, or hovered, over that person's information box on the family tree page.

This option is only available for the top-down or vertical family tree display, and not the sideways or horizontal family tree display. It will activate after one second of hovering the mouse over any family tree entry.

A red line at the top of the box will show when the feature is activated by the mouse hover, and then there is a delay of varying time (less than one to several seconds) while the extension requests and loads the relationship information from the Ancestry site.

The original popup window showing Relationship and LifeStory for Find Person listings continues to operate as before.

I personally use this feature of the MedBetterWTHAY extension when I'm deep in the family tree and start to lose track of exactly who the heck I'm looking at.

Please note, the new family tree relationship is internally a lot more fiddly and fragile than other parts of the extension, or other Ancestry-related extensions. If the Ancestry site changes even a little bit, I would be wholly unsurprised if the change caused this feature to stop working properly. Just let me know and I'll see if I can make it all work again.

MedBetterWTHAY updated for Canada, Australia, UK site support

MedBetterWTHAY Chrome browser extension for the Ancestry website has been updated. Version 1.1 adds support for Ancestry sites of Canada, Australia, and the UK.

That is all.

New MedBetterWTHAY Chrome browser extension released

MedBetterWTHAY is a Chrome browser extension for use with the Ancestry website to enhance the Search All People feature available from the Chrome Web Store. It displays a popup window that shows the Relationship (to you) and LifeStory of a person when the cursor is placed, or hovered, over that person's Search entry. This can be useful, for example, to more easily determine people who have a family tree entry, but are not attached to your main family tree, also known as orphans or islands.

Install the extension and navigate to your family tree page, select Find Person and List of All People from the right dropdown menu. From this page, or a specific search on this page, hover the cursor over any person's name whom you are interested in seeing further information. After two seconds, you will see a red line appear under their name. This indicates the extension is loading information from the Ancestry website. When the information is retrieved, a popup window containing the Relationship and Lifestory is displayed.

Some entries may have a blank LifeStory if there is no information on record, but all entries should have a Relationship if they are connected to the main family tree. If you see a blank Relationship, this is a strong indication that the entry is an unattached "island" and can either be removed, or possibly reconnected, to the main tree.

Verify that the entry is truly unattached by clicking the person's listing link to see the their information before deleting them. An entry with no relationship to you listed below their name means that they have no or an unknown connection to your family tree.

I have personally used MedBetterWTHAY to detect and remove over 200 people, as well as over two dozen multi-person subtrees not attached to the main tree. Prior to the extension popup, I needed to click each person's entry and view their information page to check their relationship to my family tree.
Of course, this is not the only purpose for the extension. You may also use it to quickly view more information about a person in the Search listing that you are interested in or curious about.

Please note that while the two second delay before the red line is always present (to avoid constantly loading pages as you move the cursor about the page), the time after that is purely dependent on the time spent loading the information from the site. If you have a slow connection, or the Ancestry server is bogged down or otherwise acting like a slug, it may take a while to view the information. At worst case here (so far), I have seen delays of around five seconds to retrieve information when the Ancestry server is engaged in other tasks of vital importance.

MedBetterDNA updated, including filter on Profile Photos

MedBetterDNA version 4.0 has been released for the Chrome browser and adds the filter option: "show No Profile Photo". The option is on by default to show AncestryDNA Results listings regardless of whether they have a profile photo (i.e. the standard behavior without MedBetterDNA active). If the option is unchecked, only listings with a profile photo are shown, and the rest are filtered from view.

I added the picture filter option to easily look at photos of people for a pattern of family resemblance (typically not so much). Plus the dog and cat pictures can be cute. Note that a few photos will remain generic genderless profile images, as those are internally processed as a photo by the site. Also, a photo may pop into view after a brief delay, as Ancestry loads photos separately.

The No Tree and Locked Tree filter options were removed. Hopefully, this is a temporary change. The AncestryDNA site recently changed how the tree information is displayed on the listings. For my results, the change has been unstable, Usually I see a loading/wait icon on the results page without ever showing the Tree-based information. Occasionally the information does display, but not reliably enough to make and test an update to the extension to support filtering on it. I anticipate that eventually this situation will resolve itself and Tree-based filtering will return after a new update.

Miscellaneous and minor behind-the-scenes program changes were made to maintain full compatibility with the most recent versions of the Chrome browser with tighter security restrictions.

Another option was introduced that might be of interest to a few people: "Donate to development". A user asked me about donating to reward or encourage further development of the extension. I created and added a link to a Ko-fi account for those who might be interested.

Useful feedback and requests continue to be encouraged.

MedBetterDNA extension update double filters to 8 each

MedBetterDNA has been updated to version 3.0. 

By user request, the Chrome extension MedBetterDNA, used for actively filtering AncestryDNA results (and showing notes on the main results page) has been updated to version 3.0, supporting eight hashtag filters for "show only" and "remove all" filters. This is double the previous maximum of four hashtag filters. Note that using more filters may increase time to fully process a Results page.

In anticipation of future similar requests, please also note that further increasing the number of filters isn't simply a matter of pumping up a number in the extension code. The extension is pushing the limits with the current code structure, and adding more filters in the future, if ever, will likely require significant rewrites to large portions of the extension's program code. I'm not saying it won't ever happen, I'm saying it won't happen soon or easy.

Post to support if you experience problems with the update or extension operation.

MedBetterDNA 2.2 update

MedBetterDNA  has been updated to version 2.2.

Version 2.2 is a fairly minor revision. It allows using filters on Shared Matches pages for a specific member with matching DNA.

This was accomplished by making the pattern for several address links less restrictive. Fortunately, the extension continues to work on the new pages, though it was not originally designed for them.

Leave a note if you have any questions or feedback. Thank you.

MedBetterDNA bugfix and minor enhancement update

The MedBetterDNA Chrome extension for use with the AncestryDNA site has been updated to version 2.1 from the Chrome Web Store.

Version 2.1 has two bug-fixes for uppercase tags and remove-all entries without notes, and increases by one the show-only and remove-all hashtag filtering matches.

Specifically, in the previous version, uppercase hashtag filters did not match any notes, although notes tags were properly considered case-insensitive for matches. Also, if a Remove-all hashtag filter was active, previously any entries without notes were also filtered from view. Both issues have been corrected.

In addition, support for a fourth hashtag filter was added to both Show-only and Remove-all options. There will be a definite upper limit on the count for performance and display reasons, but judging by recent user feedback, we haven't hit the sweet spot yet.

Note: Chrome can get its context menu checkmarks for hashtag filters out of sync when set from the configuration menu page even after refresh. This appears to be a bug in Chrome. i.e. the context menu checkmark is explicitly set to off (false), verified as off in the program, and acts as if it is off, but still shows up. Clicking it on the context menu will get it back in sync. Yes, it is annoying.

As far as a requested clear all filters feature, I tried implementing it, but due to the above problem leaving not-active checkmarks littering the context menu, I left it out to avoid confused people sending many technical support requests. Besides the configure menu, a quick way to turn off or update multiple filters without getting refreshes on each one is to temporarily turn off the notes display, thereby inhibiting any filtering action, while you click on or off the desired filters, before reactivating the notes display.

And finally, a couple of general expository remarks that you can skip and done if you're not interested.

First, MedBetterDNA enhancements are driven by user feedback. It already does what I want it to do. If you want something new or better, please ask for it. And please understand that it may happen soon, not for a while, or never, for any of a variety of reasons.

Second, if you like the program and are feeling benevolent, please consider rating it 4 or 5 stars. A single one-star drive-by screw-you rating can pull anything less than three other 5-star ratings down below a 4-star average. I don't have any vanity about the extension's rating, and it certainly doesn't affect income at effectively zero dollars received, but many newcomers are leery of trying out lower-rated extensions.

So why might you care about an overall rating if it works for you? Because the more users who are giving active feedback, the more likely I will invest my limited free time in enhancing or fixing the code, or figuring out how to implement any cool ideas that users come up with. Given that I have put in excess of 100 hours of work to the extension already, a bombed-out rating is not a strong motivator for further effort. But if you don't feel like giving a rating, or feel a 1-3 star rating is warranted, that's fine too.

MedBetterDNA custom note filters, version 2.0 update

MedBetterDNA has been updated to version 2.0 and should be soon available from the Chrome Web Store. It can take a couple of hours for the store to fully publish the update for download.

By user request, the MedBetterDNA version 2.0 update adds support for advanced filtering based on notes hashtags. These are the new show only Notes with hashtag and remove all Notes with hashtag selections.  The Always show Notes option must be checked for the advanced filtering to work (i.e. Notes must be showing on the results page). Up to three hashtags can be specified to show only notes containing one or more those hashtags, and up to three hashtags can be specified to remove any records with notes which contain one or more of the hashtags.

Hashtags are not case sensitive and can be part of a larger text string, with leading or trailing characters not in the hashtag, as long as they are preceded with a '#' character. Hashtags must be set or changed at the main Configure page, but afterward can be enabled and disabled through the context menu checkmarks. Always refresh the results page after changing a hashtag, otherwise the page will not display the revised filters and context menu.

As with the other settings, you can set things such that no display of any records is possible. Putting the same active hashtag in both show only Notes with hashtag and remove all Notes with hashtag selections will achieve this result.

Customize hashtag Notes filters on the context menu opens the same page as the Configure Options selection. It is included as a courtesy link to more easily remember how to customize hashtag filtering, as that does require using the Configure page.

The options page has been revised to show the new filter features:

To help explain use of the filters, here is an example of each type.

For this entry of the mysterious Z, the note shows as #hashtag99 123#yabbadabba. In the context menu for show only Notes with hashtag, if either hashtag #hashtag99 or hashtag #yabba or both were checked, only this record (and any other record with a matching hashtag) would be displayed.

In a similar fashion, if remove all Notes with hashtag was set to #hashtag99 or #yabba, then Z would be removed from the list of displayed records.

Given the significant changes made to the extension with version 2.0, there may be one or two operational errors. Drop a note if you find a clear error in behavior. 

As always, new or custom features may be made available upon request or negotiation.

MedBetterDNA for AncestryDNA updated to version 1.4

Version 1.4 of the MedBetterDNA Chrome extension for the AncestryDNA site has been published to the Chrome Web Store and should be soon or already available for download and update.

This version adds support for three additional countries besides the USA site, the Australian .com.au, UK .co.uk, and Canadian .ca Ancestry sites.

A full description of the extension's capabilities can be found in the post on its initial release. All subsequent releases have addressed incompatibilities or fixes with operations.

MedBetterDNA Chrome extension updated to version 1.3

The MedBetterDNA Chrome extension has been updated to version 1.3 to fix a couple of serious problems with the current Ancestry DNA site. MedBetterDNA provides advanced filtering capability for relationships based on confidence and family tree status, as well permanently showing user notes on Ancestry DNA results pages. MedBetterDNA was tested as working on July 5, 2017.

Version 1.3 fixes a recent incompatibility with the DNA site that was blocking the context menu display, and changes the way filters are processed to support differences in the site's web page processing, particularly on initial entry. Please remember, this extension is heavily dependent on website structures that are subject to change outside of the extension's control. When the website is significantly modified, as companies typically do on occasion, the extension will fail until it is updated with the new structure. Reporting a problem to support is the best and quickest remedy.

MedBetterDNA Chrome browser extension 1.2 update

New for 2017, version 1.2 of the MedBetterDNA extension fixes an incompatibility with the AncestryDNA site which caused the script to fail. This update has been successfully tested with the site as of January 2017.

MedBetterDNA can help people who have taken the AncestryDNA Test. The MedBetterDNA extension enhances the AncestryDNA Results website experience by adding more filtering options for the (possibly many thousands) of other people who are listed as potential DNA matches.

After installation, MedBetterDNA adds an entry for itself to the context menu (right mouse click). When your browser is at an AncestryDNA website address, the context menu selection shows the following checkbox choices: show Starred entries; show unStarred entries; show Moderate confidence; show Good confidence; show High confidence; show Very High confidence; show Extremely High confidence; show Locked trees; show No Family Trees; always show Notes; and Configure options;

In addition, MedBetterDNA has a stand-alone configure page to set the checkmark options if you cannot or do not wish to use the context menu. This is accessed from the Options links of MedBetterDNA on the Extension page of the Chrome browser.

By default, all options are checked except "always show Notes". When a checkmark is unchecked, all entries that match that condition are hidden from view. Note that it is perfectly possible to uncheck combinations which will hide all entries, e.g. uncheck both "show Starred entries" and "show unStarred entries".

If the "always show Notes" option is checked, all existing notes for DNA match entries will show on the main listing page simultaneously, without having to click on each note to see them one at a time.

Updated MedBetterDNA Chrome Extension for AncestryDNA site

The MedBetterDNA Chrome Extension for AncestryDNA has been updated to version 1.1.

Version 1.1 fixes a bug where note text could appear twice, where note text would not show if all other combinations were checked, and fixes a cosmetic wording issue on the context menu.

Please post any questions, comments, or suggestions for a future update.

New Chrome Extension enhances DNA match experience for Ancestry site

New free Chrome extension MedBetterDNA available in Chrome Web Store:

MedBetterDNA can help people who have taken the AncestryDNA Test. The MedBetterDNA extension enhances the AncestryDNA Results website experience by adding more filtering options for the (possibly many thousands) of other people who are listed as potential DNA matches.

After installation, MedBetterDNA adds an entry for itself to the context menu (right mouse click). When your browser is at an http://dna.ancestry.com/matches address, the context menu selection shows the following checkbox choices:

• show Starred entries
• show unStarred entries
• show Moderate confidence
• show Good confidence
• show High confidence
• show Very High confidence
• show Extremely High confidence
• show Locked trees
• show No Family Trees
• always show Notes
• Configure options

In addition, MedBetterDNA has a stand-alone configure page to set the checkmark options if you cannot or do not wish to use the context menu. This is accessed from the Options links of MedBetterDNA on the Extension page of the Chrome browser.

By default, all options are checked except "always show Notes". When a checkmark is unchecked, all entries that match that condition are hidden from view. Note that it is perfectly possible to uncheck combinations which will hide all entries, e.g. uncheck both "show Starred entries" and "show unStarred entries".

If the "always show Notes" option is checked, all existing notes for DNA match entries will show on the main listing page simultaneously, without having to click on each note to see them one at a time.

Because of the dynamic nature of the results, which can be updated multiple times while a listing is being displayed, occasionally a result may sneak past MedBetterDNA's filters. Currently this has only rarely been seen with entries that have locked family trees with the "show Locked trees" option unchecked. If this occurs, simply refresh or reload the page, and the filtering should pick up the errant listing(s).

Note that the filtering process depends on a particular web configuration and if that changes in the future, MedBetterDNA's will probably not work correctly. Please notify support if the extension fails after having worked previously so we know to make any necessary changes. This is a first version release and may behave accordingly. All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.






Please post any questions or suggestions for the extension here.