# Linking an indicator to a data element

Indicators can be linked to data elements associated with the tracked value that they represent.

### Prerequisites

For indicators to be viewed or created, their extension ('Comet Indicator Registry') must be enabled in the Aristotle Cloud Settings Editor. See the [relevant help documentation](/administrator-tasks/aristotle-cloud-settings-editor/adjusting-metadata-and-functionality-extensions.md) for enabling metadata extensions.

### How to link an indicator to a data element

1. From the desired indicator's page, select 'Open item editor' from its 'Actions' dropdown.

<figure><img src="/files/PK5LcZzgrobwVXVxOVvJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. Select the 'Components' tab.

<figure><img src="/files/HdUJy3RA5ShsmJYAD218" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. Navigate to the 'Numerator', 'Denominator' and 'Disaggregator' fields, and select 'Add' based on which of these terms is the most appropriate descriptor of the data element you wish to link the indicator to.

<figure><img src="/files/uo6Tc80Mz6rM3aS7MPlk" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. Select the desired data element, data set specification or data set using the relevant dropdowns.

<figure><img src="/files/81gXt1wwPgfZTVZiA1Ni" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

5. Populate the 'Description' and 'Guide For Use' fields as desired.

<figure><img src="/files/UP7yt3FCh6DjI9D7qq1n" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

6. Select 'Add'.

<figure><img src="/files/cNe18ItrL8NjFuyCCfLJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

7. **If you wish to link this indicator to more data elements**, repeat steps 3-6. Then, when you are satisfied, select 'Save changes'.

<figure><img src="/files/hC2MQsaNuMkS0qCRFxlG" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

8. The data elements you have linked, inclusive of selectable links, will now appear on the relevant identifier's page.

<figure><img src="/files/8WhwZ7q1zYhCcJ2nRHr6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://help.aristotlemetadata.com/creating-and-editing/indicators/linking-an-indicator-to-a-data-element.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.