> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learn.withessential.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learn.withessential.com/administration/settings/map-values-when-changing-asset-attribute-types.md).

# Map values when changing an asset attribute type

Choose how existing asset values should be translated when you change an attribute to Dropdown, Typeahead, or Yes / No.

> **Where to find it:** Settings → Assets & Reports → select an asset type → attributes

1. Change the attribute's **Type**. For a compatible change, **Map existing values** lists the old values and how many stored values use each one. Values used as defaults are identified too, even if no current asset uses them.
2. For Dropdown or Typeahead, edit the options you want to keep.
3. Choose the new value beside each old value. You can map several spellings to one option, such as `wet` and `WET` to `Wet`, or map Typeahead values such as `Active` and `Retired` to **Yes** and **No**.
4. Leave **Automatic** selected to use the normal conversion, or choose **Clear value** to leave that value empty.
5. Review the conversion warnings, then select **Save**. Confirm if the change will clear values or remove rules.

Large lists show up to 200 old values, or fewer when values are very long. The shown/total count indicates when the list is limited. Any value you have not explicitly mapped uses **Automatic** conversion.

Mappings apply to stored asset values and attribute defaults. Related service and inspection-report rule comparisons are converted with the same mappings where they can be carried over. Review any rule warnings shown before saving. Published report history stays on its original version.

Mapping is available from text, barcode, number, Yes / No, Dropdown, and Typeahead to a different Dropdown, Typeahead, or Yes / No type. Photo, multi-select, and GPS location conversions use their existing conversion previews.

Changes remain unsaved until you select **Save**. Renaming an option keeps the values mapped to it. Removing an option returns its mapped values to **Automatic**. An automatically converted value that does not match a kept option is cleared: its row is highlighted with **Will be cleared**, and a note under the list names each such value. Select a name to jump to its row.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

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

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://learn.withessential.com/administration/settings/map-values-when-changing-asset-attribute-types.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

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.