> 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/field-operations/inspection-reports/link-a-report-photo-question-to-an-asset-photo-attribute.md).

# Link a report photo question to an asset photo attribute

A photo question on an inspection report form can be linked to a **Photo** or **Photos** attribute of the asset type, the same way a text question links to a text attribute. Linking turns a one-off report picture into a picture the asset keeps.

> **Where to find it:** Linking is set up in the report form, not while filling in a report. To add or change a link, open the Essential Assistant and choose the **Talk to a human** tab. Name the photo question and the asset attribute it should fill.

## How a linked photo question behaves

* **Prefill.** When a technician opens the report, each asset's question already shows the photos stored on that asset.
* **Capture.** The technician can keep those photos, replace them, or add more.
* **Publish.** When the report is published, the question's photos become the asset's saved photos. Photos removed on the report are removed from the asset; photos added on the report are added to it. Only pictures are saved to the asset, up to the attribute's limit (one for **Photo**, ten for **Photos**, the first ten in the question's order). Videos, and any photos past the limit, stay on the report only. A question that holds only videos leaves the asset's photos as they were.
* **PDF.** The rendered report prints the question's photos exactly as an unlinked photo question would.

A linked question needs a matching attribute type: a single-photo question links to a **Photo** attribute and a multiple-photo question links to a **Photos** attribute. A photo question can't be linked to a text attribute, or a text question to a photo attribute.

## Before you start

* The asset type must have a **Photo** or **Photos** attribute. See [Add photos to an asset (photo attributes)](/field-operations/assets/add-photos-to-an-asset-photo-attributes.md).

## Link the question

1. Open the Essential Assistant and choose the **Talk to a human** tab.
2. Say which report form and which photo question (inside an asset list) should be linked, and which **Photo** or **Photos** attribute it should fill.
3. Once the updated form is published, new reports prefill the question from each asset.

Bulk answer does not offer a linked photo question, and a linked photo question is not available as a filter in the report's asset list.

## Related guides

* [The field types you fill in on a report](/field-operations/inspection-reports/the-field-types-you-fill-in-on-a-report.md)
* [Answer a question on many inspection assets at once](/field-operations/inspection-reports/answer-a-question-on-many-inspection-assets-at-once.md)
* [Add photos to an asset (photo attributes)](/field-operations/assets/add-photos-to-an-asset-photo-attributes.md)


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