> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.pentaho.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.pentaho.com/pentaho-data-mastering/configuring-merge-rules/assigning-a-data-element-to-a-merge-rule.md).

# Assigning data elements to a merge rule

A data element is assigned to a merge rule, when the rules defined in the merge rule are to be verified while checking the data of that data element during data curation.

You must have admin privileges to assign a data element to a merge rule.

Perform the following steps to assign a data element to a merge rule:

1. On the left navigation menu, click **Master Data**. The **Master Data** page opens.
2. In the **Merge Rules** card, click **Merge Rules**.

   The**Merge Rules** page opens with the list of merge rules shown in a table.
3. Select the checkbox for the merge rule that you want to assign with a one or more data elements.
4. At the end of the row for the merge rule that you selected, click the more actions icon and select **View Details**.
5. Click the **Data Elements** tab.

   The list of data elements assigned to the merge rule are shown in the data elements table.
6. Click **Assign Data Element** to assign a new data element to the merge rule.

   The **Assign Data Elements** dialog box appears.
7. Select the checkbox for one or more data elements to assign to the merge rule.
8. Click **Assign** to assign the data elements you selected to the merge rule.

   A confirmation dialog box appears.
9. Click **Confirm**.

   A confirmation notification message is shown in the top-right corner of the page. The data elements table for the merge rule appears with the assigned data element listed.


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