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title: "Working with the Attribute Hierarchy"
canonical: "https://docs.rubiconwater.com/space/CFGNC/2001405484/Working%20with%20the%20Attribute%20Hierarchy"
format: markdown
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> Macro (toc)

Use the **Attribute Editor > Attribute Hierarchy** tab to trace and modify the source of attribute values.

# About Attribute Value Hierarchy

Some system required attributes can be applied to a group or area object so that the value of the attribute is inherited by the member objects.

> ℹ️ **Note**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ Most attribute values are NOT inheritable from the parent group or area.

When an attribute value is set directly on an object, that attribute value takes precedence over any inherited group values. However, when the object inherits a group value, it can be difficult to determine where the value was set because groups can contain other groups and areas. Tracing the attribute hierarchy can be a useful troubleshooting tool.

# Tracing the Source of an Attribute Value

Use the **Attribute Editor > Attribute Hierarchy** tab to trace the source of an inheritable attribute value.

To trace the source of an attribute value:

1. In the Attribute Editor module open the Attribute Hierarchy tab and click **Find Values** to open the Find Objects tool.
2. Click **Find Object** to search for and select the object.
3. When you have selected an object, use the drop-down list to choose the attribute type whose value you want to trace.
4. Click **Find** to load the object hierarchy.
  The application loads your selected object plus any groups to which the object belongs. The value of the attribute is displayed wherever it is set. The row that is highlighted in pink shows the attribute value that currently applies for your selected object, and the source of that value.

# Changing the Source of an Attribute Value

You can use the Attribute Editor > Attribute Hierarchy tab to change the values of an attribute, or to remove a value applied to an object.

- To change an attribute value for any object select the object in the table and click **Modify Selected **to change the value of the attribute.
- To remove the attribute value applied to an object select the object in the table and click **Remove Selected** to delete the value of the attribute from the object. If the attribute value is inheritable, the object will now be able to inherit the attribute value from its parent groups.

> ℹ️ **Note**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ To refresh the attribute hierarchy table, click **Find Values**. The object and attribute you loaded earlier will still be selected in the Find Objects screen. Click Find again to load the attribute values.

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