# External Databases for Attributes

1. **Set up an external spreadsheet.** An external database refers to a spreadsheet containing combinations of attributes and designated languages. Format the spreadsheet with each Attribute as a separate column, and include a final column labeled Text. In the Text column, specify the replacement text, such as required disclosures for that combination of attributes. This is an example of the format for an environment with Attributes *product* and *state*.

<figure><img src="https://2804394160-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FD9Htw9DUg294GuYmAyyj%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-94ff8946ccbbd739552dd3975af574198d7f7c82%2FScreenshot%202024-07-29%20at%2011.52.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. **Add the Spreadsheet as a Database**. Go to Settings and select Attributes. In the Linked Database section, click Link New File.
3. Enter the Google Sheet link and assign a specific **variable** name. This variable will be used in policies to refer this database.
   1. Ensure Protege AI has Google Workspace access. If you haven’t done this yet, follow[ these instructions](https://docs.tryprotege.com/review/getting-started/document-editor-installation/google-workspace) if you have not.

<figure><img src="https://2804394160-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FD9Htw9DUg294GuYmAyyj%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-e78d62411e10e651d90ea5942fdd1f05be848fa4%2FScreenshot%202024-07-29%20at%2011.53.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. When completed, the Linked File should show under the Linked Databases section.

<figure><img src="https://2804394160-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FD9Htw9DUg294GuYmAyyj%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-e69f0ad6fb3ecb628ea0198df5b4c178e06aecca%2FScreenshot%202024-07-29%20at%2012.18.08%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>