> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://helpdesk.smaply.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://helpdesk.smaply.app/portfolio/how-to-link-portfolio-items.md).

# How to link portfolio items

To link portfolio items, open one, go to its **Linked items** tab, and add the items you want to connect it to. Links work in both directions, so you only make them once.

{% hint style="info" icon="tag" %}

#### Plan availability

Linking portfolio items is available on the **Governance** plan.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" icon="list-check" %}

#### Prerequisites

* An Editor or Admin role on the workspace
* At least one other portfolio item to link to
  {% endhint %}

#### How to link one portfolio item to another

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Open the portfolio item**

From the **Portfolio**, open an item from the **Table** view, or click a portfolio item card on a journey map. The item opens in its edit modal.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Open the Linked items tab and click + Add linked items**

Select **Linked items**, then **+ Add linked items**. The **Explore links to** view opens, with one column for each portfolio item type in your workspace.

<figure><img src="/files/oTkeiy3PX9zpMBtdSkX4" alt="The Explore links to view for a portfolio item, with a column for each portfolio item type in the workspace and a plus button on each column to add a linked item."><figcaption><p>Explore links to, one column per item type</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Pick a type and search for the item**

Click **+** on the column for the type you want to link, for example **Solutions**. In the panel that opens, search for the item, or click **Create** to make a new one inline. Narrow the list with the **All**, **Current map**, and **Created by you** filters.

<figure><img src="/files/oFFKpsOyA8MidqBxQX0T" alt="A panel titled Add solution, with a search field, All / Current map / Created by you filters, a list of matching items each with a relevance label, and a Select button."><figcaption><p>Search for an item to link, or create one</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Select the item**

Check the item you want and click **Select**. It joins that column. Add as many links as you need, then close the view.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Review the link**

Back on the **Linked items** tab, the linked item appears grouped under its type with a progress bar. Click it to preview its full details in a side panel.

<figure><img src="/files/JdHtrXrHfSf0JRvO26Na" alt="A portfolio item&#x27;s Linked items tab showing one linked solution grouped under its type heading with a progress bar."><figcaption><p>The linked item on the Linked items tab</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

***

#### How links work

* **Any type to any type** - Link a pain point to an opportunity, an opportunity to a solution, or any other combination. Links are not limited to a fixed pain point to opportunity to solution sequence.
* **Both directions at once** - A link you add from one item shows on the other item too. You do not create it twice.
* **No limit** - Link an item to as many others as you need.
* **Status at a glance** - Each linked item carries its status, shown by colour (for example green for done, blue for in progress), with a progress bar per type so you can read how a cluster of work is tracking.

Linking is different from the same item appearing on more than one journey map, which happens on its own and is not a link. For that, see [How to use portfolio item cards](/journey-maps/cards/how-to-use-portfolio-item-cards.md). To back an item with quotes and sources rather than connect it to other items, see [How to add evidence to a portfolio item](/portfolio/how-to-add-evidence.md).

***

#### How to remove a link

Open the **Linked items** tab and click **Edit linked items** to reopen the **Explore links to** view. Find the linked item and turn its selection off. The link is removed from both items right away, and neither item is otherwise changed.

***

#### How to see links across your portfolio

The **Table** view in the portfolio prioritization views has a **Links** column showing how many links each item has, so you can spot well-connected items and gaps at a glance. See [How to use the portfolio table](/portfolio/prioritization/how-to-use-the-portfolio-table.md).

#### Related topics

<table data-column-title-hidden data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th>Article</th><th>What it covers</th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref">Target</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>How to add evidence to a portfolio item</strong></td><td>Back an item with quotes, feedback, and source links.</td><td><a href="/pages/M7pLmvLqe5OLNTD1V9B1">/pages/M7pLmvLqe5OLNTD1V9B1</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>How to create a portfolio item</strong></td><td>Create pain points, opportunities, solutions, and custom-typed items.</td><td><a href="/pages/ccKByq3EkMP6r9UQIneW">/pages/ccKByq3EkMP6r9UQIneW</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>How to use portfolio item cards</strong></td><td>Place a portfolio item as a card on a journey map.</td><td><a href="/pages/7otLTFAejxDBK1QT5H5e">/pages/7otLTFAejxDBK1QT5H5e</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>How to add findings to portfolio</strong></td><td>Promote research insights into portfolio items, with quotes carried as evidence.</td><td><a href="/pages/rMOU7uLeTQCUU7SflZu0">/pages/rMOU7uLeTQCUU7SflZu0</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


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