---
title: Configuring attribute sources and user lookup
description: Attribute sources are specific datastore or directory locations containing information that might be needed for the attribute contract. You can use more than one attribute source when mapping values to the attribute contract.
component: pingfederate
version: 13.1
page_id: pingfederate:administrators_reference_guide:pf_configuring_attribute_sources_user_lookup
canonical_url: https://docs.pingidentity.com/pingfederate/13.1/administrators_reference_guide/pf_configuring_attribute_sources_user_lookup.html
llms_txt: https://docs.pingidentity.com/pingfederate/llms.txt
docs_for_agents: https://developer.pingidentity.com/build-with-ai/docs-for-agents.md
revdate: July 10, 2024
section_ids:
  about-this-task: About this task
  steps: Steps
  result: Result
---

# Configuring attribute sources and user lookup

Attribute sources are specific datastore or directory locations containing information that might be needed for the attribute contract. You can use more than one attribute source when mapping values to the attribute contract.

## About this task

The order in which attribute sources are listed affects the queries differently based on the selection made on the **Mapping Method** tab. For more information, see [Selecting an attribute mapping method](pf_selecting_attribute_mapping_method.html).

* Retrieve additional attributes from multiple data stores using one mapping

  If you plan on using the result of a query as an input to a subsequent query, stack your attribute sources accordingly.

* Retrieve additional attributes from a data store

  As soon as a query succeeds, PingFederate moves on to the next task, contract fulfillment. Therefore you should prioritize the attribute sources.

## Steps

1. Click **Add Attribute Source** and then follow a series of sub tasks to complete the configuration.

2. See [Choosing a datastore](pf_choosing_datastore.html) for instructions on configuring and adding attribute sources.

3. Repeat as necessary to add additional sources.

## Result

If you are editing a currently mapped adapter instance or authentication policy contract, you can add, remove, or reorder attribute sources, which might require additional configuration changes in subsequent tasks.