---
title: "Linking Defects to Defects"
slug: "linked-defects-and-duplicate-detection"
updated: 2026-10-12T08:03:27Z
published: 2026-10-12T08:03:27Z
canonical: "success.panaya.com/linked-defects-and-duplicate-detection"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://success.panaya.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Linking Defects to Defects

Linked Defects help teams understand how defects are connected across a project and reduce duplicate investigation effort. You can link defects as **Duplicate** or **Related** from the **Linked defects** tab of any defect.

Linked defect relationships are bidirectional. When you link one defect to another, the relationship is visible from both defects.

**✦** **LOOKING FOR DUPLICATES? USE AI**

Panaya can use AI to find potential duplicate defects for you, both for existing defects and while a new defect is being created. Learn more about [**AI-Powered Duplicate Detection**](https://success.panaya.com/docs/en/ai-powered-duplicate-detection).

*Powered by* [*Seemore Intelligence*](https://success.panaya.com/docs/en/seemore-intelligence)

## Link Defects Manually

Use manual linking when you already know that two defects are connected. You can classify the relationship as **Duplicate** when both defects describe the same issue, or **Related** when the defects are connected but represent different issues.

1. Open the relevant defect and select the **Linked defects** tab![](https://cdn.document360.io/f404076c-de23-4609-848e-2dfd4ef701b0/Images/Documentation/image-NPGTFLTZ.png)
2. Select **Link defects manually** to connect the defect to an existing defect.
3. Search for the relevant defects in the list. Select the defects and click **Add**. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/f404076c-de23-4609-848e-2dfd4ef701b0/Images/Documentation/image-5QF9PQEZ.png)
4. Select the link type and click OK.
  - **Duplicate** - use when two defects describe the same issue.
  - **Related** - use when defects are connected but represent different issues. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/f404076c-de23-4609-848e-2dfd4ef701b0/Images/Documentation/image-O39LUAPN.png)

## Linked Defects in the Defect List

The **Linked Defects** column in the defect list displays the number of defects linked to each defect. Use it for reporting, or click the number to open the defect's Linked defects tab.

> [!NOTE]
> **Good to Know!** Linked defects are informational and do not affect defect status, workflow, hierarchy, or test execution.