> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://academy.dnanexus.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://academy.dnanexus.com/overview-of-the-platform/metadata.md).

# Metadata

Metadata keeps your data objects and projects organized.  All objects that are uploaded or created will have associated metadata with fields such as **Name, ID, Path, Status, Class, File Size, Created by, Created,** and **Modified**.

## Data Objects

Object Classes include:

* Data files
* Apps and Applets
* Workflows
* Jobs
* Analyses
* Records

Each object receives their own unique ID

* These can be file IDs or job IDs
* These NEVER change
* The same file can be uploaded multiple times into a project; different objects will be created. The platform DOES NOT overwrite a file. Instead, it creates a new file ID every time you upload it.
* Metadata is essential to keep track of these files and their properties, since we cannot change the file ID.

The data objects can have have 2 different items of custom metadata that can be added at any point. They are: 

* Tags: which are words to describe the file format, genome, etc.
  * Examples: fastq, control, bam, vcf
* Properties: are key/ value pairs that can be used to describe the file 
  * Examples: sample\_id, value= 001

## Viewing Metadata

Go to your project folder and find the file information. Identify the columns for the name, type/ class, and tags

You can do this in the overview of each, without selecting the file:

<figure><img src="/files/4N8OwLEP7FZDf1tyo3RR" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Or, you can do this by selecting each file individually to see a detailed view:

<figure><img src="/files/T72zj8CoLN0rbxTsjKNb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Organization

You can sort and organize data based on pre-established and custom metadata by selecting the “column” icon in the top right. Columns can also be sorted by hovering over the title.

## Filtering Metadata

You can filer by the metadata present in the project space. The options are drop down menus above the overview of the metadata headings.&#x20;

## Data Operations&#x20;

When viewing details of a particular data object, you will have a section for the data operations of a file. These include archive, copy, delete, and download. These operations will vary based on the access permission that you have for a given project.  You can see the data operations available in the image below:&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/sd9iZYz52uOstckTOr0q" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>