# Check and dataset attributes

Attributes allow you to add descriptive **metadata** to your datasets and checks. This metadata can then be:

* **Used for filtering** in Soda Cloud, making it easier to search and organize datasets and checks based on specific criteria (e.g., business domain, sensitivity, criticality).
* **Leveraged in reporting**, enabling you to group datasets, track ownership, and monitor data quality across different categories or dimensions.

Adding meaningful attributes enhances discoverability, governance, and collaboration within Soda and its integrations.

## Creating an attribute

{% hint style="warning" %}
Only users with the **Manage Attributes** permission can create or edit attributes. [Global and Dataset Roles](/organization-and-admin-settings/global-and-dataset-roles.md)
{% endhint %}

To create a new attribute:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Click your profile icon in the top-right corner and select **Attributes** from the menu.

<figure><img src="/files/dNZpJAZbFt2xjkMiEZDK" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click **New Attribute**.

<figure><img src="/files/K4zDwBSwRq3Pba5mogSm" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Provide a **Label** for the attribute. Note that a unique **name** will be generated from this label. This name is immutable and is used in Data Contract definitions to reference the attribute.

<figure><img src="/files/PmqgB4OU2dljbCn9DBsT" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Select the **Resource Type** where the attribute applies: **Dataset** or **Check**

<figure><img src="/files/Xir6pbx1yP2PfvLegqfy" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Choose the **Type** of attribute: Single select, Multi select, Checkbox, Text, Number, Date

<figure><img src="/files/R9McEytofQHQLFAAEV1I" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Add a **Description** for context.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click **Save**
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Edit attributes

To edit an attribute, use the context menu next to the attribute name and select **Edit Attribute**.

<figure><img src="/files/a6sWqeF4OlaFyrwQahgV" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Note that the name property and the assigned resource type cannot be changed.

## Attributes in datasets

> Learn how to set attributes for datasets: [Dataset Attributes & Responsibilities](/dataset-attributes-and-responsibilities.md)

## Attributes in checks

Attributes for checks will be defined as part of the **Data Contract**.

> Learn how to set attributes for datasets:
>
> * Authoring in Soda Cloud: [Author a contract in Soda Cloud](/data-testing/cloud-managed-data-contracts/author-a-contract-in-soda-cloud.md#define-attributes)
> * Data Contract as code: [Contract Language reference](/reference/contract-language-reference.md#check-attributes)

## Attributes in filters

Once an attribute has been assigned at least once, either to a dataset or a check, it becomes available as a filter in Soda Cloud. Attributes that have not yet been used will not appear in filter options.

<figure><img src="/files/TCuQrPaQUXq8b5nrDZHr" alt=""><figcaption><p>The attribute <strong>Team</strong> has several possible values (core, platform, backend, etc), which allows to filter datasets by <strong>Team</strong></p></figcaption></figure>

You can also filter check results by attribute directly on the dataset page's **Checks** tab, with the health score updating to reflect the filtered subset.

> Learn more about [filtering check results by attribute](/manage-issues/dataset-dashboard.md#filter-checks-by-attribute).

<br>

***

{% if (visitor.claims.plan === 'datasetStandard')
%}
{% hint style="success" %}
You are **logged in to Soda** and seeing the **Dataset Standard license** documentation. Learn more about [Documentation access & licensing](/reference/documentation-access-and-licensing.md).
{% endhint %}
{% endif %}

{% if (visitor.claims.plan === 'enterprise')
%}
{% hint style="success" %}
You are **logged in to Soda** and seeing the **Team license** documentation. Learn more about [Documentation access & licensing](/reference/documentation-access-and-licensing.md).
{% endhint %}
{% endif %}

{% if (visitor.claims.plan === 'enterpriseUserBased')
%}
{% hint style="success" %}
You are **logged in to Soda** and seeing the **Enterprise license** documentation. Learn more about [Documentation access & licensing](/reference/documentation-access-and-licensing.md).
{% endhint %}
{% endif %}

{% if !(visitor.claims.plan === 'enterprise' || visitor.claims.plan === 'enterpriseUserBased' || visitor.claims.plan === 'datasetStandard')
%}
{% hint style="info" %}
You are **not logged in to Soda** and are viewing the default public documentation. Learn more about [Documentation access & licensing](/reference/documentation-access-and-licensing.md).
{% endhint %}
{% endif %}


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.soda.io/manage-issues/check-and-dataset-attributes.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.