> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.soda.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.soda.io/soda-documentation/column-attributes.md).
# Column Attributes
Column attributes let you attach descriptive **metadata to individual columns** of a dataset, in the same way that [dataset attributes](/soda-documentation/dataset-attributes-and-responsibilities.md#dataset-attributes) describe whole datasets and check attributes describe checks.
Use column attributes to capture column-level business context such as **sensitivity** (e.g. PII, confidential), **data domain**, **classification**, or **ownership**. Once set, column attributes can be:
* **Viewed** on the dataset's column cards and in the column information panel.
* **Set programmatically** through the Soda Cloud REST API, to keep Soda in sync with a data catalog or governance tool.
* **Used in Data Standards** to target columns by their attribute values instead of (or in addition to) their names. See [#use-column-attributes-in-data-standards](#use-column-attributes-in-data-standards "mention").
{% hint style="info" %}
Column attributes are part of **Data Standards** and are only available when Data Standards is enabled for your organization. If you do not see the options described below, Data Standards is not enabled on your plan.
{% endhint %}
## Defining a column attribute
Column attributes use the same attribute catalog as datasets and checks. Before you can set a value on a column, an attribute with the **Column** resource type must exist.
> Learn how to create one: [Check and dataset attributes](/soda-documentation/manage-issues/check-and-dataset-attributes.md). When creating the attribute, select **Column** as the **Resource Type**.
## Setting column attribute values
{% hint style="warning" %}
Only users with the **Configure Dataset** permission on the dataset can edit column attributes. [Global and Dataset Roles](/soda-documentation/organization-and-admin-settings/global-and-dataset-roles.md)
{% endhint %}
You set values per column from the dataset page.
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Open the **dataset page** and locate the column you want to annotate in the **Columns** list.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
Open the column's **context menu** (⋮) and select **Edit Attributes**.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
In the **Edit Attributes** dialog, set a value for each column attribute. All attributes are optional, and the available input depends on the attribute type (single select, multi select, checkbox, text, number, or date).
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
Click **Save** to apply the changes.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
## Viewing column attributes
Once set, a column's attribute values appear:
* As **tags** on the column card, next to the column's data type.
* In the **Custom Column Attributes** section of the column information panel.
Column attribute values appear as tags on each column card.
## Set column attributes via the REST API
You can set or update column attribute values in bulk with the Soda Cloud REST API, which is the recommended way to keep column metadata in sync with an external data catalog or governance tool.
Use the `POST /api/v1/datasets/{datasetId}/columnAttributes` endpoint. The request body maps each column name to a map of attribute name → value. Setting one attribute on a column leaves the column's other attribute values untouched. If any column name, attribute name, or value type is invalid, the **entire request is rejected** and no changes are persisted.
The caller must have the **Configure Dataset** (`CONFIGURE_DATASET`) permission on the dataset.
> See the full request and response schema in the auto-generated API reference: [Broken mention](broken://pages/qOmWPvixdxBUojZ2sOEb).
## Use column attributes in Data Standards
Column attributes can drive **Data Standards**: a standard's `match` block can target columns by their attribute values (`equals`, `any_of`, grouped with `all_of` / `any_of`, and `exclude`) instead of, or in addition to, their names. This lets a single standard apply, for example, to every column tagged with a given sensitivity.
> The full Data Standards `match` syntax is documented with Data Standards.
***
{% hint style="info" %}
You are **not logged in to Soda** and are viewing the default public documentation. Learn more about [Licensing & documentation access](/soda-documentation/reference/documentation-access-and-licensing.md).
{% endhint %}
---
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