> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.pentaho.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.pentaho.com/pdc-admin/pdc-manage-rules-cp-ag/pdc-manage-metadata-rules-cp.md).
# Manage metadata rules
Pentaho Data Catalog metadata rules let you automate how metadata is managed across your environment. Instead of manually updating each object, you can define rules that automatically apply or remove business terms, tags, and property values on already scanned or ingested metadata. This keeps your catalog consistent, improves data discovery, and reduces the risk of human error.
\
If your role allows it, you’ll see the **Metadata Rules** card on **Data Catalog → Data Operations**. With a **Pentaho Data Optimizer** license and the right permissions, rules can also trigger supported optimization processes.
#### How metadata rules work
1. **Create a rule definition**\
Define the criteria (what to match) and the action (what to do). The system evaluates this against scanned metadata.
2. **Create a metadata rule**\
Apply the rule definition to a selected data source to run the action.
You can use the **Manage Metadata Rules** page to view, create, edit, and delete rule definitions and metadata rules.
**Where you can apply metadata rules (classifications)**
Classifications determine which asset types a rule can target.
You can apply metadata rules to below classifications:
* Entities
* Glossary
* Data Collections
* Applications
* Physical Assets
* ML Models
* BI
* Policy
* Reference Data
* ETL
#### What actions a Metadata rule can perform
* Apply Business Terms
* Apply Tags
* Remove Tags
* Remove Business Terms
* Update Property Value
* Reset Property Value
* Start Process
* Data Profile applicable for Entities Table objects.
* Data Discovery, Move, Delete, Rehydrate applicable for Entities File objects.
**Note:** Some rules-governed operations may require additional workflow tasks, depending on your configuration and permissions.
---
# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.
## 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, and the optional `goal` query parameter:
```
GET https://docs.pentaho.com/pdc-admin/pdc-manage-rules-cp-ag/pdc-manage-metadata-rules-cp.md?ask=&goal=
```
`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.
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.