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

# Metadata overview

The SignSpace metadata features make contract management easier and more structured. The needed information is available to the people who need it and is easy to find. Information can be organised to meet the organisation specific data management requirements. The predefined data structures can be utilised to build automated processes, such as sharing of content, automated notifications when the contracts are due for renewal and fully automated archiving.

Predefined metadata structures allow users to add metadata when they create signing requests or share files. In order for users to add metadata, structures must be first specified.

Metadata [**templates**](https://guide.signspace.com/en/managing-meta-data/add-metadata-templates) are used to collect the required metadata from users. Metadata [**fields**](https://guide.signspace.com/en/managing-meta-data/add-metadata-fields) determine what data is collected.

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