# Load Metadata from Files

The platform provides multiple methods to catalog metadata from remote data sources. While crawling is the primary method, users can also load metadata directly using files or APIs. 

**Load Metadata from Files (LMDF)** is an advanced tool that enables bulk upload and curation of metadata using predefined Excel (.xlsx) templates. These templates support updating existing metadata or creating new data objects in bulk—making it easy for authorized users to manage large-scale metadata efficiently.

**LMDF** simplifies metadata management by allowing users to:

* Download structured templates for specific object types
* Edit or update metadata offline
* Upload the templates back into the application
* Receive success/failure notifications and logs.

## LMDF-Supported Objects

Below listed are the different objects supported by LMDF:

* Schemas
* Tables
* Table Columns
* Files
* File Columns
* Reports
* Report Columns
* Business Glossary
* Tags
* Datasets
* Lineage
* Column Relationships
* Dataset Correction
* Data Quality Rules
* Data Quality Functions
* Impact Analysis Objects
* Users
* Roles
* APIs
* API Attributes
* Domains
* Custom Fields

## LMDF Template Types

**LMDF offers two types of templates:** 

* **Template Without Data:** The Template Without Data is blank when downloaded, with predefined metadata fields ready for updating. This template is useful for initial bulk metadata uploads or when creating new data objects such as terms, tags, catalog objects for Manual Connectors, and even creating users and roles. 
* **Template With Data:** This template allows users to download existing metadata, make necessary changes, and then upload the updated metadata back to the application. 

{% hint style="info" %}
A background job is created when a user initiates a download. Once the job is completed, a notification is sent to the user's My Profile > Inbox > System Alerts, which includes a link to download the template. Users can also download the template with data from the corresponding Job log.
{% endhint %}

***

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