> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ovaledge.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ovaledge.com/release8.2/governance-catalog/reference-data-management/manage-attributes.md).
# Manage Attributes
## Add Attributes
To add attributes to a Reference Data Unit, follow these steps:
1. Click on the "**Add Objects**" button.
2. A window will appear showing available table columns representing attributes from various source systems.
3. Select specific table columns (attributes) that Users want to add to the Reference Data Unit based on thier needs.
## Remove Attributes
To remove objects from a Reference Data Unit:
1. Click on the checkboxes next to the specific objects.
2. Select the 9-dot menu.
3. A pop-up window will appear to confirm the removal, preventing accidental deletions.
4. Click the **Remove** option to eliminate the objects from the Reference Data Unit.
5. A confirmation pop-up appears asking whether to remove the selected Reference Data from the RD Unit.
## Quick Navigation
The columns can be viewed and downloaded by applying sort, search, and filter options.
* Sort - It helps in sorting from A→Z & Z→A
* Search - It helps to locate specific information quickly
* Filter - It helps populate search results by specific criteria
## Objects Data Preview
Data Object details can be viewed with the options mentioned below:
* **For Data Preview:** Hover over the object, then click "View" to view the data available in the selected object within the Reference Data Unit further, without leaving the page.
* The Data Preview displays a sample view of the data available in the selected object within the Reference Data Unit. It helps users quickly review the object content without opening the full object details page.
* The pop-up header displays the selected object name. The grid below shows available records and column values, such as usernames, emails, dates, codes, descriptions, or other reference data fields. Sensitive values, such as passwords or masked fields, appear in a protected format based on security settings.
* The Data Preview helps users to:
* Validate that the correct object is associated with the Reference Data Unit.
* Review sample records and column structure.
* Verify reference data values before comparison or governance actions.
* Check data completeness and formatting.
* Inspect records without leaving the summary page.
This preview is intended for quick reference and validation. Editing data is not supported in this window.
* **For New Tab:** Hover over the object and click "Open in New Tab" to explore more without leaving the page.
## Navigate to the Attribute Summary Page
Access attribute details. Choose the options mentioned below:
* **For New Tab:** Hover over the attribute and click "Open in New Tab" to explore more without leaving the page.
* **For Same Tab:** Click on the attribute hyperlink to view details without opening a new tab.
## Download Attributes
Download attribute lists for reference data units to access and analyze. These exports attribute information into a CSV file, providing an organized dataset for further use.
## Table View
The Table View displays all attributes associated with the selected Reference Data Unit in a tabular format. This view helps users review, analyze, and validate reference data attributes from a single location.
### **Viewing Attributes**
The table displays details of the attributes linked to the Reference Data Unit, including attribute names, associated source objects, and other available metadata. Users can review the information directly from the table without navigating to individual attribute pages.
### **Quick Navigation**
The table supports the following options to help locate and analyze information efficiently:
* Sort – Sorts records in ascending or descending order.
* Search – Finds specific attributes or values within the table.
* Filter – Displays records that match selected criteria.
### **Data Preview**
Users can preview the data associated with an attribute without leaving the page.
* Hover over an attribute and click View to open the Data Preview window.
* The preview displays sample records and available column values for the selected object.
* Sensitive information is displayed according to the configured security settings.
**The Data Preview helps users:**
* Review sample data records.
* Validate reference data values.
* Verify data structure and completeness.
* Inspect object content without opening the full details page.
**Note:** Data editing is not supported from the Data Preview window.
### **Navigating to Attribute Details**
Users can access detailed attribute information using the following options:
* **Open in New Tab** – Hover over an attribute and click Open in New Tab to view details in a separate browser tab.
* **Same Tab Navigation** – Click the attribute hyperlink to open the Attribute Summary page in the current tab.
### **Downloading Attribute Information**
Users can download the attribute list for the Reference Data Unit as a CSV file. The exported file provides an organized view of the available attributes for reporting, analysis, and offline review.
## Recording Attribute Changes
This part keeps **track of changes to attributes**, like how many rows are there, how many are empty, the top values, and how many are different. It helps to notice and respond to changes in the reference data. In the Reference Data Unit (RDU), there's a table in the **Attribute Change** tab showing the history of attributes. This table records the first and last values for significant attribute changes, ensuring we always have information about data changes. Monitoring changes like row count, empty count, top values, and different counts helps spot changes in data features and behavior. This detailed tracking keeps data quality high and helps manage data effectively, like a history book for data.
### Quick Navigation
The columns can be viewed and downloaded by applying sort, search, and filter options.
* Sort - It helps in sorting from A→Z & Z→A
* Search - It helps to locate specific information quickly
* Filter - It helps populate search results by specific criteria
### Download Attribute Changes
Download changed attribute lists for reference data units to access and analyze. These exports attribute information into a CSV file, providing an organized dataset for further use.
## References
Reference Data Units often define the valid business values used across the organization. These values are frequently referenced by Business Glossary terms to provide additional business context and support data governance initiatives.
Reference Data Units can be associated with Business Glossary terms, creating a direct relationship between Reference Data Management and Business Glossary. This relationship helps users understand how reference data supports business definitions, governance processes, and data quality requirements.
