Layers

24. April 2026

Table of Contents

Create a Layer Add a Layer to Content Add default values for tagboxes on a Layer Access Layer in search or query filter Access Layer in sidebar filter Update a Layer with XMP mappings

A Layer is a group of one or more fields. A Layer contains all metadata of a Content Item, also known as the metadata profile. Examples: Basic Information (title, description), Product Information (product name, family, etc.).

The fields contained in a Layer become available when added to a content item. If the Layer is later removed, the fields it provided (and any assigned values) are also irreversibly removed. By adding and removing fields in Layers, users can define metadata profiles unique to each piece of content and adjust them over time. This is the basis for Adaptive Metadata™.

Layers are crucial for the look and feel of your Fotoware Alto, as they determine the structure of your data. Layers and the fields therein are also key to what users can find via simple search, as well as the Channel filters you can create.

Create a Layer

Open Schemas.
Select + to Create.
Select Layer.
Select Parent when creating a child Layer.
Enter a name and ID.
Save.

After creating the Layer

Add fields to the Layer.
Update the Available for settings so that editors can add the Layer to the content items.
Add the Layer to content.

Add a Layer to Content

You add a Layer in several ways.

In the Content Item Detail View, in the metadata panel.
In the Batch Editor.
After the upload is finished, from the pop-up. A prompt that allows users to directly open and work on imported files in the batch editor is displayed after an import completes. This can be deactivated by more proficient users if required.

Add default values for tagboxes on a Layer

For tagbox fields on layers, you can define the default values for tagbox. Those values are assigned automatically when the layer is created. After an import completes, a new tag is generated within the layer, allowing users to open and edit imported files directly in the batch editor.

The default values are not applied to the Content Item; they are used only when new List Items are created within the tagbox.

Define “Active employee” as default values for tagbox “Person” on the Layer “Corporate Information”.

Assign the Corporate Information layer.
Find Tagbox “Person”.
Create a new person for the tagbox.
See the fields (information) you need to create a new person.
“Active employee” is prefilled.

Access Layer in search or query filter

The Layers of a Content Item are saved in a field called layerSchemaIds.

Therefore, you can access Layers via this field in Display Pattern, Query Filters, or searches.

Case	Value
Exact Match	layerSchemaIds:LayerId
Contains	layerSchemaIds:LayerIdPart*

Access Layer in sidebar filter

Some default system fields are available for selection in the Filter editor, e.g., permissionSetIds, layerSchemaIds, or contentSchemaIds.

Open Filters
Add a new Filter
Select Permission/Layers
Save

Video on how to add Layer names as a sidebar filter so users can filter for layers.

Update a Layer with XMP mappings

Search for the Layer. Some default system fields are available for selection in the Filter editor, e.g., permissionSetIds, layerSchemaIds, or contentSchemaIds.
Open settings and update. You cannot set a field as required!
Save.

You cannot add a required field or mark a field as required on a Layer that has XMP mappings.