---
title: "Custom labels and metadata"
url: "https://axoflow.com/docs/axoflow/0.86/onboard-hosts/hosts/add-host-metadata/"
last_modified: "2026-07-16T14:35:57+02:00"
---

> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://axoflow.com/docs/axoflow/0.86/llms.txt).

# Custom labels and metadata

To add custom labels to a host, complete the following steps.

> **Note:**
>
> Note that these are static labels.
>
> - To add labels dynamically based on the contents of the processed data, use [processing steps in data flows](https://axoflow.com/docs/axoflow/0.86/data-management/index.md).
> - To manage labels in bulk, see [Bulk update hosts](https://axoflow.com/docs/axoflow/0.86/onboard-hosts/hosts/bulk-update-hosts/index.md).

1. [Find the host](https://axoflow.com/docs/axoflow/0.86/onboard-hosts/hosts/find-host/index.md) on the **Topology** page, and click on its hostname. The overview of the host is displayed. (Alternatively, you can find AxoRouters on the **Routers** page, and source and edge hosts on the **Sources** page.)

   ![Host overview](https://axoflow.com/docs/axoflow/0.86/img/host-overview_hu_f1a123a3cb55b92c.webp)
2. Select **Edit**.

   ![Edit host metadata](https://axoflow.com/docs/axoflow/0.86/onboard-hosts/hosts/add-host-metadata/host-custom-metadata_hu_27715f68621472d4.webp)

   You can add custom labels in `<label-name>:<value>` format (for example, the group or department a source device belongs to), or a generic description about the host. You can use the labels for quickly finding the host on the **Hosts** page, and also for filtering when configuring [**Flows**](https://axoflow.com/docs/axoflow/0.86/data-management/flows/index.md).

   When using labels in filters, processing steps, or search bars, note that:

   - Labels added to AxoRouter hosts get the `axo_host_` prefix.
   - Labels added to data sources get the `host_` prefix. For example, if you add a *rack* label to an edge host, it’ll be added to the data received from the host as `host_rack`.
   - Labels added on edge hosts get the `edge_connector_label_` prefix.

   On other pages, like the **Host Overview** page, the labels are displayed without the prefixes.
3. Select **Save**.