# Custom labels and metadata

To add custom labels to a host, complete the following steps. Note that these are static labels. To add labels dynamically based on the contents of the processed data, use [processing steps in data flows](../../../docs/axoflow/data-management/index.md).

  1. [Find the host](../../../docs/axoflow/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](/docs/axoflow/img/host-overview.png)

  2. Select **Edit**.

![Edit host metadata](/docs/axoflow/onboard-hosts/hosts/add-host-metadata/host-custom-metadata.png)

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**](../../../docs/axoflow/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**.