Add and Edit Custom Attributes

You can create custom attributes in the vSphere Client and associate the attribute with an object, such as a host, virtual machine, cluster, or network. You can also edit custom attributes.

After you create the attributes, set an appropriate value for the attribute on each virtual machine. This value is stored with vCenter Server and not with the virtual machine. Use the new attribute to filter your virtual machines. If you no longer need the custom attribute, remove it. A custom attribute is always a string.

Note: Tags and tag categories support a finer-grained mechanism for tagging your object. Consider using tags and tag categories instead of custom attributes.

Prerequisites

Required privileges: Global.Manage custom attributes,Global.Set custom attribute.

Procedure

1. In the vSphere Client, select Menu > Tags and Custom Attributes.
2. Click Custom Attributes.
   All currently defined custom attributes for vCenter Server are displayed.
3. Click Add.
4. Enter the values for the custom attribute.
   1. Type the name of the attributes in the Attribute text box.
   2. Select the attribute type from the Type drop-down menu.
   3. Click OK.
   After you have defined an attribute on an object, it is available to all objects of that type in the inventory. However, the value you specify is applied only to the currently selected object.
5. You can later edit a custom attribute.
   1. Select the attribute and click Edit.
   2. Change the Name.
   3. Change the type if it's available.
   4. Click OK.