> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ak-region-dst.gitbook.io/alaska-region-mdeditor-interim-user-guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ak-region-dst.gitbook.io/alaska-region-mdeditor-interim-user-guide/product-entry-guidance.md).

# Product Metadata Guidance

The Product Entry Guidance section covers how to create a metadata record for a product.  A product can be anything from a dataset to a document or presentation to program script or model. mdEditor offers an extensive list of product options, of which "*product*" should never be used. 

## Before You Begin

### Adjust your mdEditor Settings, as needed:

### Select the Product Profile:

After creating your product record initially and before you begin editing metadata, select a profile.   **Product** may be chosen from the **Profile** drop down in the main menu.  A profile limits the available tabs and only shows tabs that contain fields that are required for product creation. Additionally, often a profile also limits the fields from view for a specific type of metadata record--in this case a product record.  For example, funding is not needed for a product and this tab is hidden. 

![The profile selection dropdown is located in the primary horizontal navigation bar.](https://423270140-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-Lg8RlbvpdNt6sN74m1-%2Fuploads%2FVKdVsIcdQVkySUXZfukI%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=f3743f1b-03bb-49a6-a437-bc2a2aab1265)

### **Update your contacts in mdEditor, as needed:** <a href="#make-sure-your-contacts-are-loaded-into-mdeditor" id="make-sure-your-contacts-are-loaded-into-mdeditor"></a>

In mdEditor, contacts are created separately from individual records, and then stored within a contact library. Once contacts have been entered or imported into mdEditor, they can be used in any metadata records.  The Alaska region maintains a master contact list for import that can be found in a file folder in the top level of the [Regional Data Repository](broken://pages/-MkxN4s6rooPFXXa8CeL).  See [Contact Entry Guidance](broken://pages/SoxfQY8NINt73nIJel2Z).

## Complete the Project Metadata Record <a href="#edit-a-project" id="edit-a-project"></a>

* Fill out metadata information for the following tabs:
* Select the Product Profile: from the Main Menu (Top Navigation Bar) select "**Product"** from the profile drop-down menu.
* Choose the specific **Resource Type** that describes your product. Do not choose the generic "product."
* Import or create your product record (see [metadata creation workflow](broken://pages/-MkxR43228ewH1fpBcDM)).
* Fill out metadata information for the following tabs:
  * [Main Tab](/alaska-region-mdeditor-interim-user-guide/dictionary-entry-guidance/main-tab.md)
  * [Metadata Tab](/alaska-region-mdeditor-interim-user-guide/product-entry-guidance/metadata-tab.md)
  * [Keywords Tab](/alaska-region-mdeditor-interim-user-guide/product-entry-guidance/keywords-tab.md)
  * [Extent Tab](/alaska-region-mdeditor-interim-user-guide/product-entry-guidance/extent-tab.md)
  * [Taxonomy Tab](/alaska-region-mdeditor-interim-user-guide/product-entry-guidance/taxonomy-tab.md)
  * [Lineage Tab](/alaska-region-mdeditor-interim-user-guide/product-entry-guidance/lineage-tab.md)
  * [Distribution Tab](/alaska-region-mdeditor-interim-user-guide/product-entry-guidance/distribution-tab.md)
  * [Constraints Tab](/alaska-region-mdeditor-interim-user-guide/product-entry-guidance/constraints-tab.md)
  * [Dictionaries Tab](broken://pages/-Lg8aBwUggHRJhXq2fIc)
* If applicable, [associate](/alaska-region-mdeditor-interim-user-guide/product-entry-guidance/associated-tab.md) your products with other metadata records.&#x20;