Metadata
You can use the optional Metadata
section to include arbitrary JSON or YAML
objects that provide details about the template. For example, you can include template
implementation details about specific resources, as shown in the following snippet:
During a stack update, you cannot update the Metadata
section by itself.
You can update it only when you include changes that add, modify, or delete
resources.
CloudFormation does not transform, modify, or redact any information you include in the Metadata
section. Because of this, we strongly recommend you do not use this section to store sensitive information, such as passwords or secrets.
JSON
"Metadata" : { "Instances" : {"Description" : "Information about the instances"}, "Databases" : {"Description" : "Information about the databases"} }
YAML
Metadata: Instances: Description: "Information about the instances" Databases: Description: "Information about the databases"
Metadata keys
Some AWS CloudFormation features retrieve settings or configuration information that you define in
the Metadata
section. You define this information in the following
AWS CloudFormation-specific metadata keys:
AWS::CloudFormation::Init
-
Defines configuration tasks for the cfn-init helper script. This script is useful for configuring and installing applications on EC2 instances. For more information, see
AWS::CloudFormation::Init
. AWS::CloudFormation::Interface
-
Defines the grouping and ordering of input parameters when they are displayed in the AWS CloudFormation console. By default, the AWS CloudFormation console alphabetically sorts parameters by their logical ID. For more information, see
AWS::CloudFormation::Interface
. AWS::CloudFormation::Designer
-
Describes how your resources are laid out in AWS CloudFormation Designer (Designer). Designer automatically adds this information when you use it to create and update templates. For more information, see What is AWS CloudFormation Designer?.