domain-based-attributes-master-data-services.md

title	Domain-Based Attributes
description	Learn about domain-based attributes in Master Data Services, which have values populated from another entity. Users must pick a value from a list.
author	meetdeepak
ms.author	dkhare
ms.reviewer	mikeray
ms.date	03/05/2026
ms.service	sql
ms.subservice	master-data-services
ms.topic	concept-article
ms.custom	build-2025
helpviewer_keywords	domain-based attributes [Master Data Services], about domain-based attributes domain-based attributes [Master Data Services] attributes [Master Data Services], domain-based attributes

Domain-Based Attributes (Master Data Services)

[!INCLUDE SQL Server - Windows only ASDBMI]

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In [!INCLUDEssMDSshort], a domain-based attribute is an attribute with values that are populated by members from another entity. You can think of a domain-based attribute as a constrained list; domain-based attributes prevent users from entering attribute values that are not valid. To select an attribute value, the user must pick from a list.

Domain-Based Attribute Example

In the following image, the Product entity has a domain-based attribute called Subcategory. The Subcategory attribute is populated by values from the Subcategory entity.

The Subcategory entity has a domain-based attribute called Category. The Category attribute is populated by values from the Category entity.

Use Same Entity for Multiple Domain-Based Attributes

You can use the same entity as a domain-based attribute of multiple entities. For example, you can create an entity called YesNoIndicator with the members: Yes, No, and Maybe. You can create a domain-based attribute named InStock and use the YesNoIndicator entity as the source. You can also create another domain-based attribute named Approved and use the YesNoIndicator entity as a source. Any time you want users to choose from a list of the YesNoIndicator entity's members, you can use the entity as a domain-based attribute.

Domain-Based Attributes Form Derived Hierarchies

Domain-based attribute relationships are the basis for derived hierarchies. For more information, see Derived Hierarchies (Master Data Services).

Related Tasks

Task Description	Topic
Create a new domain-based attribute that is sourced from an existing entity.	Create a Domain-Based Attribute (Master Data Services)
Create a new entity.	Create an Entity (Master Data Services)

Related Content

• Derived Hierarchies (Master Data Services)

• Attributes (Master Data Services)

• Entities (Master Data Services)