## Tag propagation

URL: https://docs.atlan.com/product/integrations/automation/always-on/references/tag-propagation

> Learn about tag propagation.

Tag propagation is disabled by default in Atlan. 

When [tagging an asset](https://docs.atlan.com/llms/governance/tags/attach-a-tag/llms.txt), you can enable tag propagation to [child](https://docs.atlan.com/llms/governance/faq/tags-and-metadata-management/llms.txt) assets.

## To downstream assets

Downstream assets are derived through the [data transformations](https://docs.atlan.com/llms/catalog/lineage/what-is-lineage/llms.txt) of an asset.

Atlan can propagate tags through lineage. For example:

- You [tag a column](https://docs.atlan.com/llms/governance/tags/attach-a-tag/llms.txt) as `PII`.
- That column has downstream columns (in lineage).
- Atlan tags the downstream columns as `PII`, too, if propagation is enabled.

This is particularly useful when you want to tag data for protection reasons. When combined with [purposes](https://docs.atlan.com/llms/governance/access-control/create-a-purpose/llms.txt), Atlan protects all downstream copies of the data automatically.

## To child assets

Child assets are linked to parent assets through a parent-child hierarchical relationship.

Atlan can propagate tags from parent to child assets. For example:

- You [tag a database table](https://docs.atlan.com/llms/governance/tags/attach-a-tag/llms.txt) as `Marketing Analysis`.
- Atlan tags all the columns in that table as `Marketing Analysis`, too, if propagation is enabled.
- You can also configure the propagation of your tags:
 - **Hierarchy & lineage** enables tag propagation to child and downstream assets.
 - **Hierarchy only (no lineage)** enables tag propagation to child assets only.
 - **Lineage only (no hierarchy)** enables tag propagation to downstream assets only.
 - **No propagation** disables any tag propagation.

This is particularly useful when you want to tag data for a business domain or project use. Atlan includes all assets under the level you tag in that business domain or project.

## To linked assets

Atlan can propagate tags to all [linked assets](https://docs.atlan.com/llms/governance/glossary/link-terms-to-assets/llms.txt) for [terms](https://docs.atlan.com/llms/governance/glossary/what-is-a-glossary/llms.txt). For example:

- You [tag a glossary term](https://docs.atlan.com/llms/governance/tags/attach-a-tag/llms.txt) as `Public`.
- Atlan tags all the linked assets for that term as `Public`, too, if propagation is enabled.
- You can also configure the propagation of your tags:
 - **Hierarchy & lineage** enables tag propagation to child and downstream assets.
 - **Hierarchy only (no lineage)** enables tag propogation to child assets only.
 - **Lineage only (no hierarchy)** enables tag propogation to downstream assets only.
 - **No propagation** disables any tag propagation.

This is particularly useful when you want to tag data en masse for use across all teams. If propagation is enabled, Atlan includes all linked assets for the tagged term.

:::note Tableau-specific propagation

Atlan can also propagate tags across additional Tableau asset relationships—for example, between projects, workbooks, dashboards, worksheets, datasources, and their fields. This behavior is opt-in and available on request. To enable it for your tenant, contact [Atlan Support](https://docs.atlan.com/support/submit-request).

:::

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