---
title: "[AM2.0] - View System Metadata"
description: View system metadata for assets in Contentstack, including non-editable fields such as file identity, type, size, and activity history.
url: https://www.contentstack.com/docs/assets/view-system-metadata
product: Contentstack
doc_type: article
audience:
  - developers
  - content-managers
version: AM2.0
last_updated: 2026-03-25
---

# [AM2.0] - View System Metadata

This page explains what system metadata is for assets in Contentstack and how to view it. It is intended for users who need to review non-editable, system-managed asset details for traceability, governance, or auditing.

### Item 1

#### Article section

##### Heading

View System Metadata

##### Content

Every asset in Contentstack automatically includes system metadata. This metadata is generated and maintained by the system, ensuring accuracy and consistency. It is non-editable, meaning you cannot change it manually.

System metadata provides details such as file identity, type, size, and activity history. It supports traceability, governance, and audit requirements by capturing who created, modified, and last updated the asset.

## How to View System Metadata
- Open the asset you want to review.
- In the right-hand panel, click the “Non-Editable Metadata” icon.
- The **System Metadata** section displays all system-managed fields.

## Common System Metadata Fields
- **File Name**: Original name of the uploaded file.
- **UID**: Unique identifier automatically generated by Contentstack.
- **File URL**: Automatically generated based on the filename and follows the pattern:
```
https://{base_url}/spaces/{space_uid}/assets/{asset_uid}/{file_uid}/{file_name}?locale={locale}&organization_uid={org_uid}
```
- **Permanent URL**: Once generated, the URL remains constant, even after modifications to the asset.**Note:** Every save or update creates a new asset version. The permanent URL remains the same across all versions, ensuring a consistent reference point.
- **MIME Type**: Technical content type (e.g., `image/jpeg`, `application/pdf`).
- **Asset Type**: System or custom type assigned (e.g., `jpeg_jpg`).
- **File Size**: File size in kilobytes (KB) or megabytes (MB).
- **Created By / Modified By**: Users who created and last modified the asset.
- **Created At / Last Modified At**: System timestamps for asset creation and modification.

System metadata provides a trusted source of truth for asset identity, history, and technical details.

## Common questions

### Can I edit system metadata fields?
No. System metadata is generated and maintained by the system and is non-editable.

### Where do I find the System Metadata section?
Open the asset, then in the right-hand panel click the “Non-Editable Metadata” icon to view the **System Metadata** section.

### Does the Permanent URL change when the asset is updated?
No. The permanent URL remains constant across all versions, even though every save or update creates a new asset version.

### What does the File URL pattern represent?
It shows the automatically generated URL structure based on values such as `{base_url}`, `{space_uid}`, `{asset_uid}`, `{file_uid}`, `{file_name}`, `{locale}`, and `{org_uid}`.