The new docs.trellix.com features a modernized UI and AI-powered conversational search. Content is currently available in English, with additional languages expected in November 2026. We hope you enjoy the updated experience.

Customize data classification using Customizable Manual Classification labeling

Prev Next

Manual classification label templates allow administrators to separate visual labeling from metadata configuration, offering users greater flexibility when assigning labels to documents and emails.

Depending on organizational requirements, each template can apply:

  • Metadata only: Embeds classification tags without modifying the document’s appearance.

  • Visual labels only: Applies visible markers without modifying backend file metadata.

  • Both metadata and visual labels: Combines visible indicators with embedded metadata for complete policy enforcement.

Visual markers include headers (including dual labels), footers, watermarks and custom borders.

Platform Support and Migration:

  • Supported Applications: This feature is supported on Microsoft Office applications: Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

  • Upgrades: Customers upgrading to DLP 11.14.1 will experience continous service. Existing label settings are automatically mapped to all individual labels upon migration, ensuring no disruption.

Configure visual labeling and document metadata settings

Configure visual labeling and metadata options for each classification label under Trellix ePO → classification → Manual Classification. On completion, Trellix DLP Endpoint applies the configured visual markers (headers, footers, watermarks, custom borders, and dual labels) to manually classified Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents. Visual markers are not applied by automatic classification, nor to Outlook emails.

Prerequisites

A manual classification must exist in DLP Policy Manager before you configure label-level visual and metadata properties.

Task

  1. In ePO - On-prem, select Menu → Data Protection → Classifications.

  2. Under the Classification page select Manual Classification tab.

  3. Select a policy to edit, or go to Actions → New Classification.

  4. Add a name and a description to the classification and then click Save.

  5. Configure the labeling options for the selected label:

    • Check or uncheck Enable Visual Label to start or stop using Visual labeling.

    • Check or uncheck Enable Metadata to toggle embedded policy metadata.

    • The following table shows how different combinations of Metadata and Visual Label configurations affect system responses and document output results:

Configuration

System Message

Result

No/Zero Metadata +
Visual Label Enabled

No Classifications are
selected for Metadata

Displays Active Visual Label

Metadata Enabled +
No/Zero Visual Label

No Classifications are
selected for Visual Label

Displays Active Metadata

Both Metadata and
Visual Label disabled

No Classifications are
configured

Produces a clean document
with no visual markers or
embedded metadata.

Result

The updated policy deploys to the managed endpoints. Classified documents render visual markers and/or embedded metadata as per the configured label.

Terms and Definitions

Term

Definition

Customizable Manual Classification Labeling

A feature that applies customized visual markers and metadata tags to individual classification labels rather than enforcing a single global labeling rule.

Visual Markers

On-screen or printed indicators, such as headers, footers, watermarks, or custom borders added to documents to declare their sensitivity level.

Embedded Metadata

Invisible, policy-specific data tags saved inside a document file to track, identify, and enforce security rules during handling or transfer.

Manual Classification

The process where an end user explicitly assigns a classification label to a document or email based on organization policy.