---
title: "Customize data classification using Customizable Manual Classification labeling"
slug: "customize-data-classification-using-customizable-manual-classification-labeling"
updated: 2026-11-05T14:30:37Z
published: 2026-11-05T14:30:37Z
canonical: "docs.trellix.com/customize-data-classification-using-customizable-manual-classification-labeling"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.trellix.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Customize data classification using Customizable Manual Classification labeling

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. |