AI Description Generation
Validio can use AI to generate rich, contextual descriptions for entities across the platform. The AI analyzes available metadata — schema information, glossary terms, tags, lineage context, and existing descriptions — to produce descriptions tailored to each entity type.
Generated descriptions use markdown formatting, so you can review and refine them in the built-in markdown editor before saving.
Prerequisites
- AI features must be enabled in your workspace. See Enabling AI Features.
- An LLM credential must be configured.
- Write permission for the entity type you want to generate a description for (e.g.,
catalogAssets:WRITEfor catalog assets,glossary:WRITEfor glossary terms). For more information, see Managing Roles.
Generate a Description

Generate description in a source overview
AI description generation is available wherever you can edit a description — in sidebars and on detail pages.
- Navigate to the entity you want to describe (catalog asset, source, glossary term, domain, validator, or lineage edge).
- Click the AI generate button (sparkle icon) in the description area.
- Select an LLM credential from the dropdown. The dropdown shows each credential's name and model.
- The AI generates a description and populates the editor with the result.
- Review and edit the generated text as needed. The description uses markdown formatting.
- Click Save to keep the description, or Cancel to discard it.
The generation uses the entity's available context to produce relevant descriptions. For example, a catalog asset description draws on its schema fields, glossary terms, tags, and any existing external descriptions.
Where Generation Is Available
| Entity Type | Context Used by AI |
|---|---|
| Catalog Asset | Schema fields, data types, glossary terms, tags, external descriptions |
| Schema Field | Field name, data type, parent asset context, neighboring fields, descriptions |
| Glossary Term | Term name, aliases, domain, assigned assets and fields |
| Domain | Domain name, associated glossary terms, linked assets |
| Validator | Validator type, configuration, source context, monitored fields |
| Lineage Edge | Upstream and downstream assets, field mappings, schema context |
Bulk Schema Field Descriptions
You can generate descriptions for multiple schema fields at once, which is useful for documenting a large table quickly.

Generated descriptions for schema fields
- Navigate to a catalog asset or source details page and open the Schema tab.
- Select the schema fields you want to describe using the checkboxes.
- Click Generate descriptions in the selection actions bar.
- Select an LLM credential from the dropdown.
- The AI generates a description for each selected field. A review dialog opens showing all generated descriptions.
- Use the checkboxes to select which descriptions to keep. Each item shows the field name, data type, and a preview of the generated description.
- Click Apply to save the selected descriptions.
The bulk generation ensures each field gets a distinct description that differentiates it from related fields in the same table. For example, created_at and updated_at get descriptions that clarify their different roles.
Supported Markdown Formatting
AI-generated descriptions may include the following markdown formatting:
- Headings (
#,##,###) - Bold and italic text
Strikethrough- Bullet and numbered lists
Inline codeand fenced code blocks with syntax highlighting- Blockquotes
Tables are not included in generated descriptions.
You can further edit the generated markdown using the built-in editor, which provides a formatting toolbar for common operations.
Related Resources
Updated about 2 months ago