> Markdown twin of https://adna.network/glossary/glossary-frontmatter/
> Index: https://adna.network/llms.txt · Full corpus: https://adna.network/llms-full.txt
> State is a build-time snapshot generated 2026-08-30 (UTC); nothing here is live.

# Frontmatter — aDNA Glossary

## Plain-Language Definition

Frontmatter is the structured metadata block at the top of every aDNA file, wrapped in `---` fences. It records what type of content the file is, when it was created and updated, who last edited it, and what tags apply. It is the file's ID card — agents read it to understand what they are looking at before reading the content.

## Technical Definition

YAML metadata required at the top of every content file inside the triad. Base fields (MUST on all files): `type`, `status`, `created`, `updated`, `last_edited_by`, `tags`. Extended fields (type-specific): vary by content type and are defined in [templates](/glossary/glossary-template). The `last_edited_by` and `updated` fields MUST be updated on every modification as part of [collision prevention](/glossary/glossary-collision-prevention) (Tier 1). (aDNA Standard §7.1-§7.2)

## Usage Examples

- This glossary entry's own frontmatter (visible at the top of this file) demonstrates the pattern: `type: glossary_entry`, `term: "Frontmatter"`, `spec_section: "§7.1-§7.2"`, `see_also: [...]`.
- The `status` field enables content lifecycle management: `draft` → `active` → `archived`.

## See Also

- [Collision Prevention](/glossary/glossary-collision-prevention)
- [Template](/glossary/glossary-template)
- [Governance Files (concept)](/learn/concepts/governance-files)