# What are metafields?

**Metafields (in Shopify)** are **custom fields** that let you store **specialized information** that Shopify doesn’t capture by default, so you can **customize your store’s functionality and appearance**. You can use them for **internal tracking** or to **display extra details** on your online store.

* **Examples** : burn time (candles), expiration date (groceries), part numbers, color swatches, launch dates, related products, downloadable files, ingredient lists.
* Where you can add them:

<figure><img src="/files/jiPcraxvCQoifIjNKjWr" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### **Metafield definitions vs values**

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**Metafield definition:** the template that controls where the metafield is used (for example, products) and what kind of value it can store (for example, text, file, URL), including optional validation rules.

**Metafield value:** the actual data you enter (for example, **Dry clean only**).


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