How to build dependency between cq:tags in the metadata schema form?

[AravindAnand]

I have the following requirement: Create asset metadata as a cq:tag and define dependency between two tags. Here are the details.

In the Metadata Schema Form Editor, I added a Standard tag from and defined the following configuration:

In the Rules tab, when I select Visible, based on new rule, the only options that I get are the ones for which I have defined the values in the metadata schema form; there is no option to select a value of cq: tag.

I can use the rules tab and define a dependency if I use a drop-down list with values defined in the Metadata schema form. However, I could not create a drop-down with cq:tags

Here is what I require –

• Use tag defined in Tools > General > Tagging to display the value as dropdown in Metadata schema form
• Use one tag (Content Type) value (Help Center) to define a dependency to another tag (Delivery Type)
• When a user selects Help Center from the list of three tag values: Help Center, VCA, and AI for Content Type, the Delivery Type, which has tags values, PDF and Website must be displayed.
• If VCA or AI is selected as Content Type tag value, then Delivery Type tag form should not be displayed.

Can you please help with pointer on how to achieve them?

[VishalKa5]

Hi @AravindAnand ,

Please follow below steps,

Option 1: Dropdown with Hardcoded Values (Recommended - Easiest)

• Replace tag fields with Dropdown components
• Manually enter tag values (Help Center, VCA, AI)
• Map to property: ./jcr:content/metadata/contentType
• Use Rules tab normally - values will now appear
• Limitation: Must maintain values in two places

Option 2: Custom JavaScript

• Add clientlib to metadata editor
• Listen for tag field changes
• Show/hide dependent field with JavaScript
• Requires: Frontend development skills

Option 3: Custom Component

• Develop custom metadata field component
• Fetches tags dynamically + supports Rules
• Requires: Java/JavaScript development

Quick Implementation (Option 1):

1. Add Dropdown field for Content Type
   • Options: Help Center, VCA, AI
   • Map to: ./jcr:content/metadata/contentType
2. Add Dropdown field for Delivery Type
   • Options: PDF, Website
   • Map to: ./jcr:content/metadata/deliveryType
3. In Rules tab:
   • Select "Visible" for Delivery Type field
   • Condition: Content Type = "Help Center"

Note: Out-of-box tag fields don't support Rules dependencies. You must use dropdown fields instead.

Thanks,

Vishal

[AravindAnand]

Thanks @VishalKa5 for sharing your inputs. Option 1 that you have suggested for quick implementation works; currently, I have it setup like this. However, this creates a problem of maintenance, asset search, and translation. And that is why I want to move the metadata as cq:tags for each of ease of maintenance, asset search, and managing translations. 

Is there a way to pull cq:tags as dropdowns in the metadata schema form?

[VishalKa5 · Accepted solution]

Hi @AravindAnand ,

You want tag-based dropdowns that work with Rules tab while maintaining:

• Easy maintenance (single source in tagging)
• Proper asset search functionality
• Translation support

Why It Doesn't Work Out-of-Box:

• Tag fields = dynamic component (Rules tab can't read values)
• Dropdown fields = static values (Rules tab works, but duplicates tags)
• These are fundamentally incompatible architectures

The Solution: Bridge the Gap

Build a custom dropdown component that combines both capabilities:

What it does:

• Looks like a dropdown to the Rules engine (so dependencies work)
• Fetches values dynamically from your tag namespace (no duplication)
• Stores data as proper tag references (search and translation work)

How to build:

1. Extend AEM's standard select component: granite/ui/components/coral/foundation/form/select
2. Create a datasource servlet that reads from /content/cq:tags/[your-namespace]
3. Configure component to:
   • Pull tag values at runtime
   • Display as dropdown options
   • Save as tag path in metadata
4. Use this custom component in your Metadata Schema Form
5. Rules tab now sees it as a regular dropdown with values

Invest in the custom component. One-time development effort solves all your requirements permanently.

Thanks,

Vishal

[AravindAnand]

Thanks @VishalKa5 for your detailed response; much appreciated. And yes, thanks for the pointers.