---
title: Working with the schema
description: How the PingDirectory schema defines a directory information tree and how to view and add schema elements with the schema editor.
component: pingdirectory
version: 10.2
page_id: pingdirectory:pingdirectory_server_administration_guide:pd_ds_working_with_schema
canonical_url: https://docs.pingidentity.com/pingdirectory/11.1/pingdirectory_server_administration_guide/pd_ds_schema.html
llms_txt: https://docs.pingidentity.com/pingdirectory/llms.txt
docs_for_agents: https://developer.pingidentity.com/build-with-ai/docs-for-agents.md
revdate: 2023-09-13T00:00:00Z
superseded_by: https://docs.pingidentity.com/pingdirectory/11.1/pingdirectory_server_administration_guide/pd_ds_schema.html
---

# Working with the schema

A schema is the set of PingDirectory server rules that define the structures, contents, and constraints of a directory information tree (DIT).

The schema guarantees that any new data entries or modifications meet and conform to these predetermined set of definitions. It also reduces redundant data definitions and provides a uniform method for clients or applications to access its PingDirectory server objects.

The PingDirectory server includes a default set of read-only schema files that define the core properties for the server. The administrative console provides a schema editor to view existing schema definitions and add new custom schema elements to your DIT.

|   |                                                                                                                                                                |
| - | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|   | Any attempt to alter a schema element defined in a read-only file or add a new schema element to a read-only file results in an `Unwilling to Perform` result. |