By default, all term entry and term attributes are visible in all term databases. In a WorldServer installation with many independent term database endeavors, the cumulative number of attributes defined can be overwhelming. WorldServer will allow you to control the visibility of term entry and term attributes in such situations so users of a term database will see only attributes relevant to that term database.
Under the General tab in the Terminology Database definition page, the Attribute Mask field controls the visibility of attributes. Radio buttons (Restricted and Unrestricted) indicate whether an attribute mask will be applied for that terminology database. By default, all term entry and term attributes will be visible for that term database (Unrestricted), and the attribute selector fields are not visible. If you select the Restricted option, the attribute selection fields appear, allowing you to select attributes that will be available when you import, add or edit terms.
When searching an individual terminology database with attribute masking, only those attributes relevant to that term database are available for searching. This affects the advanced search filter and Freeform SQL search. When searching a TD Group, a superset of attributes relevant to its individual term databases is available for searching.