Validation guide

Common OKF validation errors

Most OKF validation problems are structural. Fix frontmatter first, then fields, then links, then source accuracy.

Short answer

A clean validator result means the file shape is easier to review; it does not prove the claims inside the Markdown body are true.

Error table

Error
Cause
Fix
Tool to run
Missing simple frontmatter
The file starts without parseable metadata.
Start the file with a frontmatter block before the first heading.
OKF Validator
Missing type
The file has metadata but no concept category.
Add a clear concept label such as Website Page or API Endpoint.
OKF Validator
Invalid frontmatter
The metadata shape cannot be parsed predictably.
Use one simple field: value line per field.
OKF Validator
Tags not array
Tags are not written as a reusable list.
Use an inline list such as [okf, validator].
OKF Validator
Missing resource
The source cannot be traced from the file.
Add a canonical URL, URN, or stable source identifier.
Bundle checklist
Duplicate resource
Two files may describe the same source.
Decide whether to merge or split the overlap.
OKF Folder Validator
Broken internal link
A relative link points outside the selected bundle or to a missing file.
Check the target file inside the real bundle folder.
OKF Folder Validator
Stale timestamp
The date may imply a source review that did not happen.
Update the timestamp only after the source content has materially changed.
Bundle checklist

Fix errors in the right order

  1. Fix fatal parsing errors first, because field checks depend on readable frontmatter.
  2. Add the required type field before tuning optional metadata.
  3. Repair tags, resource, title, and description warnings so previews and indexes stay useful.
  4. Use the OKF Folder Validator after single-file errors are fixed.
  5. Review duplicate resources, broken relative links, and stale timestamps before publishing.

Missing simple frontmatter

OKF files need metadata at the top of the Markdown file. If the file starts directly with a heading, the validator cannot read fields such as type, title, tags, or resource.

Frontmatter repair
---
type: Website Page
title: Contact Page
description: Summarizes the public contact options and support boundaries.
resource: https://openknowledgeformat.online/sample/contact/
tags: [website, support, contact]
timestamp: 2026-06-21T00:00:00Z
---

# Contact Page

Write the reviewed page summary here.

Missing type

The type field tells readers and tools what kind of concept the file describes. Without it, a website page, API endpoint, metric, support playbook, or agent context file all look the same.

Invalid frontmatter

This guide profile uses a simple frontmatter subset. Each normal field should fit the field: value pattern so the browser validator can read it.

Bad pattern
Why it fails
Fix
title Contact Page
Missing colon.
title: Contact Page
tags: okf, website
Tags are not an inline array.
tags: [okf, website]
resource:
The source identifier is blank.
resource: https://openknowledgeformat.online/sample/contact/

Tags not array

Tags are easier to scan and filter when they use a predictable list shape. This site expects inline arrays for the guide profile.

Tag fix
tags: [okf, validator, markdown]

Missing resource

The resource field should point to the page, API reference, data asset, or stable identifier the OKF file describes. This makes source review and stale-content checks possible.

Relative Markdown links are useful inside bundles, but single-file paste validation cannot prove that the target file exists. Use folder validation for this check.

  1. Open the OKF Folder Validator.
  2. Select the local folder that contains the Markdown files.
  3. Review unresolved relative links in the validation output.
  4. Fix paths or add missing target files.

Folder structure errors

Wrong timestamp format

Use a machine-readable timestamp so reviewers can identify freshness. This site uses ISO-style timestamps such as 2026-06-21T00:00:00Z in examples.

Validation is not fact-checking

FAQ

Common questions

Should I fix errors or warnings first?

Fix errors first because later checks depend on parseable frontmatter.

Does a valid file mean the content is correct?

No. It means the file shape passed this guide profile. Source facts still need human review.

When should I use the folder validator?

Use it when the bundle has more than one Markdown file or relative links.

When should I update timestamp?

Update timestamp only after the source content materially changes, not after a generated draft is reworded.

Related pages

OKF Validator

Check one pasted Markdown file.

Open page

OKF Folder Validator

Check local multi-file bundles.

Open page

Validate OKF Bundle

Use a full publishing checklist.

Open page

Recheck after fixing

Validate the repaired file first, then validate the bundle folder if links or duplicate resources matter.

Open OKF Validator