Do I have to update mappings in existing indices after adding new fields in the index template?

Elastic Stack Elasticsearch
1

Hi everyone,

I have an index template and have already a lot of indices created based on this template. Now I'm going to add new fields in the index template.

Will these new fields be added to existing indices automatically or will I have to explicitly update the mappings in the existing indices? Thanks.

2

Templates are only applied on index creation, any changes you make on a template, like adding new fields with explicit mapping will only be applied to indices created after the template was updated.

So if you are have indices and want to add a new field with the correct mapping then yes, you need to add the field in each one of the indices by updating the mappings.

1 Like
3

Thank you @leandrojmp . It makes sense.