Techniques and solutions are described for propagating extensions to data artifacts, such as data artifacts defining objects in a physical or virtual data model. One or more data artifacts are identified that are related to a first data artifact. One or more extension elements of the first data artifact are analyzed for propagation to at least one data artifact of the one or more data artifacts. Analyzing whether an extension element should be propagated can include analyzing a type of the extension element, a type of operation or context in which the extension element is used, or how the at least one data artifact refers to, uses, or incorporates the first data artifact, including particular elements thereof. The results of the analysis are compared with various rules. Extension elements are propagated automatically, manually upon user approval (e.g., propagation recommendations are provided), or in a semi-automated manner.