diff --git a/.changeset/gorgeous-hairs-applaud.md b/.changeset/gorgeous-hairs-applaud.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..7793c6591e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.changeset/gorgeous-hairs-applaud.md
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+---
+'@backstage/plugin-search-backend-node': patch
+---
+
+Wait for indexer initialization before finalizing indexing.
diff --git a/.changeset/renovate-4bb70f3.md b/.changeset/renovate-4bb70f3.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..3a9054011f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.changeset/renovate-4bb70f3.md
@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+---
+'@backstage/core-app-api': patch
+'@backstage/core-components': patch
+'@backstage/core-plugin-api': patch
+'@backstage/dev-utils': patch
+'@backstage/test-utils': patch
+'@backstage/types': patch
+'@backstage/plugin-catalog-react': patch
+'@backstage/plugin-catalog': patch
+'@backstage/plugin-config-schema': patch
+'@backstage/plugin-scaffolder-backend': patch
+'@backstage/plugin-scaffolder': patch
+'@backstage/plugin-shortcuts': patch
+'@backstage/plugin-user-settings': patch
+---
+
+Updated dependency `zen-observable` to `^0.9.0`.
diff --git a/.changeset/soft-nails-arrive.md b/.changeset/soft-nails-arrive.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..e9c0a40a05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.changeset/soft-nails-arrive.md
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+---
+'@backstage/plugin-scaffolder': minor
+---
+
+Implement Custom Field Explorer to view and play around with available installed custom field extensions
diff --git a/.changeset/weak-ears-jam.md b/.changeset/weak-ears-jam.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..8f20937998
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.changeset/weak-ears-jam.md
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+---
+'@backstage/integration': patch
+---
+
+Added `integrations.github.apps.allowedInstallationOwners` to the configuration schema.
diff --git a/.github/vale/Vocab/Backstage/accept.txt b/.github/vale/Vocab/Backstage/accept.txt
index 979d3708ea..9af9ae6137 100644
--- a/.github/vale/Vocab/Backstage/accept.txt
+++ b/.github/vale/Vocab/Backstage/accept.txt
@@ -407,3 +407,4 @@ zod
 Zolotusky
 zoomable
 zsh
+Lainfiesta
diff --git a/REVIEWING.md b/REVIEWING.md
index 469ac249f7..500e15701d 100644
--- a/REVIEWING.md
+++ b/REVIEWING.md
@@ -171,6 +171,37 @@ Exported types can be marked with either `@public`, `@alpha` or `@beta` release
 
 If a package does not have this configuration, then all exported types are considered stable, even if they are marked as `@alpha` or `@beta`.
 
+#### Changes that are Not Considered Breaking
+
+There are a few exceptions that are not considered breaking in the [versioning policy](https://backstage.io/docs/overview/versioning-policy#changes-that-are-not-considered-breaking),
+primarily regarding Utility APIs and Backend Service interfaces (referred to "contracts" below) that are supplied by the
+Backstage core packages.
+
+Example of a non-breaking change to a contract which has a default
+implementation, since consumers typically only interact with that contract as
+callers of existing methods:
+
+```diff
+ export interface MyService {
+   oldMethod(): void;
++  newMethod(): void;
+ }
+```
+
+Changes such as these must still be marked with `**BREAKING PRODUCERS**:` in the
+changelog, to highlight them for those who might be implementing custom
+implementations of those contracts or putting mocks of the contract in tests.
+
+Example of a breaking change to a contract, which affects existing consumers and
+therefore makes it NOT fall under these exceptions:
+
+```diff
+ export interface MyService {
+-   oldMethod(): void;
++   oldMethod(): Promise<void>;
+ }
+```
+
 #### Type Contract Direction
 
 An important distinction to make when looking at changes to an API Report is the direction of the contract of a changed type, that is, whether it's used as input or output from the user's point of view. In the next two sections we'll dive into the different directions of a type contract, and how it affects whether a change is breaking or not.
diff --git a/docs/assets/software-templates/custom-field-explorer.png b/docs/assets/software-templates/custom-field-explorer.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..1af897ac8c
Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/assets/software-templates/custom-field-explorer.png differ
diff --git a/docs/auth/index.md b/docs/auth/index.md
index ab04d3ed87..5702e96cee 100644
--- a/docs/auth/index.md
+++ b/docs/auth/index.md
@@ -258,9 +258,58 @@ Passport-supported authentication method.
 
 ## Custom ScmAuthApi Implementation
 
-If you are using any custom authentication providers, like for example one for GitHub Enterprise, then you are likely to need a custom implementation of the [`ScmAuthApi`](https://backstage.io/docs/reference/integration-react.scmauthapi). It is an API used to authenticate towards different SCM systems in a generic way, based on what resource is being accessed, and is used for example by the Scaffolder (Software Templates) and Catalog Import plugins.
+The default `ScmAuthAPi` provides integrations for `github`, `gitlab`, `azure` and `bitbucket` and is created by the following code in `packages/app/src/apis.ts`:
 
-To set up a custom `ScmAuthApi` implementation, you'll need to add an API factory entry to `packages/app/src/apis.ts`. The following example shows an implementation that supports both public GitHub via `githubAuthApi` as well as a GitHub Enterprise installation hosted at `ghe.example.com` via `gheAuthApi`:
+```ts
+ScmAuth.createDefaultApiFactory();
+```
+
+If you require only a subset of these integrations, then you will need a custom implementation of the [`ScmAuthApi`](https://backstage.io/docs/reference/integration-react.scmauthapi). It is an API used to authenticate different SCM systems generically, based on what resource is being accessed, and is used for example, by the Scaffolder (Software Templates) and Catalog Import plugins.
+
+The first step is to remove the code that creates the default providers.
+
+```diff
+ import {
+   ScmIntegrationsApi,
+   scmIntegrationsApiRef,
++   ScmAuth,
+ } from '@backstage/integration-react';
+
+ export const apis: AnyApiFactory[] = [
+...
++  ScmAuth.createDefaultApiFactory(),
+...
+ ];
+```
+
+Then replace it with something like this, which will create an `ApiFactory` with only a github provider.
+
+```ts
+export const apis: AnyApiFactory[] = [
+  createApiFactory({
+    api: scmAuthApiRef,
+    deps: {
+      githubAuthApi: githubAuthApiRef,
+    },
+    factory: ({ githubAuthApi }) =>
+      ScmAuth.merge(
+        ScmAuth.forGithub(githubAuthApi),
+      ),
+  });
+```
+
+If you use any custom authentication integrations, a new provider can be added to the `ApiFactory`.
+
+The first step is to create a new authentication ref, which follows the naming convention of `xxxAuthApiRef`. The example below is for a new GitHub enterprise integration which can be defined either inside the app itself if it's only used for this purpose or inside a common internal package for APIs, such as `@internal/apis`:
+
+```ts
+const gheAuthApiRef: ApiRef<OAuthApi & ProfileInfoApi & SessionApi> =
+  createApiRef({
+    id: 'internal.auth.ghe',
+  });
+```
+
+The new ref is then used to add a new provider to the ApiFactory:
 
 ```ts
 createApiFactory({
@@ -278,3 +327,14 @@ createApiFactory({
     ),
 });
 ```
+
+Finally, you also need to add and configure another provider to the `auth-backend` using the provider ID, which in this example is `ghe`:
+
+```ts
+import { providers } from '@backstage/plugin-auth-backend';
+
+// Add the following options to `createRouter` in packages/backend/src/plugins/auth.ts
+providerFactories: {
+  ghe: providers.github.create(),
+},
+```
diff --git a/docs/features/software-templates/writing-custom-field-extensions.md b/docs/features/software-templates/writing-custom-field-extensions.md
index b4c4d2d4ce..1d28bd5db9 100644
--- a/docs/features/software-templates/writing-custom-field-extensions.md
+++ b/docs/features/software-templates/writing-custom-field-extensions.md
@@ -181,3 +181,102 @@ const CustomFieldExtension = scaffolderPlugin.provide(
   })
 );
 ```
+
+## Previewing Custom Field Extensions
+
+You can preview custom field extensions you write in the Backstage UI using the Custom Field Explorer
+(accessible via the `/create/edit` route by default):
+
+![Custom Field Explorer](../../assets/software-templates/custom-field-explorer.png)
+
+In order to make your new custom field extension available in the explorer you will have to define a
+JSON schema that describes the input/output types on your field like in the following example:
+
+```tsx
+//packages/app/src/scaffolder/MyCustomExtensionWithOptions/MyCustomExtensionWithOptions.tsx
+export const MyCustomExtensionWithOptionsSchema = {
+  uiOptions: {
+    type: 'object',
+    properties: {
+      focused: {
+        description: 'Whether to focus this field',
+        type: 'boolean',
+      },
+    },
+  },
+  returnValue: { type: 'string' },
+};
+
+export const MyCustomExtensionWithOptions = ({
+  onChange,
+  rawErrors,
+  required,
+  formData,
+}: FieldExtensionComponentProps<string, { focused?: boolean }>) => {
+  return (
+    <FormControl
+      margin="normal"
+      required={required}
+      error={rawErrors?.length > 0 && !formData}
+      onChange={onChange}
+      focused={focused}
+    />
+  );
+};
+```
+
+```tsx
+// packages/app/src/scaffolder/MyCustomExtensionWithOptions/extensions.ts
+...
+import { MyCustomExtensionWithOptions, MyCustomExtensionWithOptionsSchema } from './MyCustomExtensionWithOptions';
+
+export const MyCustomFieldWithOptionsExtension = scaffolderPlugin.provide(
+  createScaffolderFieldExtension({
+    name: 'MyCustomExtensionWithOptions',
+    component: MyCustomExtensionWithOptions,
+    schema: MyCustomExtensionWithOptionsSchema,
+  }),
+);
+```
+
+We recommend using a library like [zod](https://github.com/colinhacks/zod) to define your schema
+and the provided `makeFieldSchemaFromZod` helper utility function to generate both the JSON schema
+and type for your field props to preventing having to duplicate the definitions:
+
+```tsx
+//packages/app/src/scaffolder/MyCustomExtensionWithOptions/MyCustomExtensionWithOptions.tsx
+...
+import { z } from 'zod';
+import { makeFieldSchemaFromZod } from '@backstage/plugin-scaffolder';
+
+const MyCustomExtensionWithOptionsFieldSchema = makeFieldSchemaFromZod(
+  z.string(),
+  z.object({
+    focused: z
+      .boolean()
+      .optional()
+      .describe('Whether to focus this field'),
+  }),
+);
+
+export const MyCustomExtensionWithOptionsSchema = MyCustomExtensionWithOptionsFieldSchema.schema;
+
+type MyCustomExtensionWithOptionsProps = typeof MyCustomExtensionWithOptionsFieldSchema.type;
+
+export const MyCustomExtensionWithOptions = ({
+  onChange,
+  rawErrors,
+  required,
+  formData,
+}: MyCustomExtensionWithOptionsProps) => {
+  return (
+    <FormControl
+      margin="normal"
+      required={required}
+      error={rawErrors?.length > 0 && !formData}
+      onChange={onChange}
+      focused={focused}
+    />
+  );
+};
+```
diff --git a/docs/getting-started/index.md b/docs/getting-started/index.md
index 477467bb88..16e361a19f 100644
--- a/docs/getting-started/index.md
+++ b/docs/getting-started/index.md
@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ guide to do a repository-based installation.
   - [Package manager](https://nodejs.org/en/download/package-manager/)
   - [Using NodeSource packages](https://github.com/nodesource/distributions/blob/master/README.md)
 - `yarn` [Installation](https://classic.yarnpkg.com/en/docs/install)
+  - You will need to use Yarn classic to create a new project, but it can then be [migrated to Yarn 3](../tutorials/yarn-migration.md)
 - `docker` [installation](https://docs.docker.com/engine/install/)
 - `git` [installation](https://github.com/git-guides/install-git)
 - If the system is not directly accessible over your network the following ports
diff --git a/docs/overview/versioning-policy.md b/docs/overview/versioning-policy.md
index a989f104b5..10ffc82188 100644
--- a/docs/overview/versioning-policy.md
+++ b/docs/overview/versioning-policy.md
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ This versioning is completely decoupled from the Backstage release versioning,
 meaning you might for example have `@backstage/core-plugin-api` version `3.1.4`
 be part of the `1.12` Backstage release.
 
-Following versioning policy applies to all packages:
+The following versioning policy applies to all packages:
 
 - Breaking changes are noted in the changelog, and documentation is updated.
 - Breaking changes are prefixed with `**BREAKING**: ` in the changelog.
@@ -120,6 +120,25 @@ For packages at version `1.0.0` or above, the following policy also applies:
   changes without a deprecation period, but the changes must still adhere to
   semver.
 
+### Changes that are Not Considered Breaking
+
+There are a few changes that would typically be considered breaking changes, but
+that we make exceptions for. This is both to be able to evolve the project more
+rapidly, also because the alternative ends up having a bigger impact on users.
+
+For all Utility APIs and Backend Services that _have_ a built-in implementation,
+we only consider the API stability for consumers of those interfaces. This means
+that it is not considered a breaking change to break the contract for producers
+of the interface.
+
+Changes that fall under the above rule, must be marked with
+`**BREAKING PRODUCERS**:` in the changelog.
+
+For any case of dependency injection, it is not considered a breaking change to
+add a dependency on a Utility API or Backend Service that is provided by the
+framework. This includes any dependency that is provided by the
+`@backstage/app-defaults` and `@backstage/backend-defaults` packages.
+
 ### Release Stages
 
 The release stages(`@alpha`, `@beta` `@public`) refers to the
diff --git a/microsite/blog/2022-11-15-linux-foundation-introduction-to-backstage-course.md b/microsite/blog/2022-11-15-linux-foundation-introduction-to-backstage-course.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..b762bd7e97
--- /dev/null
+++ b/microsite/blog/2022-11-15-linux-foundation-introduction-to-backstage-course.md
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+---
+title: The Linux Foundation launches its Introduction to Backstage course
+description: The new Linux Foundation course is available for free on edX and is designed to help individuals understand how to map Backstage to their organization needs
+author: Jorge Lainfiesta, Roadie
+authorURL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrlainfiesta/
+---
+
+Backstage continues to grow in [popularity and maturity](https://roadie.io/blog/backstage-consolidating-its-role-in-the-cloud-native-ecosystem/), with industry leaders not only adopting the framework but actively participating in the community through contributions and commercial offerings. One of the most recent contributions comes from the Linux Foundation, [launching an introductory course](https://training.linuxfoundation.org/blog/23107/) aimed at DevOps engineers or professionals working on Developer Productivity or Developer Experience. The course is available for free on edX, with a paid option for the certified track.
+
+[![Introduction to Backstage: Developer Portals Made Easy (LFS142x): Enroll!](assets/22-11-15/Introduction-to-Backstage-Developer-Portals-Made-Easy-2-768x432.png)](https://www.edx.org/course/introduction-to-backstage-developer-portals-made-easy)
+
+<!--truncate-->
+
+The course, [Introduction to Backstage: Developer Portals Made Easy (LFS142x)](https://www.edx.org/course/introduction-to-backstage-developer-portals-made-easy), starts discussing the benefits of adopting a Developer Portal. Then, it dives into what is Backstage, its main features (Catalog, Scaffolder, TechDocs), and how to map its capabilities to your organization. At last, it provides tips on how to connect with the community to ease up your adoption journey.
+
+The course author, [Jorge Lainfiesta](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrlainfiesta/), is a Technical Marketing Manager at [Roadie](https://roadie.io). Jorge has a background in software engineering (PayPal) and digital communication (UCLA). He’s been working around Backstage since it was open sourced by Spotify and co-hosts community initiatives like the Backstage Users Unconference.
diff --git a/microsite/blog/assets/22-11-15/Introduction-to-Backstage-Developer-Portals-Made-Easy-2-768x432.png b/microsite/blog/assets/22-11-15/Introduction-to-Backstage-Developer-Portals-Made-Easy-2-768x432.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..a789762cc1
Binary files /dev/null and b/microsite/blog/assets/22-11-15/Introduction-to-Backstage-Developer-Portals-Made-Easy-2-768x432.png differ
diff --git a/packages/app/package.json b/packages/app/package.json
index 1d4735441a..9978a0d515 100644
--- a/packages/app/package.json
+++ b/packages/app/package.json
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@
     "react-router": "^6.3.0",
     "react-router-dom": "^6.3.0",
     "react-use": "^17.2.4",
-    "zen-observable": "^0.8.15"
+    "zen-observable": "^0.9.0"
   },
   "devDependencies": {
     "@backstage/test-utils": "workspace:^",
diff --git a/packages/core-app-api/package.json b/packages/core-app-api/package.json
index 95e76b4782..b5972bf308 100644
--- a/packages/core-app-api/package.json
+++ b/packages/core-app-api/package.json
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@
     "@types/prop-types": "^15.7.3",
     "prop-types": "^15.7.2",
     "react-use": "^17.2.4",
-    "zen-observable": "^0.8.15",
+    "zen-observable": "^0.9.0",
     "zod": "^3.11.6"
   },
   "peerDependencies": {
diff --git a/packages/core-components/package.json b/packages/core-components/package.json
index b47473819d..4a7fec9ef1 100644
--- a/packages/core-components/package.json
+++ b/packages/core-components/package.json
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@
     "react-virtualized-auto-sizer": "^1.0.6",
     "react-window": "^1.8.6",
     "remark-gfm": "^3.0.1",
-    "zen-observable": "^0.8.15",
+    "zen-observable": "^0.9.0",
     "zod": "^3.11.6"
   },
   "peerDependencies": {
diff --git a/packages/core-plugin-api/package.json b/packages/core-plugin-api/package.json
index 099b259ba7..ae9914fc77 100644
--- a/packages/core-plugin-api/package.json
+++ b/packages/core-plugin-api/package.json
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
     "@backstage/version-bridge": "workspace:^",
     "history": "^5.0.0",
     "prop-types": "^15.7.2",
-    "zen-observable": "^0.8.15"
+    "zen-observable": "^0.9.0"
   },
   "peerDependencies": {
     "@types/react": "^16.13.1 || ^17.0.0",
diff --git a/packages/dev-utils/package.json b/packages/dev-utils/package.json
index 7f567e61a9..08c2a2c305 100644
--- a/packages/dev-utils/package.json
+++ b/packages/dev-utils/package.json
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@
     "@testing-library/react": "^12.1.3",
     "@testing-library/user-event": "^14.0.0",
     "react-use": "^17.2.4",
-    "zen-observable": "^0.8.15"
+    "zen-observable": "^0.9.0"
   },
   "peerDependencies": {
     "@types/react": "^16.13.1 || ^17.0.0",
diff --git a/packages/integration/config.d.ts b/packages/integration/config.d.ts
index 49a121aff3..a1eb7aceb9 100644
--- a/packages/integration/config.d.ts
+++ b/packages/integration/config.d.ts
@@ -189,6 +189,14 @@ export interface Config {
          * @visibility secret
          */
         clientSecret: string;
+        /**
+         * List of installation owners allowed to be used by this GitHub app. The GitHub UI does not provide a way to list the installations.
+         * However you can list the installations with the GitHub API. You can find the list of installations here:
+         * https://api.github.com/app/installations
+         * The relevant documentation for this is here.
+         * https://docs.github.com/en/rest/reference/apps#list-installations-for-the-authenticated-app--code-samples
+         */
+        allowedInstallationOwners?: string[];
       }>;
     }>;
 
diff --git a/packages/test-utils/package.json b/packages/test-utils/package.json
index 757eddd449..fb8dff4192 100644
--- a/packages/test-utils/package.json
+++ b/packages/test-utils/package.json
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@
     "@testing-library/react": "^12.1.3",
     "@testing-library/user-event": "^14.0.0",
     "cross-fetch": "^3.1.5",
-    "zen-observable": "^0.8.15"
+    "zen-observable": "^0.9.0"
   },
   "peerDependencies": {
     "@types/react": "^16.13.1 || ^17.0.0",
diff --git a/packages/types/package.json b/packages/types/package.json
index 2cc3b0e5b8..eaf2723155 100644
--- a/packages/types/package.json
+++ b/packages/types/package.json
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
     "@backstage/cli": "workspace:^",
     "@types/zen-observable": "^0.8.0",
     "luxon": "^3.0.0",
-    "zen-observable": "^0.8.15"
+    "zen-observable": "^0.9.0"
   },
   "files": [
     "dist"
diff --git a/plugins/catalog-react/package.json b/plugins/catalog-react/package.json
index 9b8de0ce69..b4e40d8546 100644
--- a/plugins/catalog-react/package.json
+++ b/plugins/catalog-react/package.json
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@
     "qs": "^6.9.4",
     "react-use": "^17.2.4",
     "yaml": "^2.0.0",
-    "zen-observable": "^0.8.15"
+    "zen-observable": "^0.9.0"
   },
   "peerDependencies": {
     "@types/react": "^16.13.1 || ^17.0.0",
diff --git a/plugins/catalog/package.json b/plugins/catalog/package.json
index 0220e5c244..1528737aac 100644
--- a/plugins/catalog/package.json
+++ b/plugins/catalog/package.json
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@
     "lodash": "^4.17.21",
     "react-helmet": "6.1.0",
     "react-use": "^17.2.4",
-    "zen-observable": "^0.8.15"
+    "zen-observable": "^0.9.0"
   },
   "peerDependencies": {
     "@types/react": "^16.13.1 || ^17.0.0",
diff --git a/plugins/config-schema/package.json b/plugins/config-schema/package.json
index a7dc17deb3..c2ed4e49f7 100644
--- a/plugins/config-schema/package.json
+++ b/plugins/config-schema/package.json
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
     "@material-ui/lab": "4.0.0-alpha.57",
     "jsonschema": "^1.2.6",
     "react-use": "^17.2.4",
-    "zen-observable": "^0.8.15"
+    "zen-observable": "^0.9.0"
   },
   "peerDependencies": {
     "react": "^16.13.1 || ^17.0.0"
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder-backend/package.json b/plugins/scaffolder-backend/package.json
index dcca4d382e..d5371053ca 100644
--- a/plugins/scaffolder-backend/package.json
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder-backend/package.json
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@
     "vm2": "^3.9.11",
     "winston": "^3.2.1",
     "yaml": "^2.0.0",
-    "zen-observable": "^0.8.15",
+    "zen-observable": "^0.9.0",
     "zod": "^3.11.6"
   },
   "devDependencies": {
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder/api-report.md b/plugins/scaffolder/api-report.md
index 27eb863a16..bc6643cffe 100644
--- a/plugins/scaffolder/api-report.md
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder/api-report.md
@@ -35,6 +35,7 @@ import { TaskStep } from '@backstage/plugin-scaffolder-common';
 import { TemplateEntityV1beta3 } from '@backstage/plugin-scaffolder-common';
 import { UIOptionsType } from '@rjsf/utils';
 import { UiSchema } from '@rjsf/utils';
+import { z } from 'zod';
 
 // @alpha
 export function createNextScaffolderFieldExtension<
@@ -57,6 +58,12 @@ export function createScaffolderLayout<TInputProps = unknown>(
   options: LayoutOptions,
 ): Extension<LayoutComponent<TInputProps>>;
 
+// @public
+export type CustomFieldExtensionSchema = {
+  returnValue: JSONSchema7;
+  uiOptions?: JSONSchema7;
+};
+
 // @public
 export type CustomFieldValidator<TFieldReturnValue> = (
   data: TFieldReturnValue,
@@ -75,36 +82,52 @@ export const EntityNamePickerFieldExtension: FieldExtensionComponent<
 // @public
 export const EntityPickerFieldExtension: FieldExtensionComponent<
   string,
-  EntityPickerUiOptions
+  {
+    defaultKind?: string | undefined;
+    defaultNamespace?: string | false | undefined;
+    allowedKinds?: string[] | undefined;
+    allowArbitraryValues?: boolean | undefined;
+  }
+>;
+
+// @public (undocumented)
+export const EntityPickerFieldSchema: FieldSchema<
+  string,
+  {
+    defaultKind?: string | undefined;
+    defaultNamespace?: string | false | undefined;
+    allowedKinds?: string[] | undefined;
+    allowArbitraryValues?: boolean | undefined;
+  }
 >;
 
 // @public
-export interface EntityPickerUiOptions {
-  // (undocumented)
-  allowArbitraryValues?: boolean;
-  // (undocumented)
-  allowedKinds?: string[];
-  // (undocumented)
-  defaultKind?: string;
-  // (undocumented)
-  defaultNamespace?: string | false;
-}
+export type EntityPickerUiOptions =
+  typeof EntityPickerFieldSchema.uiOptionsType;
 
 // @public
 export const EntityTagsPickerFieldExtension: FieldExtensionComponent<
   string[],
-  EntityTagsPickerUiOptions
+  {
+    showCounts?: boolean | undefined;
+    kinds?: string[] | undefined;
+    helperText?: string | undefined;
+  }
+>;
+
+// @public (undocumented)
+export const EntityTagsPickerFieldSchema: FieldSchema<
+  string[],
+  {
+    showCounts?: boolean | undefined;
+    kinds?: string[] | undefined;
+    helperText?: string | undefined;
+  }
 >;
 
 // @public
-export interface EntityTagsPickerUiOptions {
-  // (undocumented)
-  helperText?: string;
-  // (undocumented)
-  kinds?: string[];
-  // (undocumented)
-  showCounts?: boolean;
-}
+export type EntityTagsPickerUiOptions =
+  typeof EntityTagsPickerFieldSchema.uiOptionsType;
 
 // @public
 export type FieldExtensionComponent<_TReturnValue, _TInputProps> = () => null;
@@ -130,8 +153,19 @@ export type FieldExtensionOptions<
     props: FieldExtensionComponentProps<TFieldReturnValue, TInputProps>,
   ) => JSX.Element | null;
   validation?: CustomFieldValidator<TFieldReturnValue>;
+  schema?: CustomFieldExtensionSchema;
 };
 
+// @public
+export interface FieldSchema<TReturn, TUiOptions> {
+  // (undocumented)
+  readonly schema: CustomFieldExtensionSchema;
+  // (undocumented)
+  readonly type: FieldExtensionComponentProps<TReturn, TUiOptions>;
+  // (undocumented)
+  readonly uiOptionsType: TUiOptions;
+}
+
 // @public
 export type LayoutComponent<_TInputProps> = () => null;
 
@@ -169,6 +203,20 @@ export type LogEvent = {
   taskId: string;
 };
 
+// @public
+export function makeFieldSchemaFromZod<
+  TReturnSchema extends z.ZodType,
+  TUiOptionsSchema extends z.ZodType = z.ZodType<any, any, {}>,
+>(
+  returnSchema: TReturnSchema,
+  uiOptionsSchema?: TUiOptionsSchema,
+): FieldSchema<
+  TReturnSchema extends z.ZodType<any, any, infer IReturn> ? IReturn : never,
+  TUiOptionsSchema extends z.ZodType<any, any, infer IUiOptions>
+    ? IUiOptions
+    : never
+>;
+
 // @alpha
 export type NextCustomFieldValidator<TFieldReturnValue> = (
   data: TFieldReturnValue,
@@ -199,6 +247,7 @@ export type NextFieldExtensionOptions<
     props: NextFieldExtensionComponentProps<TFieldReturnValue, TInputProps>,
   ) => JSX.Element | null;
   validation?: NextCustomFieldValidator<TFieldReturnValue>;
+  schema?: CustomFieldExtensionSchema;
 };
 
 // @alpha (undocumented)
@@ -228,36 +277,51 @@ export const nextSelectedTemplateRouteRef: SubRouteRef<
 // @public
 export const OwnedEntityPickerFieldExtension: FieldExtensionComponent<
   string,
-  OwnedEntityPickerUiOptions
+  {
+    defaultKind?: string | undefined;
+    defaultNamespace?: string | false | undefined;
+    allowedKinds?: string[] | undefined;
+    allowArbitraryValues?: boolean | undefined;
+  }
+>;
+
+// @public (undocumented)
+export const OwnedEntityPickerFieldSchema: FieldSchema<
+  string,
+  {
+    defaultKind?: string | undefined;
+    defaultNamespace?: string | false | undefined;
+    allowedKinds?: string[] | undefined;
+    allowArbitraryValues?: boolean | undefined;
+  }
 >;
 
 // @public
-export interface OwnedEntityPickerUiOptions {
-  // (undocumented)
-  allowArbitraryValues?: boolean;
-  // (undocumented)
-  allowedKinds?: string[];
-  // (undocumented)
-  defaultKind?: string;
-  // (undocumented)
-  defaultNamespace?: string | false;
-}
+export type OwnedEntityPickerUiOptions =
+  typeof OwnedEntityPickerFieldSchema.uiOptionsType;
 
 // @public
 export const OwnerPickerFieldExtension: FieldExtensionComponent<
   string,
-  OwnerPickerUiOptions
+  {
+    defaultNamespace?: string | false | undefined;
+    allowedKinds?: string[] | undefined;
+    allowArbitraryValues?: boolean | undefined;
+  }
+>;
+
+// @public (undocumented)
+export const OwnerPickerFieldSchema: FieldSchema<
+  string,
+  {
+    defaultNamespace?: string | false | undefined;
+    allowedKinds?: string[] | undefined;
+    allowArbitraryValues?: boolean | undefined;
+  }
 >;
 
 // @public
-export interface OwnerPickerUiOptions {
-  // (undocumented)
-  allowArbitraryValues?: boolean;
-  // (undocumented)
-  allowedKinds?: string[];
-  // (undocumented)
-  defaultNamespace?: string | false;
-}
+export type OwnerPickerUiOptions = typeof OwnerPickerFieldSchema.uiOptionsType;
 
 // @public
 export const repoPickerValidation: (
@@ -271,31 +335,56 @@ export const repoPickerValidation: (
 // @public
 export const RepoUrlPickerFieldExtension: FieldExtensionComponent<
   string,
-  RepoUrlPickerUiOptions
+  {
+    allowedOwners?: string[] | undefined;
+    allowedOrganizations?: string[] | undefined;
+    allowedRepos?: string[] | undefined;
+    allowedHosts?: string[] | undefined;
+    requestUserCredentials?:
+      | {
+          additionalScopes?:
+            | {
+                azure?: string[] | undefined;
+                github?: string[] | undefined;
+                gitlab?: string[] | undefined;
+                bitbucket?: string[] | undefined;
+                gerrit?: string[] | undefined;
+              }
+            | undefined;
+          secretsKey: string;
+        }
+      | undefined;
+  }
+>;
+
+// @public (undocumented)
+export const RepoUrlPickerFieldSchema: FieldSchema<
+  string,
+  {
+    allowedOwners?: string[] | undefined;
+    allowedOrganizations?: string[] | undefined;
+    allowedRepos?: string[] | undefined;
+    allowedHosts?: string[] | undefined;
+    requestUserCredentials?:
+      | {
+          additionalScopes?:
+            | {
+                azure?: string[] | undefined;
+                github?: string[] | undefined;
+                gitlab?: string[] | undefined;
+                bitbucket?: string[] | undefined;
+                gerrit?: string[] | undefined;
+              }
+            | undefined;
+          secretsKey: string;
+        }
+      | undefined;
+  }
 >;
 
 // @public
-export interface RepoUrlPickerUiOptions {
-  // (undocumented)
-  allowedHosts?: string[];
-  // (undocumented)
-  allowedOrganizations?: string[];
-  // (undocumented)
-  allowedOwners?: string[];
-  // (undocumented)
-  allowedRepos?: string[];
-  // (undocumented)
-  requestUserCredentials?: {
-    secretsKey: string;
-    additionalScopes?: {
-      gerrit?: string[];
-      github?: string[];
-      gitlab?: string[];
-      bitbucket?: string[];
-      azure?: string[];
-    };
-  };
-}
+export type RepoUrlPickerUiOptions =
+  typeof RepoUrlPickerFieldSchema.uiOptionsType;
 
 // @public (undocumented)
 export const rootRouteRef: RouteRef<undefined>;
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder/package.json b/plugins/scaffolder/package.json
index 7f3ad0479b..adb7461dd9 100644
--- a/plugins/scaffolder/package.json
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder/package.json
@@ -74,7 +74,9 @@
     "react-use": "^17.2.4",
     "use-immer": "^0.7.0",
     "yaml": "^2.0.0",
-    "zen-observable": "^0.8.15"
+    "zen-observable": "^0.9.0",
+    "zod": "^3.11.6",
+    "zod-to-json-schema": "^3.18.1"
   },
   "peerDependencies": {
     "@types/react": "^16.13.1 || ^17.0.0",
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/TemplateEditorPage/CustomFieldExplorer.tsx b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/TemplateEditorPage/CustomFieldExplorer.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..3510968acd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/TemplateEditorPage/CustomFieldExplorer.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,201 @@
+/*
+ * Copyright 2022 The Backstage Authors
+ *
+ * Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
+ * you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
+ * You may obtain a copy of the License at
+ *
+ *     http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
+ *
+ * Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
+ * distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
+ * WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
+ * See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
+ * limitations under the License.
+ */
+import { StreamLanguage } from '@codemirror/language';
+import { yaml as yamlSupport } from '@codemirror/legacy-modes/mode/yaml';
+import {
+  Button,
+  Card,
+  CardContent,
+  CardHeader,
+  FormControl,
+  IconButton,
+  InputLabel,
+  makeStyles,
+  MenuItem,
+  Select,
+} from '@material-ui/core';
+import CloseIcon from '@material-ui/icons/Close';
+import { withTheme } from '@rjsf/core';
+import { Theme as MuiTheme } from '@rjsf/material-ui';
+import CodeMirror from '@uiw/react-codemirror';
+import React, { useCallback, useMemo, useState } from 'react';
+import yaml from 'yaml';
+import { FieldExtensionOptions } from '../../extensions';
+import * as fieldOverrides from '../MultistepJsonForm/FieldOverrides';
+import { TemplateEditorForm } from './TemplateEditorForm';
+
+const Form = withTheme(MuiTheme);
+
+const useStyles = makeStyles(theme => ({
+  root: {
+    gridArea: 'pageContent',
+    display: 'grid',
+    gridTemplateAreas: `
+      "controls controls"
+      "fieldForm preview"
+    `,
+    gridTemplateRows: 'auto 1fr',
+    gridTemplateColumns: '1fr 1fr',
+  },
+  controls: {
+    gridArea: 'controls',
+    display: 'flex',
+    flexFlow: 'row nowrap',
+    alignItems: 'center',
+    margin: theme.spacing(1),
+  },
+  fieldForm: {
+    gridArea: 'fieldForm',
+  },
+  preview: {
+    gridArea: 'preview',
+  },
+}));
+
+export const CustomFieldExplorer = ({
+  customFieldExtensions = [],
+  onClose,
+}: {
+  customFieldExtensions?: FieldExtensionOptions<any, any>[];
+  onClose?: () => void;
+}) => {
+  const classes = useStyles();
+  const fieldOptions = customFieldExtensions.filter(field => !!field.schema);
+  const [selectedField, setSelectedField] = useState(fieldOptions[0]);
+  const [fieldFormState, setFieldFormState] = useState({});
+  const [formState, setFormState] = useState({});
+  const [refreshKey, setRefreshKey] = useState(Date.now());
+  const sampleFieldTemplate = useMemo(
+    () =>
+      yaml.stringify({
+        parameters: [
+          {
+            title: `${selectedField.name} Example`,
+            properties: {
+              [selectedField.name]: {
+                type: selectedField.schema?.returnValue?.type,
+                'ui:field': selectedField.name,
+                'ui:options': fieldFormState,
+              },
+            },
+          },
+        ],
+      }),
+    [fieldFormState, selectedField],
+  );
+
+  const fieldComponents = useMemo(() => {
+    return Object.fromEntries(
+      customFieldExtensions.map(({ name, component }) => [name, component]),
+    );
+  }, [customFieldExtensions]);
+
+  const handleSelectionChange = useCallback(
+    selection => {
+      setSelectedField(selection);
+      setFieldFormState({});
+      setFormState({});
+    },
+    [setFieldFormState, setFormState, setSelectedField],
+  );
+
+  const handleFieldConfigChange = useCallback(
+    state => {
+      setFieldFormState(state);
+      setFormState({});
+      // Force TemplateEditorForm to re-render since some fields
+      // may not be responsive to ui:option changes
+      setRefreshKey(Date.now());
+    },
+    [setFieldFormState, setRefreshKey],
+  );
+
+  return (
+    <main className={classes.root}>
+      <div className={classes.controls}>
+        <FormControl variant="outlined" size="small" fullWidth>
+          <InputLabel id="select-field-label">
+            Choose Custom Field Extension
+          </InputLabel>
+          <Select
+            value={selectedField}
+            label="Choose Custom Field Extension"
+            labelId="select-field-label"
+            onChange={e => handleSelectionChange(e.target.value)}
+          >
+            {fieldOptions.map((option, idx) => (
+              <MenuItem key={idx} value={option as any}>
+                {option.name}
+              </MenuItem>
+            ))}
+          </Select>
+        </FormControl>
+
+        <IconButton size="medium" onClick={onClose}>
+          <CloseIcon />
+        </IconButton>
+      </div>
+      <div className={classes.fieldForm}>
+        <Card>
+          <CardHeader title="Field Options" />
+          <CardContent>
+            <Form
+              showErrorList={false}
+              fields={{ ...fieldOverrides, ...fieldComponents }}
+              noHtml5Validate
+              formData={fieldFormState}
+              formContext={{ fieldFormState }}
+              onSubmit={e => handleFieldConfigChange(e.formData)}
+              schema={selectedField.schema?.uiOptions || {}}
+            >
+              <Button
+                variant="contained"
+                color="primary"
+                type="submit"
+                disabled={!selectedField.schema?.uiOptions}
+              >
+                Apply
+              </Button>
+            </Form>
+          </CardContent>
+        </Card>
+      </div>
+      <div className={classes.preview}>
+        <Card>
+          <CardHeader title="Example Template Spec" />
+          <CardContent>
+            <CodeMirror
+              readOnly
+              theme="dark"
+              height="100%"
+              extensions={[StreamLanguage.define(yamlSupport)]}
+              value={sampleFieldTemplate}
+            />
+          </CardContent>
+        </Card>
+        <TemplateEditorForm
+          key={refreshKey}
+          content={sampleFieldTemplate}
+          contentIsSpec
+          fieldExtensions={customFieldExtensions}
+          data={formState}
+          onUpdate={setFormState}
+          setErrorText={() => null}
+        />
+      </div>
+    </main>
+  );
+};
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/TemplateEditorPage/TemplateEditorIntro.tsx b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/TemplateEditorPage/TemplateEditorIntro.tsx
index dc411ee965..61e6c46964 100644
--- a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/TemplateEditorPage/TemplateEditorIntro.tsx
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/TemplateEditorPage/TemplateEditorIntro.tsx
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ const useStyles = makeStyles(theme => ({
 
 interface EditorIntroProps {
   style?: JSX.IntrinsicElements['div']['style'];
-  onSelect?: (option: 'local' | 'form') => void;
+  onSelect?: (option: 'local' | 'form' | 'field-explorer') => void;
 }
 
 export function TemplateEditorIntro(props: EditorIntroProps) {
@@ -104,6 +104,22 @@ export function TemplateEditorIntro(props: EditorIntroProps) {
     </Card>
   );
 
+  const cardFieldExplorer = (
+    <Card className={classes.card} elevation={4}>
+      <CardActionArea onClick={() => props.onSelect?.('field-explorer')}>
+        <CardContent>
+          <Typography variant="h5" gutterBottom>
+            Custom Field Explorer
+          </Typography>
+          <Typography variant="body1">
+            View and play around with available installed custom field
+            extensions.
+          </Typography>
+        </CardContent>
+      </CardActionArea>
+    </Card>
+  );
+
   return (
     <div style={props.style}>
       <Typography variant="h6" className={classes.introText}>
@@ -121,6 +137,7 @@ export function TemplateEditorIntro(props: EditorIntroProps) {
         {supportsLoad && cardLoadLocal}
         {cardFormEditor}
         {!supportsLoad && cardLoadLocal}
+        {cardFieldExplorer}
       </div>
     </div>
   );
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/TemplateEditorPage/TemplateEditorPage.tsx b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/TemplateEditorPage/TemplateEditorPage.tsx
index b539b6403b..8847b85373 100644
--- a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/TemplateEditorPage/TemplateEditorPage.tsx
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/TemplateEditorPage/TemplateEditorPage.tsx
@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ import {
   TemplateDirectoryAccess,
   WebFileSystemAccess,
 } from '../../lib/filesystem';
+import { CustomFieldExplorer } from './CustomFieldExplorer';
 import { TemplateEditorIntro } from './TemplateEditorIntro';
 import { TemplateEditor } from './TemplateEditor';
 import { TemplateFormPreviewer } from './TemplateFormPreviewer';
@@ -32,6 +33,9 @@ type Selection =
     }
   | {
       type: 'form';
+    }
+  | {
+      type: 'field-explorer';
     };
 
 interface TemplateEditorPageProps {
@@ -62,6 +66,13 @@ export function TemplateEditorPage(props: TemplateEditorPageProps) {
         layouts={props.layouts}
       />
     );
+  } else if (selection?.type === 'field-explorer') {
+    content = (
+      <CustomFieldExplorer
+        customFieldExtensions={props.customFieldExtensions}
+        onClose={() => setSelection(undefined)}
+      />
+    );
   } else {
     content = (
       <Content>
@@ -73,6 +84,8 @@ export function TemplateEditorPage(props: TemplateEditorPageProps) {
                 .catch(() => {});
             } else if (option === 'form') {
               setSelection({ type: 'form' });
+            } else if (option === 'field-explorer') {
+              setSelection({ type: 'field-explorer' });
             }
           }}
         />
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/EntityNamePicker/EntityNamePicker.tsx b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/EntityNamePicker/EntityNamePicker.tsx
index 802135a863..555b726917 100644
--- a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/EntityNamePicker/EntityNamePicker.tsx
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/EntityNamePicker/EntityNamePicker.tsx
@@ -14,15 +14,15 @@
  * limitations under the License.
  */
 import React from 'react';
-import { FieldExtensionComponentProps } from '../../../extensions';
+import { EntityNamePickerProps } from './schema';
 import { TextField } from '@material-ui/core';
 
+export { EntityNamePickerSchema } from './schema';
+
 /**
  * EntityName Picker
  */
-export const EntityNamePicker = (
-  props: FieldExtensionComponentProps<string>,
-) => {
+export const EntityNamePicker = (props: EntityNamePickerProps) => {
   const {
     onChange,
     required,
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/EntityNamePicker/schema.ts b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/EntityNamePicker/schema.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..27e33befb5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/EntityNamePicker/schema.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+/*
+ * Copyright 2022 The Backstage Authors
+ *
+ * Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
+ * you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
+ * You may obtain a copy of the License at
+ *
+ *     http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
+ *
+ * Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
+ * distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
+ * WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
+ * See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
+ * limitations under the License.
+ */
+import { z } from 'zod';
+import { makeFieldSchemaFromZod } from '../utils';
+
+const EntityNamePickerFieldSchema = makeFieldSchemaFromZod(z.string());
+
+export const EntityNamePickerSchema = EntityNamePickerFieldSchema.schema;
+
+export type EntityNamePickerProps = typeof EntityNamePickerFieldSchema.type;
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/EntityPicker/EntityPicker.tsx b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/EntityPicker/EntityPicker.tsx
index e7883a4721..bc78e00576 100644
--- a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/EntityPicker/EntityPicker.tsx
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/EntityPicker/EntityPicker.tsx
@@ -23,20 +23,9 @@ import FormControl from '@material-ui/core/FormControl';
 import Autocomplete from '@material-ui/lab/Autocomplete';
 import React, { useCallback, useEffect } from 'react';
 import useAsync from 'react-use/lib/useAsync';
-import { FieldExtensionComponentProps } from '../../../extensions';
+import { EntityPickerProps } from './schema';
 
-/**
- * The input props that can be specified under `ui:options` for the
- * `EntityPicker` field extension.
- *
- * @public
- */
-export interface EntityPickerUiOptions {
-  allowedKinds?: string[];
-  defaultKind?: string;
-  allowArbitraryValues?: boolean;
-  defaultNamespace?: string | false;
-}
+export { EntityPickerSchema } from './schema';
 
 /**
  * The underlying component that is rendered in the form for the `EntityPicker`
@@ -44,9 +33,7 @@ export interface EntityPickerUiOptions {
  *
  * @public
  */
-export const EntityPicker = (
-  props: FieldExtensionComponentProps<string, EntityPickerUiOptions>,
-) => {
+export const EntityPicker = (props: EntityPickerProps) => {
   const {
     onChange,
     schema: { title = 'Entity', description = 'An entity from the catalog' },
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/EntityPicker/index.ts b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/EntityPicker/index.ts
index 891b5bef16..b8df596c98 100644
--- a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/EntityPicker/index.ts
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/EntityPicker/index.ts
@@ -13,4 +13,4 @@
  * See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
  * limitations under the License.
  */
-export type { EntityPickerUiOptions } from './EntityPicker';
+export { EntityPickerFieldSchema, type EntityPickerUiOptions } from './schema';
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/EntityPicker/schema.ts b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/EntityPicker/schema.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..9236457fc0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/EntityPicker/schema.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+/*
+ * Copyright 2022 The Backstage Authors
+ *
+ * Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
+ * you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
+ * You may obtain a copy of the License at
+ *
+ *     http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
+ *
+ * Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
+ * distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
+ * WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
+ * See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
+ * limitations under the License.
+ */
+import { z } from 'zod';
+import { makeFieldSchemaFromZod } from '../utils';
+
+/**
+ * @public
+ */
+export const EntityPickerFieldSchema = makeFieldSchemaFromZod(
+  z.string(),
+  z.object({
+    allowedKinds: z
+      .array(z.string())
+      .optional()
+      .describe('List of kinds of entities to derive options from'),
+    defaultKind: z
+      .string()
+      .optional()
+      .describe(
+        'The default entity kind. Options of this kind will not be prefixed.',
+      ),
+    allowArbitraryValues: z
+      .boolean()
+      .optional()
+      .describe('Whether to allow arbitrary user input. Defaults to true'),
+    defaultNamespace: z
+      .union([z.string(), z.literal(false)])
+      .optional()
+      .describe(
+        'The default namespace. Options with this namespace will not be prefixed.',
+      ),
+  }),
+);
+
+/**
+ * The input props that can be specified under `ui:options` for the
+ * `EntityPicker` field extension.
+ *
+ * @public
+ */
+export type EntityPickerUiOptions =
+  typeof EntityPickerFieldSchema.uiOptionsType;
+
+export type EntityPickerProps = typeof EntityPickerFieldSchema.type;
+
+export const EntityPickerSchema = EntityPickerFieldSchema.schema;
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/EntityTagsPicker/EntityTagsPicker.tsx b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/EntityTagsPicker/EntityTagsPicker.tsx
index c0e3aab436..549ccdb8aa 100644
--- a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/EntityTagsPicker/EntityTagsPicker.tsx
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/EntityTagsPicker/EntityTagsPicker.tsx
@@ -22,19 +22,9 @@ import { useApi } from '@backstage/core-plugin-api';
 import { catalogApiRef } from '@backstage/plugin-catalog-react';
 import { FormControl, TextField } from '@material-ui/core';
 import { Autocomplete } from '@material-ui/lab';
-import { FieldExtensionComponentProps } from '../../../extensions';
+import { EntityTagsPickerProps } from './schema';
 
-/**
- * The input props that can be specified under `ui:options` for the
- * `EntityTagsPicker` field extension.
- *
- * @public
- */
-export interface EntityTagsPickerUiOptions {
-  kinds?: string[];
-  showCounts?: boolean;
-  helperText?: string;
-}
+export { EntityTagsPickerSchema } from './schema';
 
 /**
  * The underlying component that is rendered in the form for the `EntityTagsPicker`
@@ -42,9 +32,7 @@ export interface EntityTagsPickerUiOptions {
  *
  * @public
  */
-export const EntityTagsPicker = (
-  props: FieldExtensionComponentProps<string[], EntityTagsPickerUiOptions>,
-) => {
+export const EntityTagsPicker = (props: EntityTagsPickerProps) => {
   const { formData, onChange, uiSchema } = props;
   const catalogApi = useApi(catalogApiRef);
   const [tagOptions, setTagOptions] = useState<string[]>([]);
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/EntityTagsPicker/index.ts b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/EntityTagsPicker/index.ts
index 9ff6e553a6..52bad9a80d 100644
--- a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/EntityTagsPicker/index.ts
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/EntityTagsPicker/index.ts
@@ -13,4 +13,7 @@
  * See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
  * limitations under the License.
  */
-export type { EntityTagsPickerUiOptions } from './EntityTagsPicker';
+export {
+  EntityTagsPickerFieldSchema,
+  type EntityTagsPickerUiOptions,
+} from './schema';
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/EntityTagsPicker/schema.ts b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/EntityTagsPicker/schema.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..6677d16e98
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/EntityTagsPicker/schema.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+/*
+ * Copyright 2022 The Backstage Authors
+ *
+ * Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
+ * you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
+ * You may obtain a copy of the License at
+ *
+ *     http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
+ *
+ * Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
+ * distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
+ * WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
+ * See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
+ * limitations under the License.
+ */
+import { z } from 'zod';
+import { makeFieldSchemaFromZod } from '../utils';
+
+/**
+ * @public
+ */
+export const EntityTagsPickerFieldSchema = makeFieldSchemaFromZod(
+  z.array(z.string()),
+  z.object({
+    kinds: z
+      .array(z.string())
+      .optional()
+      .describe('List of kinds of entities to derive tags from'),
+    showCounts: z
+      .boolean()
+      .optional()
+      .describe('Whether to show usage counts per tag'),
+    helperText: z.string().optional().describe('Helper text to display'),
+  }),
+);
+
+export const EntityTagsPickerSchema = EntityTagsPickerFieldSchema.schema;
+
+export type EntityTagsPickerProps = typeof EntityTagsPickerFieldSchema.type;
+
+/**
+ * The input props that can be specified under `ui:options` for the
+ * `EntityTagsPicker` field extension.
+ *
+ * @public
+ */
+export type EntityTagsPickerUiOptions =
+  typeof EntityTagsPickerFieldSchema.uiOptionsType;
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/OwnedEntityPicker/OwnedEntityPicker.tsx b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/OwnedEntityPicker/OwnedEntityPicker.tsx
index 2446883a86..01a174a6a3 100644
--- a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/OwnedEntityPicker/OwnedEntityPicker.tsx
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/OwnedEntityPicker/OwnedEntityPicker.tsx
@@ -26,20 +26,9 @@ import Autocomplete from '@material-ui/lab/Autocomplete';
 import React, { useMemo } from 'react';
 import useAsync from 'react-use/lib/useAsync';
 
-import { FieldExtensionComponentProps } from '../../../extensions';
+import { OwnedEntityPickerProps } from './schema';
 
-/**
- * The input props that can be specified under `ui:options` for the
- * `OwnedEntityPicker` field extension.
- *
- * @public
- */
-export interface OwnedEntityPickerUiOptions {
-  allowedKinds?: string[];
-  defaultKind?: string;
-  allowArbitraryValues?: boolean;
-  defaultNamespace?: string | false;
-}
+export { OwnedEntityPickerSchema } from './schema';
 
 /**
  * The underlying component that is rendered in the form for the `OwnedEntityPicker`
@@ -47,9 +36,7 @@ export interface OwnedEntityPickerUiOptions {
  *
  * @public
  */
-export const OwnedEntityPicker = (
-  props: FieldExtensionComponentProps<string, OwnedEntityPickerUiOptions>,
-) => {
+export const OwnedEntityPicker = (props: OwnedEntityPickerProps) => {
   const {
     onChange,
     schema: { title = 'Entity', description = 'An entity from the catalog' },
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/OwnedEntityPicker/index.ts b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/OwnedEntityPicker/index.ts
index 2988ba8cdc..985dae1d3c 100644
--- a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/OwnedEntityPicker/index.ts
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/OwnedEntityPicker/index.ts
@@ -13,4 +13,7 @@
  * See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
  * limitations under the License.
  */
-export type { OwnedEntityPickerUiOptions } from './OwnedEntityPicker';
+export {
+  OwnedEntityPickerFieldSchema,
+  type OwnedEntityPickerUiOptions,
+} from './schema';
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/OwnedEntityPicker/schema.ts b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/OwnedEntityPicker/schema.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..4190b89f95
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/OwnedEntityPicker/schema.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+/*
+ * Copyright 2021 The Backstage Authors
+ *
+ * Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
+ * you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
+ * You may obtain a copy of the License at
+ *
+ *     http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
+ *
+ * Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
+ * distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
+ * WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
+ * See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
+ * limitations under the License.
+ */
+import { z } from 'zod';
+import { makeFieldSchemaFromZod } from '../utils';
+
+/**
+ * @public
+ */
+export const OwnedEntityPickerFieldSchema = makeFieldSchemaFromZod(
+  z.string(),
+  z.object({
+    allowedKinds: z
+      .array(z.string())
+      .optional()
+      .describe('List of kinds of entities to derive options from'),
+    defaultKind: z
+      .string()
+      .optional()
+      .describe(
+        'The default entity kind. Options of this kind will not be prefixed.',
+      ),
+    allowArbitraryValues: z
+      .boolean()
+      .optional()
+      .describe('Whether to allow arbitrary user input. Defaults to true'),
+    defaultNamespace: z
+      .union([z.string(), z.literal(false)])
+      .optional()
+      .describe(
+        'The default namespace. Options with this namespace will not be prefixed.',
+      ),
+  }),
+);
+
+/**
+ * The input props that can be specified under `ui:options` for the
+ * `OwnedEntityPicker` field extension.
+ *
+ * @public
+ */
+export type OwnedEntityPickerUiOptions =
+  typeof OwnedEntityPickerFieldSchema.uiOptionsType;
+
+export type OwnedEntityPickerProps = typeof OwnedEntityPickerFieldSchema.type;
+
+export const OwnedEntityPickerSchema = OwnedEntityPickerFieldSchema.schema;
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/OwnerPicker/OwnerPicker.tsx b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/OwnerPicker/OwnerPicker.tsx
index 3de2b12bd0..1c4c356906 100644
--- a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/OwnerPicker/OwnerPicker.tsx
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/OwnerPicker/OwnerPicker.tsx
@@ -15,19 +15,9 @@
  */
 import React from 'react';
 import { EntityPicker } from '../EntityPicker/EntityPicker';
-import { FieldExtensionComponentProps } from '../../../extensions';
+import { OwnerPickerProps } from './schema';
 
-/**
- * The input props that can be specified under `ui:options` for the
- * `OwnerPicker` field extension.
- *
- * @public
- */
-export interface OwnerPickerUiOptions {
-  allowedKinds?: string[];
-  allowArbitraryValues?: boolean;
-  defaultNamespace?: string | false;
-}
+export { OwnerPickerSchema } from './schema';
 
 /**
  * The underlying component that is rendered in the form for the `OwnerPicker`
@@ -35,9 +25,7 @@ export interface OwnerPickerUiOptions {
  *
  * @public
  */
-export const OwnerPicker = (
-  props: FieldExtensionComponentProps<string, OwnerPickerUiOptions>,
-) => {
+export const OwnerPicker = (props: OwnerPickerProps) => {
   const {
     schema: { title = 'Owner', description = 'The owner of the component' },
     uiSchema,
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/OwnerPicker/index.ts b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/OwnerPicker/index.ts
index aa26024b5b..9d94650e04 100644
--- a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/OwnerPicker/index.ts
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/OwnerPicker/index.ts
@@ -13,4 +13,4 @@
  * See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
  * limitations under the License.
  */
-export type { OwnerPickerUiOptions } from './OwnerPicker';
+export { OwnerPickerFieldSchema, type OwnerPickerUiOptions } from './schema';
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/OwnerPicker/schema.ts b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/OwnerPicker/schema.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..56edef1343
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/OwnerPicker/schema.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,55 @@
+/*
+ * Copyright 2022 The Backstage Authors
+ *
+ * Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
+ * you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
+ * You may obtain a copy of the License at
+ *
+ *     http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
+ *
+ * Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
+ * distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
+ * WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
+ * See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
+ * limitations under the License.
+ */
+import { z } from 'zod';
+import { makeFieldSchemaFromZod } from '../utils';
+
+/**
+ * @public
+ */
+export const OwnerPickerFieldSchema = makeFieldSchemaFromZod(
+  z.string(),
+  z.object({
+    allowedKinds: z
+      .array(z.string())
+      .default(['Group', 'User'])
+      .optional()
+      .describe(
+        'List of kinds of entities to derive options from. Defaults to Group and User',
+      ),
+    allowArbitraryValues: z
+      .boolean()
+      .optional()
+      .describe('Whether to allow arbitrary user input. Defaults to true'),
+    defaultNamespace: z
+      .union([z.string(), z.literal(false)])
+      .optional()
+      .describe(
+        'The default namespace. Options with this namespace will not be prefixed.',
+      ),
+  }),
+);
+
+/**
+ * The input props that can be specified under `ui:options` for the
+ * `OwnerPicker` field extension.
+ *
+ * @public
+ */
+export type OwnerPickerUiOptions = typeof OwnerPickerFieldSchema.uiOptionsType;
+
+export type OwnerPickerProps = typeof OwnerPickerFieldSchema.type;
+
+export const OwnerPickerSchema = OwnerPickerFieldSchema.schema;
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/RepoUrlPicker/RepoUrlPicker.tsx b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/RepoUrlPicker/RepoUrlPicker.tsx
index 451df857e5..827eff6ea2 100644
--- a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/RepoUrlPicker/RepoUrlPicker.tsx
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/RepoUrlPicker/RepoUrlPicker.tsx
@@ -24,36 +24,15 @@ import { GitlabRepoPicker } from './GitlabRepoPicker';
 import { AzureRepoPicker } from './AzureRepoPicker';
 import { BitbucketRepoPicker } from './BitbucketRepoPicker';
 import { GerritRepoPicker } from './GerritRepoPicker';
-import { FieldExtensionComponentProps } from '../../../extensions';
 import { RepoUrlPickerHost } from './RepoUrlPickerHost';
 import { RepoUrlPickerRepoName } from './RepoUrlPickerRepoName';
 import { parseRepoPickerUrl, serializeRepoPickerUrl } from './utils';
+import { RepoUrlPickerProps } from './schema';
 import { RepoUrlPickerState } from './types';
 import useDebounce from 'react-use/lib/useDebounce';
 import { useTemplateSecrets } from '../../secrets';
 
-/**
- * The input props that can be specified under `ui:options` for the
- * `RepoUrlPicker` field extension.
- *
- * @public
- */
-export interface RepoUrlPickerUiOptions {
-  allowedHosts?: string[];
-  allowedOrganizations?: string[];
-  allowedOwners?: string[];
-  allowedRepos?: string[];
-  requestUserCredentials?: {
-    secretsKey: string;
-    additionalScopes?: {
-      gerrit?: string[];
-      github?: string[];
-      gitlab?: string[];
-      bitbucket?: string[];
-      azure?: string[];
-    };
-  };
-}
+export { RepoUrlPickerSchema } from './schema';
 
 /**
  * The underlying component that is rendered in the form for the `RepoUrlPicker`
@@ -61,9 +40,7 @@ export interface RepoUrlPickerUiOptions {
  *
  * @public
  */
-export const RepoUrlPicker = (
-  props: FieldExtensionComponentProps<string, RepoUrlPickerUiOptions>,
-) => {
+export const RepoUrlPicker = (props: RepoUrlPickerProps) => {
   const { uiSchema, onChange, rawErrors, formData } = props;
   const [state, setState] = useState<RepoUrlPickerState>(
     parseRepoPickerUrl(formData),
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/RepoUrlPicker/index.ts b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/RepoUrlPicker/index.ts
index c5f596a786..33e5ef1715 100644
--- a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/RepoUrlPicker/index.ts
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/RepoUrlPicker/index.ts
@@ -13,5 +13,8 @@
  * See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
  * limitations under the License.
  */
-export type { RepoUrlPickerUiOptions } from './RepoUrlPicker';
+export {
+  RepoUrlPickerFieldSchema,
+  type RepoUrlPickerUiOptions,
+} from './schema';
 export { repoPickerValidation } from './validation';
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/RepoUrlPicker/schema.ts b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/RepoUrlPicker/schema.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..8f8674a0a7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/RepoUrlPicker/schema.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,95 @@
+/*
+ * Copyright 2022 The Backstage Authors
+ *
+ * Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
+ * you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
+ * You may obtain a copy of the License at
+ *
+ *     http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
+ *
+ * Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
+ * distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
+ * WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
+ * See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
+ * limitations under the License.
+ */
+import { z } from 'zod';
+import { makeFieldSchemaFromZod } from '../utils';
+
+/**
+ * @public
+ */
+export const RepoUrlPickerFieldSchema = makeFieldSchemaFromZod(
+  z.string(),
+  z.object({
+    allowedHosts: z
+      .array(z.string())
+      .optional()
+      .describe('List of allowed SCM platform hosts'),
+    allowedOrganizations: z
+      .array(z.string())
+      .optional()
+      .describe('List of allowed organizations in the given SCM platform'),
+    allowedOwners: z
+      .array(z.string())
+      .optional()
+      .describe('List of allowed owners in the given SCM platform'),
+    allowedRepos: z
+      .array(z.string())
+      .optional()
+      .describe('List of allowed repos in the given SCM platform'),
+    requestUserCredentials: z
+      .object({
+        secretsKey: z
+          .string()
+          .describe(
+            'Key used within the template secrets context to store the credential',
+          ),
+        additionalScopes: z
+          .object({
+            gerrit: z
+              .array(z.string())
+              .optional()
+              .describe('Additional Gerrit scopes to request'),
+            github: z
+              .array(z.string())
+              .optional()
+              .describe('Additional GitHub scopes to request'),
+            gitlab: z
+              .array(z.string())
+              .optional()
+              .describe('Additional GitLab scopes to request'),
+            bitbucket: z
+              .array(z.string())
+              .optional()
+              .describe('Additional BitBucket scopes to request'),
+            azure: z
+              .array(z.string())
+              .optional()
+              .describe('Additional Azure scopes to request'),
+          })
+          .optional()
+          .describe('Additional permission scopes to request'),
+      })
+      .optional()
+      .describe(
+        'If defined will request user credentials to auth against the given SCM platform',
+      ),
+  }),
+);
+
+/**
+ * The input props that can be specified under `ui:options` for the
+ * `RepoUrlPicker` field extension.
+ *
+ * @public
+ */
+export type RepoUrlPickerUiOptions =
+  typeof RepoUrlPickerFieldSchema.uiOptionsType;
+
+export type RepoUrlPickerProps = typeof RepoUrlPickerFieldSchema.type;
+
+// NOTE: There is a bug with this failing validation in the custom field explorer due
+// to https://github.com/rjsf-team/react-jsonschema-form/issues/675 even if
+// requestUserCredentials is not defined
+export const RepoUrlPickerSchema = RepoUrlPickerFieldSchema.schema;
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/index.ts b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/index.ts
index 6358934025..8d86f601ce 100644
--- a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/index.ts
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/index.ts
@@ -18,3 +18,4 @@ export * from './OwnerPicker';
 export * from './RepoUrlPicker';
 export * from './OwnedEntityPicker';
 export * from './EntityTagsPicker';
+export { type FieldSchema, makeFieldSchemaFromZod } from './utils';
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/utils.ts b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/utils.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..2d3e2aab1e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder/src/components/fields/utils.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+/*
+ * Copyright 2022 The Backstage Authors
+ *
+ * Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
+ * you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
+ * You may obtain a copy of the License at
+ *
+ *     http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
+ *
+ * Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
+ * distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
+ * WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
+ * See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
+ * limitations under the License.
+ */
+import { JSONSchema7 } from 'json-schema';
+import { z } from 'zod';
+import zodToJsonSchema from 'zod-to-json-schema';
+import {
+  CustomFieldExtensionSchema,
+  FieldExtensionComponentProps,
+} from '../../extensions';
+
+/**
+ * @public
+ * FieldSchema encapsulates a JSONSchema7 along with the
+ * matching FieldExtensionComponentProps type for a field extension.
+ */
+export interface FieldSchema<TReturn, TUiOptions> {
+  readonly schema: CustomFieldExtensionSchema;
+  readonly type: FieldExtensionComponentProps<TReturn, TUiOptions>;
+  readonly uiOptionsType: TUiOptions;
+}
+
+/**
+ * @public
+ * Utility function to convert zod return and UI options schemas to a
+ * CustomFieldExtensionSchema with FieldExtensionComponentProps type inference
+ */
+export function makeFieldSchemaFromZod<
+  TReturnSchema extends z.ZodType,
+  TUiOptionsSchema extends z.ZodType = z.ZodType<any, any, {}>,
+>(
+  returnSchema: TReturnSchema,
+  uiOptionsSchema?: TUiOptionsSchema,
+): FieldSchema<
+  TReturnSchema extends z.ZodType<any, any, infer IReturn> ? IReturn : never,
+  TUiOptionsSchema extends z.ZodType<any, any, infer IUiOptions>
+    ? IUiOptions
+    : never
+> {
+  return {
+    schema: {
+      returnValue: zodToJsonSchema(returnSchema) as JSONSchema7,
+      uiOptions: uiOptionsSchema
+        ? (zodToJsonSchema(uiOptionsSchema) as JSONSchema7)
+        : undefined,
+    },
+    type: null as any,
+    uiOptionsType: null as any,
+  };
+}
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder/src/extensions/default.ts b/plugins/scaffolder/src/extensions/default.ts
index 8081dcb0ca..c6ab5276d0 100644
--- a/plugins/scaffolder/src/extensions/default.ts
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder/src/extensions/default.ts
@@ -13,40 +13,64 @@
  * See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
  * limitations under the License.
  */
-import { EntityPicker } from '../components/fields/EntityPicker/EntityPicker';
-import { EntityNamePicker } from '../components/fields/EntityNamePicker/EntityNamePicker';
+import {
+  EntityPicker,
+  EntityPickerSchema,
+} from '../components/fields/EntityPicker/EntityPicker';
+import {
+  EntityNamePicker,
+  EntityNamePickerSchema,
+} from '../components/fields/EntityNamePicker/EntityNamePicker';
 import { entityNamePickerValidation } from '../components/fields/EntityNamePicker/validation';
-import { EntityTagsPicker } from '../components/fields/EntityTagsPicker/EntityTagsPicker';
-import { OwnerPicker } from '../components/fields/OwnerPicker/OwnerPicker';
-import { RepoUrlPicker } from '../components/fields/RepoUrlPicker/RepoUrlPicker';
+import {
+  EntityTagsPicker,
+  EntityTagsPickerSchema,
+} from '../components/fields/EntityTagsPicker/EntityTagsPicker';
+import {
+  OwnerPicker,
+  OwnerPickerSchema,
+} from '../components/fields/OwnerPicker/OwnerPicker';
+import {
+  RepoUrlPicker,
+  RepoUrlPickerSchema,
+} from '../components/fields/RepoUrlPicker/RepoUrlPicker';
 import { repoPickerValidation } from '../components/fields/RepoUrlPicker/validation';
-import { OwnedEntityPicker } from '../components/fields/OwnedEntityPicker/OwnedEntityPicker';
+import {
+  OwnedEntityPicker,
+  OwnedEntityPickerSchema,
+} from '../components/fields/OwnedEntityPicker/OwnedEntityPicker';
 
 export const DEFAULT_SCAFFOLDER_FIELD_EXTENSIONS = [
   {
     component: EntityPicker,
     name: 'EntityPicker',
+    schema: EntityPickerSchema,
   },
   {
     component: EntityNamePicker,
     name: 'EntityNamePicker',
     validation: entityNamePickerValidation,
+    schema: EntityNamePickerSchema,
   },
   {
     component: EntityTagsPicker,
     name: 'EntityTagsPicker',
+    schema: EntityTagsPickerSchema,
   },
   {
     component: RepoUrlPicker,
     name: 'RepoUrlPicker',
     validation: repoPickerValidation,
+    schema: RepoUrlPickerSchema,
   },
   {
     component: OwnerPicker,
     name: 'OwnerPicker',
+    schema: OwnerPickerSchema,
   },
   {
     component: OwnedEntityPicker,
     name: 'OwnedEntityPicker',
+    schema: OwnedEntityPickerSchema,
   },
 ];
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder/src/extensions/index.tsx b/plugins/scaffolder/src/extensions/index.tsx
index 08ab3e603c..a3a4fdf57b 100644
--- a/plugins/scaffolder/src/extensions/index.tsx
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder/src/extensions/index.tsx
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@
 
 import React from 'react';
 import {
+  CustomFieldExtensionSchema,
   CustomFieldValidator,
   FieldExtensionOptions,
   FieldExtensionComponentProps,
@@ -103,6 +104,7 @@ attachComponentData(
 );
 
 export type {
+  CustomFieldExtensionSchema,
   CustomFieldValidator,
   FieldExtensionOptions,
   FieldExtensionComponentProps,
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder/src/extensions/types.ts b/plugins/scaffolder/src/extensions/types.ts
index 62f17dff15..3834b39c0a 100644
--- a/plugins/scaffolder/src/extensions/types.ts
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder/src/extensions/types.ts
@@ -15,14 +15,14 @@
  */
 import { ApiHolder } from '@backstage/core-plugin-api';
 import { FieldValidation, FieldProps } from '@rjsf/core';
-import { PropsWithChildren } from 'react';
-
 import {
   UIOptionsType,
   FieldProps as FieldPropsV5,
   UiSchema as UiSchemaV5,
   FieldValidation as FieldValidationV5,
 } from '@rjsf/utils';
+import { PropsWithChildren } from 'react';
+import { JSONSchema7 } from 'json-schema';
 
 /**
  * Field validation type for Custom Field Extensions.
@@ -35,6 +35,16 @@ export type CustomFieldValidator<TFieldReturnValue> = (
   context: { apiHolder: ApiHolder },
 ) => void | Promise<void>;
 
+/**
+ * Type for the Custom Field Extension schema.
+ *
+ * @public
+ */
+export type CustomFieldExtensionSchema = {
+  returnValue: JSONSchema7;
+  uiOptions?: JSONSchema7;
+};
+
 /**
  * Type for the Custom Field Extension with the
  * name and components and validation function.
@@ -50,6 +60,7 @@ export type FieldExtensionOptions<
     props: FieldExtensionComponentProps<TFieldReturnValue, TInputProps>,
   ) => JSX.Element | null;
   validation?: CustomFieldValidator<TFieldReturnValue>;
+  schema?: CustomFieldExtensionSchema;
 };
 
 /**
@@ -107,4 +118,5 @@ export type NextFieldExtensionOptions<
     props: NextFieldExtensionComponentProps<TFieldReturnValue, TInputProps>,
   ) => JSX.Element | null;
   validation?: NextCustomFieldValidator<TFieldReturnValue>;
+  schema?: CustomFieldExtensionSchema;
 };
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder/src/index.ts b/plugins/scaffolder/src/index.ts
index 7853667101..0e5e2630ac 100644
--- a/plugins/scaffolder/src/index.ts
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder/src/index.ts
@@ -43,6 +43,7 @@ export {
   ScaffolderFieldExtensions,
 } from './extensions';
 export type {
+  CustomFieldExtensionSchema,
   CustomFieldValidator,
   FieldExtensionOptions,
   FieldExtensionComponentProps,
diff --git a/plugins/scaffolder/src/plugin.ts b/plugins/scaffolder/src/plugin.ts
index f9b359d93a..a34105745f 100644
--- a/plugins/scaffolder/src/plugin.ts
+++ b/plugins/scaffolder/src/plugin.ts
@@ -16,12 +16,24 @@
 
 import { scmIntegrationsApiRef } from '@backstage/integration-react';
 import { scaffolderApiRef, ScaffolderClient } from './api';
-import { EntityPicker } from './components/fields/EntityPicker/EntityPicker';
+import {
+  EntityPicker,
+  EntityPickerSchema,
+} from './components/fields/EntityPicker/EntityPicker';
 import { entityNamePickerValidation } from './components/fields/EntityNamePicker';
-import { EntityNamePicker } from './components/fields/EntityNamePicker/EntityNamePicker';
-import { OwnerPicker } from './components/fields/OwnerPicker/OwnerPicker';
+import {
+  EntityNamePicker,
+  EntityNamePickerSchema,
+} from './components/fields/EntityNamePicker/EntityNamePicker';
+import {
+  OwnerPicker,
+  OwnerPickerSchema,
+} from './components/fields/OwnerPicker/OwnerPicker';
 import { repoPickerValidation } from './components/fields/RepoUrlPicker';
-import { RepoUrlPicker } from './components/fields/RepoUrlPicker/RepoUrlPicker';
+import {
+  RepoUrlPicker,
+  RepoUrlPickerSchema,
+} from './components/fields/RepoUrlPicker/RepoUrlPicker';
 import { createScaffolderFieldExtension } from './extensions';
 import {
   nextRouteRef,
@@ -37,8 +49,14 @@ import {
   fetchApiRef,
   identityApiRef,
 } from '@backstage/core-plugin-api';
-import { OwnedEntityPicker } from './components/fields/OwnedEntityPicker/OwnedEntityPicker';
-import { EntityTagsPicker } from './components/fields/EntityTagsPicker/EntityTagsPicker';
+import {
+  OwnedEntityPicker,
+  OwnedEntityPickerSchema,
+} from './components/fields/OwnedEntityPicker/OwnedEntityPicker';
+import {
+  EntityTagsPicker,
+  EntityTagsPickerSchema,
+} from './components/fields/EntityTagsPicker/EntityTagsPicker';
 
 /**
  * The main plugin export for the scaffolder.
@@ -82,6 +100,7 @@ export const EntityPickerFieldExtension = scaffolderPlugin.provide(
   createScaffolderFieldExtension({
     component: EntityPicker,
     name: 'EntityPicker',
+    schema: EntityPickerSchema,
   }),
 );
 
@@ -95,6 +114,7 @@ export const EntityNamePickerFieldExtension = scaffolderPlugin.provide(
     component: EntityNamePicker,
     name: 'EntityNamePicker',
     validation: entityNamePickerValidation,
+    schema: EntityNamePickerSchema,
   }),
 );
 
@@ -109,6 +129,7 @@ export const RepoUrlPickerFieldExtension = scaffolderPlugin.provide(
     component: RepoUrlPicker,
     name: 'RepoUrlPicker',
     validation: repoPickerValidation,
+    schema: RepoUrlPickerSchema,
   }),
 );
 
@@ -121,6 +142,7 @@ export const OwnerPickerFieldExtension = scaffolderPlugin.provide(
   createScaffolderFieldExtension({
     component: OwnerPicker,
     name: 'OwnerPicker',
+    schema: OwnerPickerSchema,
   }),
 );
 
@@ -146,6 +168,7 @@ export const OwnedEntityPickerFieldExtension = scaffolderPlugin.provide(
   createScaffolderFieldExtension({
     component: OwnedEntityPicker,
     name: 'OwnedEntityPicker',
+    schema: OwnedEntityPickerSchema,
   }),
 );
 
@@ -157,6 +180,7 @@ export const EntityTagsPickerFieldExtension = scaffolderPlugin.provide(
   createScaffolderFieldExtension({
     component: EntityTagsPicker,
     name: 'EntityTagsPicker',
+    schema: EntityTagsPickerSchema,
   }),
 );
 
diff --git a/plugins/search-backend-node/src/indexing/BatchSearchEngineIndexer.ts b/plugins/search-backend-node/src/indexing/BatchSearchEngineIndexer.ts
index 24b90c2a59..043e2c1953 100644
--- a/plugins/search-backend-node/src/indexing/BatchSearchEngineIndexer.ts
+++ b/plugins/search-backend-node/src/indexing/BatchSearchEngineIndexer.ts
@@ -111,6 +111,12 @@ export abstract class BatchSearchEngineIndexer extends Writable {
    */
   async _final(done: (error?: Error | null) => void) {
     try {
+      const maybeError = await this.initialized;
+      if (maybeError) {
+        done(maybeError);
+        return;
+      }
+
       // Index any remaining documents.
       if (this.currentBatch.length) {
         await this.index(this.currentBatch);
diff --git a/plugins/shortcuts/package.json b/plugins/shortcuts/package.json
index 40ef908779..773c6e019a 100644
--- a/plugins/shortcuts/package.json
+++ b/plugins/shortcuts/package.json
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
     "react-hook-form": "^7.12.2",
     "react-use": "^17.2.4",
     "uuid": "^8.3.2",
-    "zen-observable": "^0.8.15"
+    "zen-observable": "^0.9.0"
   },
   "peerDependencies": {
     "react": "^16.13.1 || ^17.0.0",
diff --git a/plugins/user-settings/package.json b/plugins/user-settings/package.json
index 1fcbed7fde..b8db3a5b03 100644
--- a/plugins/user-settings/package.json
+++ b/plugins/user-settings/package.json
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@
     "@material-ui/lab": "4.0.0-alpha.57",
     "@types/react": "^16.13.1 || ^17.0.0",
     "react-use": "^17.2.4",
-    "zen-observable": "^0.8.15"
+    "zen-observable": "^0.9.0"
   },
   "peerDependencies": {
     "react": "^16.13.1 || ^17.0.0",
diff --git a/storybook/yarn.lock b/storybook/yarn.lock
index b0789605a4..3317acf774 100644
--- a/storybook/yarn.lock
+++ b/storybook/yarn.lock
@@ -7875,28 +7875,17 @@ __metadata:
   linkType: hard
 
 "loader-utils@npm:^1.2.3":
-  version: 1.4.1
-  resolution: "loader-utils@npm:1.4.1"
+  version: 1.4.2
+  resolution: "loader-utils@npm:1.4.2"
   dependencies:
     big.js: ^5.2.2
     emojis-list: ^3.0.0
     json5: ^1.0.1
-  checksum: ea0b648cba0194e04a90aab6270619f0e35be009e33a443d9e642e93056cd49e6ca4c9678bd1c777a2392551bc5f4d0f24a87f5040608da1274aa84c6eebb502
+  checksum: eb6fb622efc0ffd1abdf68a2022f9eac62bef8ec599cf8adb75e94d1d338381780be6278534170e99edc03380a6d29bc7eb1563c89ce17c5fed3a0b17f1ad804
   languageName: node
   linkType: hard
 
-"loader-utils@npm:^2.0.0":
-  version: 2.0.2
-  resolution: "loader-utils@npm:2.0.2"
-  dependencies:
-    big.js: ^5.2.2
-    emojis-list: ^3.0.0
-    json5: ^2.1.2
-  checksum: 9078d1ed47cadc57f4c6ddbdb2add324ee7da544cea41de3b7f1128e8108fcd41cd3443a85b7ee8d7d8ac439148aa221922774efe4cf87506d4fb054d5889303
-  languageName: node
-  linkType: hard
-
-"loader-utils@npm:^2.0.3":
+"loader-utils@npm:^2.0.0, loader-utils@npm:^2.0.3":
   version: 2.0.4
   resolution: "loader-utils@npm:2.0.4"
   dependencies:
diff --git a/yarn.lock b/yarn.lock
index 23a40a0b6c..b1531e5db9 100644
--- a/yarn.lock
+++ b/yarn.lock
@@ -3269,7 +3269,7 @@ __metadata:
     react-router-dom-stable: "npm:react-router-dom@^6.3.0"
     react-router-stable: "npm:react-router@^6.3.0"
     react-use: ^17.2.4
-    zen-observable: ^0.8.15
+    zen-observable: ^0.9.0
     zod: ^3.11.6
   peerDependencies:
     "@types/react": ^16.13.1 || ^17.0.0
@@ -3390,7 +3390,7 @@ __metadata:
     react-virtualized-auto-sizer: ^1.0.6
     react-window: ^1.8.6
     remark-gfm: ^3.0.1
-    zen-observable: ^0.8.15
+    zen-observable: ^0.9.0
     zod: ^3.11.6
   peerDependencies:
     "@types/react": ^16.13.1 || ^17.0.0
@@ -3422,7 +3422,7 @@ __metadata:
     history: ^5.0.0
     msw: ^0.48.0
     prop-types: ^15.7.2
-    zen-observable: ^0.8.15
+    zen-observable: ^0.9.0
   peerDependencies:
     "@types/react": ^16.13.1 || ^17.0.0
     react: ^16.13.1 || ^17.0.0
@@ -3477,7 +3477,7 @@ __metadata:
     "@testing-library/user-event": ^14.0.0
     "@types/node": ^16.0.0
     react-use: ^17.2.4
-    zen-observable: ^0.8.15
+    zen-observable: ^0.9.0
   peerDependencies:
     "@types/react": ^16.13.1 || ^17.0.0
     react: ^16.13.1 || ^17.0.0
@@ -4712,7 +4712,7 @@ __metadata:
     react-test-renderer: ^16.13.1
     react-use: ^17.2.4
     yaml: ^2.0.0
-    zen-observable: ^0.8.15
+    zen-observable: ^0.9.0
   peerDependencies:
     "@types/react": ^16.13.1 || ^17.0.0
     react: ^16.13.1 || ^17.0.0
@@ -4752,7 +4752,7 @@ __metadata:
     lodash: ^4.17.21
     react-helmet: 6.1.0
     react-use: ^17.2.4
-    zen-observable: ^0.8.15
+    zen-observable: ^0.9.0
   peerDependencies:
     "@types/react": ^16.13.1 || ^17.0.0
     react: ^16.13.1 || ^17.0.0
@@ -5020,7 +5020,7 @@ __metadata:
     jsonschema: ^1.2.6
     msw: ^0.48.0
     react-use: ^17.2.4
-    zen-observable: ^0.8.15
+    zen-observable: ^0.9.0
   peerDependencies:
     react: ^16.13.1 || ^17.0.0
   languageName: unknown
@@ -6571,7 +6571,7 @@ __metadata:
     vm2: ^3.9.11
     winston: ^3.2.1
     yaml: ^2.0.0
-    zen-observable: ^0.8.15
+    zen-observable: ^0.9.0
     zod: ^3.11.6
   languageName: unknown
   linkType: soft
@@ -6645,7 +6645,9 @@ __metadata:
     react-use: ^17.2.4
     use-immer: ^0.7.0
     yaml: ^2.0.0
-    zen-observable: ^0.8.15
+    zen-observable: ^0.9.0
+    zod: ^3.11.6
+    zod-to-json-schema: ^3.18.1
   peerDependencies:
     "@types/react": ^16.13.1 || ^17.0.0
     react: ^16.13.1 || ^17.0.0
@@ -6880,7 +6882,7 @@ __metadata:
     react-hook-form: ^7.12.2
     react-use: ^17.2.4
     uuid: ^8.3.2
-    zen-observable: ^0.8.15
+    zen-observable: ^0.9.0
   peerDependencies:
     react: ^16.13.1 || ^17.0.0
     react-router: 6.0.0-beta.0 || ^6.3.0
@@ -7474,7 +7476,7 @@ __metadata:
     cross-fetch: ^3.1.5
     msw: ^0.48.0
     react-use: ^17.2.4
-    zen-observable: ^0.8.15
+    zen-observable: ^0.9.0
   peerDependencies:
     react: ^16.13.1 || ^17.0.0
     react-router: 6.0.0-beta.0 || ^6.3.0
@@ -7600,7 +7602,7 @@ __metadata:
     "@types/node": ^16.11.26
     cross-fetch: ^3.1.5
     msw: ^0.48.0
-    zen-observable: ^0.8.15
+    zen-observable: ^0.9.0
   peerDependencies:
     "@types/react": ^16.13.1 || ^17.0.0
     react: ^16.13.1 || ^17.0.0
@@ -7626,7 +7628,7 @@ __metadata:
     "@backstage/cli": "workspace:^"
     "@types/zen-observable": ^0.8.0
     luxon: ^3.0.0
-    zen-observable: ^0.8.15
+    zen-observable: ^0.9.0
   languageName: unknown
   linkType: soft
 
@@ -20884,7 +20886,7 @@ __metadata:
     react-router-dom: ^6.3.0
     react-use: ^17.2.4
     start-server-and-test: ^1.10.11
-    zen-observable: ^0.8.15
+    zen-observable: ^0.9.0
   languageName: unknown
   linkType: soft
 
@@ -37625,6 +37627,13 @@ __metadata:
   languageName: node
   linkType: hard
 
+"zen-observable@npm:^0.9.0":
+  version: 0.9.0
+  resolution: "zen-observable@npm:0.9.0"
+  checksum: d770639f7cb47c89e442b0b87e6955079b9d0f3f7da220f081c3a478ee7b837ee792be4ae8764f2d49fe0afaaa3fbcdc7a88042c3ed471df9ae551de90e82ea2
+  languageName: node
+  linkType: hard
+
 "zenscroll@npm:^4.0.2":
   version: 4.0.2
   resolution: "zenscroll@npm:4.0.2"