newfangled condign: How to set up and start using Finder Tags in OS X Mavericks

Thursday, October 31, 2013

How to set up and start using Finder Tags in OS X Mavericks

If you've upgraded your Mac to OS X Mavericks, it comes with a convenient way to sort and organize your documents and files with what Apple is calling a Finder Tags. In reality, Finder Tags is an expanded version of the Labels feature OS X has featured for years. It's become more robust, convenient, and easy to use. If you're new to OS X or aren't sure how to use Tags efficiently, follow along and we'll help.

How to create a new Finder Tag in OS X Mavericks

Find a file or document that you'd like to create a new Finder Tag for and right click on it.
Now click on Tags... in the popup menu.
Type in the name of the new Finder Tag you'd like to create and then click on Create New Tag directly below that.

That's all there is to it. The new Finder Tag is created and will then be added to the navigation under Tags in Finder for you to use whenever you'd like.

How to edit, delete, rename, or apply a different color to a current Finder Tag in OS X Mavericks

Open a new Finder window by clicking on Finder in your dock.
Under the Tags section in the left hand navigation pane, right click on the Tag name you'd like to edit.
In the popup menu you can perform tasks such as renaming, changing the color, removing the tag from the sidebar, or deleting it completely. Just make your selection and you're done!

How to access Finder Tag preferences in OS X Mavericks

A quick way to edit Finder Tags in bulk without clicking on them individually is to just access the Finder Tag preferences. Here's how to do that:

Open a new Finder window by clicking on Finder in your dock.
In the top navigation menu, click on Finder and then Preferences.
Now click on Tags in the horizontal menu. Here you can edit tag names and colors easily and quickly without having to do it on an individual basis.

How to apply a Finder Tag to a file or folder in OS X Mavericks

Find a file or document that you'd like to apply a Finder Tag to and right click on it.
Now click on Tags...
This is also where you showed you how to create a new Finder Tag earlier. Alternatively, you can click on an existing tag in the list.
Add as many tags as you'd like and just click elsewhere when you're done.

That's it. The document or folder you just tagged will remain that way until you ever change it.

How to sort documents and files by Finder Tags in OS X Mavericks

The whole point of using Finder Tags is to make searching for and locating files easier and more convenient. Now that you've got your Finder Tags set up and you've been tagging your files and folders, the most important thing to know is how to search by Tags.

Open a new Finder window by clicking on Finder in your dock.
Click on the name of any Finder Tag in the left hand navigation panel.

That's all there is to it. Finder will then only show you the documents, files, and folders that you've applied that specific Tag to.

Questions and thoughts on Finder Tags & OS X Mavericks?

Let us know in the comments how you're using Finder Tags in OS X Mavericks to simplify your workflow, if you are at all. If you still have questions about Finder Tags or how they work, either drop a comment below or even better, check out our iMore forums to check out and start even more discussions on OS X Mavericks and Finder Tags.