Improved file tagging system

[DorsalAxe]

Tags are quite awkwardly implemented in Windows and don't seem to support many file types by default. It would be pretty neat to improve on this with a more accessible UI and things like color-coding. Being able to quickly access tags and view tagged files from the navigation pane would be nice too.

Maybe something like this is beyond the scope of PowerToys, but I'm just throwing the idea out there.

[mawic]

Yes, such a feature would be great. Here my thoughts what kind of functionality I would like to have:

• As a user, I want to assign different tags to a file or a folder. For easier handling, the ribbon bar shall provide some buttons so that I can assign some tags without a lot of effort.
• As a user, I want to click on a file/folder and assign one or more tags to the file/folder.
• As a user, I want to search for a tag or several tags on my computer to find files with the same tags from different folders.
• As a user, I want to customize my tags.

[Jay-o-Way]

Don't tags need to be included in the file itself? Doesn't that mean the format (filetype) should support it? If files/folders are moved to a different location (or shared over Internet) the labels should always stay with it.

[somallef]

@crutkas How can I take this issue to develop?

[somallef]

@Jay-o-Way How can I take this issue to develop?

[Jay-o-Way]

@somallef Well, in my words, I suggest to write specs about what the code would look and act like, then create a concept/test version of the code, then create a (draft) pull request so people can comment on it and help improving.

Also recommend to read https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/CONTRIBUTING.md and https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/blob/main/doc/devdocs/readme.md first.

[crutkas]

First step here is to understand how an end user would use it and interact

[sebastian-dor]

My proposal to tackle this issue would be to have a similar user experience like tagging in MacOS https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/tag-files-and-folders-mchlp15236/mac Here it is possible to assign certain tags via the context menu and to quickly access the tagged files and folders via the quick access on the left of the explorer window. Quick suggestion on how to implement: create internal/hidden folders with the tag name and on context menu entry create links in these folders. End users could then add these folders to quick access.

[alfvar]

There's a repo called FileMeta that implements a version of this. Unfortunately the creator died, but it still serves as a great proof of concept.

[EdgeCaseLord]

This is a must-have feature for nowadays' file explorers. Mac does have this since a long time, and Linux as well. You can find examples of this feature implemented for Windows 10 here:

https://filemarker.net/file-marker-free.php https://foldermarker.com/en/folder-marker-free/

As others have already said, it should be possible to customize the colors and tags, and it should work with files and folders. Multiple tags should be possible on the same item, and you should be able to search for the tags/colors and to sort the explorer view by them, too. Tags and colors should be distinct from each other, ie it should be able to assign either a color or a tag, or both - not like other implementations of this feature make it and have like colored tags (for example Priority 1 - red. I want to customize that myself, and be able to have only ata g or only a color on them or both, which may vary).

This feature would greatly enhance productivity on Windows systems. Please add. Thank you.

[Jay-o-Way]

...and then there's also https://github.com/files-community/Files

[AutonomousCat]

For color coding folders, it would be nice to avoid downloading potentially unsafe software when this feels like it would be a Power Toys feature. Please add @Microsoft

[tsarinaspades]

I would also like a colored tagging system. I don't know how MacOS's system work, if the tag is embedded in the file or it's just a visual thing on the computer.

If it's hard to implement maybe we could have dynamic folders instead?

[AutonomousCat]

\dup #150 (joke)

Seems like this is a very popular idea. No reason it shouldn't be added at this point.

[Jay-o-Way]

No reason it shouldn't be added at this point.

There are plenty of existing solutions already "out there". Foldermarker and Files are two fine examples I know of. Why go through all the effort to build something - with a learning curve - when there's already existing?

[AutonomousCat]

Isn't this the entire point of PowerToys though? To be an All-in-One toolkit? I think every single feature has like 5 dozen standalone apps no doubt.

[mlathrom]

What would be really nice is a tool that allows a Windows system to read and write MacOS color tags. That would require reading and writing MacOS extended attributes, so I'm not sure if it's possible.

[e11world]

I think this would be a fantastic addition for all kinds of windows users. I've used this on mac and it's flawless especially how you can search by colors.

If it's possible to add either a context menu for color selection or just use the right side of the bottom status bar for quickly adding colors and tags that are read across the OS, it would be a huge step forward in file/folder organization in windows and it should probably be a built in OS thing that can be compatible with at least Win 10 but they can also make the case for Win11+ only

[agiz10]

Lets not forget this could be great for tagging and rating of folders as well.

I like this approach because info is persistent. Most (all?) tagging solutions rely on central db, so when a folder (and files in some cases) is moved or not available on local pc, info gets lost. Here, a file (Desktop.ini) is left in the folder with all the info that persists moves, reinstalls, even migration to different file systems.

System is already available in Windows, can already show ratings/tags/etc. of files and folders, but none of the apps are using it (quickly checked websites of Foldermarker, Files and FileMeta).

An example how the final Desktop.ini file looks like for folder, but similar is true for file (taken from Everything app):

[{F29F85E0-4FF9-1068-AB91-08002B27B3D9}]
Prop2 = 31,My Title
Prop3 = 31,My Subject
Prop4 = 31,My Author
Prop5 = 31,my Keywords(Tags);Another Tag;More Tags
;Star Rating: 1-99
[{64440492-4C8B-11D1-8B70-080036B11A03}]
Prop9 = 31,75

[markusas99]

This!

[brazenCoding]

Don't forget to upvote this thread! The more traction it gets the more likely it is to get added :)

[gaoqiangks]

This is the feature I've wanted most for years.

[pronoyroy]

No reason it shouldn't be added at this point.

There are plenty of existing solutions already "out there". Foldermarker and Files are two fine examples I know of. Why go through all the effort to build something - with a learning curve - when there's already existing?

The existing solutions that you highlighted works by changing the folder icons. However in file explorer, most people use preview thumbnails for higher productivity. An additional tag in the filename, or a separate column for tags greatly helps productivity. Separating files into many subfolders is many-a-times not the best option and causes fragmentation, confusion.

[Jay-o-Way]

An additional tag in the filename, or a separate column for tags greatly helps productivity.

No icons changed - labels in column

[brazenCoding]

An additional tag in the filename, or a separate column for tags greatly helps productivity.

No icons changed - labels in column

What about for file previews like a jpeg? How do tags work with them? Also, it's not ideal to have to install and use yet another 3rd party app to solve this problem. It would be better if a powertoys solution worked.

[Jay-o-Way]

What about for file previews like a jpeg? How do tags work with them?

[markjthomas4]

First step here is to understand how an end user would use it and interact

If it's not too late, adding the tag/colorization options to the right-click menu of the selected file/folder would be nice.