Tired of wading through folders and folders again just to access an oft-used file? Wish you could keep the same file in more than one “place” at the same time without making copies? Find out here how to set up tags to organize files with Finder on a Mac ⤓.
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How to Set up Tags to Organize Files on a Mac
Time needed: 3 minutes
To create a tag that will let you find and group files and folders easily on a Mac using macOS Finder:
- Open Mac Finder settings.
Here’s how: Switch to Finder, then select Finder | Settings… in the menu.
Finder keyboard shortcut: Press Command , (comma) in Finder to open its settings dialog. - Go to the Tags tab.
- Click ＋ to add a new tag.
The ones already there: You can also edit the pre-populated color tags, of course, and turn them into your own; see below.
- Type the name you want to use for the tag.
Example: Write
riceto set up a tag to easily collect all your files and folders relating to rice (e.g., recipes, a spreadsheet or images).
- Optional: Assign a color to the tag.
Here’s how: Click the current color in front of the tag’s name, then choose the desired color from the pop-up menu.
No color: Select No Color to add a tag without a color.
Their word: Apple include information on using tags with Finder in the Mac User Guide.
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Define Favorite Tags for Quick Access in Mac Finder
To choose which tags appear directly in context menus in Finder to quickly tag files and folders:
- Open Tags settings in Finder; see above.
- Drag and drop tags you want to show up in the context menu to the area below the tag list.
Here’s what happens: The tag you drop will replace the one currently at the target location.
Now this:
How to Tag Files and Folders on a Mac
How to View Tagged Files and Folders on a Mac
How to Use Mac Finder Tags in Terminal
Rename or Change the Color for an Existing Tag
To edit a tag and change its name or color:
- Go to the Tags tab in Finder settings; see above.
- Click the tag you want to edit to highlight it
- Click on the name to make it editable.
- Choose the desired color from the menu that appears when you click the existing color.
Colored by default:
How to Change the Default Folder Color on a Mac
Remove a Tag from Mac Finder
To delete a tag from Finder (and all files or folders) on your Mac:
- Open the Tags settings in Finder; see above.
- Click on the tag you want to delete with the right mouse button.
- Select Delete Tag “Tag” from the context menu that has appeared.
Here’s what happens: The tag is removed from all files and folders, then be deleted itself; the files and folders remain otherwise unchanged, of course.
How to Set up Tags to Organize Files on a Mac: FAQ
Can I add a custom color to a tag in Mac Finder?
No.
You can choose from the preset tag colors; adding new colors is currently not possible.
Will the tags synchronize with other Macs, iPhones and iPads?
Yes.
Tags synchronize between macOS Finder and the iOS and iPadOS Files apps.
(Tested with macOS Tahoe 26.0–26.5; first published October 2025, last updated May 2026)