How to use the tags in OS X, and to clean up the files

One of the new features that brought us OS X Mavericks, are tags. This is a completely new and very convenient way to organize your files. If you've used Flickr, Tumblr or WordPress, then you already know that this tags and how they work. As the sorting and filtering tool, tags almost perfect. In one click you can sift through the files and find exactly what you need. If you still do not use them while working on your Mac, in this article I will try to convince you and tell you about their usefulness.

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Think about how best to organize your files

Each of us has our own approach and that can be very convenient for some users, categorically unacceptable for others. So, before you start using the tag, consider for a moment and decide how you want to organize the files on your Mac. Maybe by date or by type of instance? Or project? And maybe even some other way. Think, do not rush. Arrange files on the main folder in the Documents and make a list of the key tags that will fit your work style.

One color for the related tags

Mavericks lets you choose a color for each of your tags, but at the moment is available only seven colors. Keep this in mind, to make the most of a limited number of colors. For example, for tags "pets" and "cat", you can select the color red, and for "work" and "projects" - blue. This method is not perfect, but at least it will allow you to "save color" in workspace organization.

To assign a tag, do a right click on the file, choose "Tags" and enter our name tag from the popup menu. If you want to add multiple tags - just click on the input and trying to drive each subsequent tag.

For example, I assigned to Roma from Sega and Super Nintendo tag «sega rom» and «snes rom» respectively, and each of them additionally lilac colored tag. Now I can show the Roma separately for each console, or using a color tag to display all their rums. And all this in the Finder the current tab, browse the folders and seek out these files unnecessarily. Convenient, is not it?

Assign tags when saving or creating documents.

Get into the habit necessarily add tags when creating files. Believe me, it will greatly facilitate your life in the future. If you are working with the old files created in previous versions of OS X, you can assign tags when opening files. It becomes very easy: simply click on the document name in the title bar and enter the desired tags. Similarly, add tags and to create the file, most importantly do not forget to do it.

Create a shortcut key to assign tags

If you use keyboard shortcuts to work (and I am sure that you are using), then you have a desire to create a shortcut for assigning tags. By default, it is not, but added it will not be difficult.

Go to the system settingsIn section Keyboard and open the tab Keyboard shortcuts. The left side panel Hit App Shortcuts, later + and specify in the drop-down menu: Program – Finder, menu Title – Tags ... It remains only to choose a combination of keys, I use ⌥⌘RBut you can assign any other, at their own discretion. Now, when you need to assign a tag to any file simply click ⌥⌘R and start typing the tags.

Use Smart Folders

Another convenient method of using the tag - this is to involve them in smart folders. You can create a smart folder, which will bring together all the files with the specified tag in one place. For example, I create a folder and set as the filter tag «sega rom» and «snes rom». The result is a user-friendly and, most importantly prompt access to all files tagged with the specified tag. In the same way, you can structure your working project documents or any other files.

Create a Smart Folder simple. In the Finder, click ⌘F (Or use the menu File - Find ... ) And holding down ⌥ click the button + in the search bar (it will change the ellipsis). Then add the conditions for filtering. choose - tag (click More ... and find the item in the list), specify the desired tags. We can only give our name and folder to save it.

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Here are a few tips for using the tags on OS X, I hope they will help you better organize your workspace. If I missed something or you know other cool tips for using the tags - added me in the comments.