Windows 10: Add comments, tags, metadata to files in explorer, folder comments

Hi, just come across this File Metadata (free) which I think will interest you- seems very competent in tagging files.
At the bottom I've added a note about StyleFolder (free), which adds comments to folders.

If you want to add comments, tags, metadata to files, this is for you.
In some places it refers to XP and Vista, but is maintained and current for '10.

File Metadata - Download File Meta 1.3

1. Explorer with normal view of details pane for txt





2. Configuration screen for program




3. Result with several added editable fields and added comment




"It is pretty clear that Microsoft originally intended to ship a broader capability. What this package does is wire together pieces that were built into Windows in readiness, but never joined up: it connects Explorer's ability to see and edit metadata with NTFS's support for storing property data in an annex to any file, and so allowing metadata to be added to files of any type. And because Windows Search uses the same property system hooks as Explorer, you can also search using this metadata, both in Explorer and from the Start Menu (or Search charm). That all this takes just a 19K DLL (64-bit, release build) and some registry settings tells you how close Microsoft got.

One reason why Microsoft never shipped the complete solution is that all works well when the file is moved around between NTFS drives, but the metadata is lost when a file is, say, emailed, or moved to a FAT file system. Also, if your files are still being edited, then you need to check that associated metadata is preserved on save. Some file editors, rather than update the file in place, save updates using a write-new-file, delete-original-file, rename-new-to-original strategy that loses any metadata held in the annex to the original file. You do need to be aware of these limitations, but think of being able to add metadata to txt files, pdfs, anything, editable directly in Explorer!"

Uninstalling
I found it necessary to remove any associations using its File Association Editor (a File association editor start menu entry is created) before uninstalling, else remnants are left, apparent in explorer for file types you associate).

Folder Comments
These can be added using StyleFolder, which still seems to work.
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/custom...th-stylefolder

:)

 

Windows 10: Add comments/tags/title to folders?

Is there a facility to add comments, tittles, or tags to folders in Windows 10 file explorer?

 

Comments and tags not saved or disappears

The comments section are visible in the MP3-folder. I can open the file properties and type a comment in the Details tab. But when I click OK the comment section in file explorer stays blank. Only comments typed with earlier versions of Windows are visible.

In the Word folder, tag and comment sections are visible, when I type text in tags and comments in the file properties, the text I type is shown in tag and comment section in file explorer when I click OK. But if I open the file with Word 2010 and save it,
the tags and comment is lost.

Edit 2016-07-26:

Since comments in MP3 files are lost immediately after I close the file properties (no other application than File Explorer is used) I believe File Explorer or possibly Windows file system is to blame.

I'm very interested to know if there's someone else experiencing the same problem, and if the problem is only present on upgraded systems. If so I might consider installing Windows 10 all over using clean installation method.

Edit 2016-07-27:

Some of the comments I entered in MP3-files with File Explorer is visible in Real Player music library, but still not shown in File Explorer.

Real Player screenshot:





File Explorer Screenshot (I have a Swedish version of Windows Home and "Comments" translates to "Kommentarer" in Swedish language):

 

Thank you! I had found that post earlier and thought that I was missing a built-in feature in Windows and that File Metadata was a program that added more advanced options. I've been playing around with it and it's exactly what I need. Thanks again!

 

Is it possible to allow all users connected to a server to add tags and see tags created by other users?

 

Hi, you might be able to work that out by examining how these are stored- or ask here:
File Metadata - Discussions

 

I came across the tool mentioned in this thread when I was wondering why I couldn't add meta data or tags to an existing file.

Correct me if I'm wrong, without the tool mentioned in this thread; I can't add meta data to an existing file ?

 

There are plenty of programs that let you do that.

 

You didn't answer the question which was; I can't take an file and add meta data to it without the program or another equivalent program mentioned in this thread ?

 

Thank you for your question.

You asked:

My answer was (I will expand for you) You don't have to use the tool mentioned in the thread- there are plenty of others- you don't have to use that program.

Windows Media player used to allow some tag editing- for the range of file types it handles, which is more limited than dedicated tag editors.

Editing ID3 tags in Windows Media Player 12

This does not appear to be the case now. Nor does Groove support it.

Thus it follows that tag editing appears to have been deprecated in Win 10.

 

I want to be clear.

Without the program mentioned in this thread or any other equal program. I cannot add per file or group of files, metadata ?

I've been trying for the past day to add metadata per file and Windows, in this case Windows10 will not allow me, yet there are so many metadata options you can add to a file it's shame Microsoft has be neglectful of this in Windows10.

 

You need another program. I don't know a way with Windows only. Try mp3tag.


A thought for you.
An operating system per se provides a higher level of abstraction, separating the user from hardware.

Programs are then written using those interfaces to achieve specific aims. These are applications- applying the hardware and OS to achieve a particular goal.

MS provides the OS and certain applications. It does not provide applications which meet every person's needs, otherwise 3rd party programmers would be out of a job.

 

I understand, I had to ask because I was wondering why I couldn't edit or add metadata to an existing file in Windows10. A 3rd party program as mentioned in this thread is the only solution. *Smile

 

I asked on the forum, as I can't find the 'kind' attribute in FileMeta ?

 

Also known as 'perceived type'.











But if you use it in file explorer search
e.g.



1. Just the files- no search spec



2. Search kind:text




3. Search *ex*.* kind:text