How do I automatically tag files on Mac?

AutoShelf lets you create rules that automatically add Finder tags to files based on conditions like file type, extension, file size, filename, or download source. Set up a rule once and every matching file gets tagged as it arrives in your watched folder.

Can I tag files based on which app downloaded them?

Yes. AutoShelf's downloaded by condition detects which application downloaded a file, and its where from condition matches the download source URL. You can tag files downloaded from GitHub, Slack, browsers, or any other app or source automatically.

Can I add Finder color labels automatically on Mac?

Yes. AutoShelf's add tag action applies any Finder tag, including the built-in color labels (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Gray) and any custom tags you have created in Finder.

Can I combine multiple conditions for tagging rules?

Yes. With AutoShelf Pro, you can create multi-condition rules using AND logic. For example, tag files that are PDFs AND larger than 10 MB, or tag files where the filename contains "invoice" AND the file was added more than 7 days ago. You can also negate any condition.

// finder tags

Automatically Tag Files on Mac

Finder tags make files searchable and organized, but tagging files by hand is tedious and easy to skip. AutoShelf adds Finder tags and color labels automatically based on your rules, so every file gets the right tag without you lifting a finger.

Download from App Store Free with one rule. Unlock everything for $19.99 one-time. macOS 13+

// the problem

Tagging by hand takes forever

You mean to tag files as they arrive, but you forget. Days later, your folders are full of untagged files you can't search through.
Applying Finder tags consistently is nearly impossible when you deal with dozens of downloads a day. One skipped file breaks your system.
Large folders become impossible to search without tags. Finding that one PDF or screenshot from last week means scrolling through hundreds of files.
Color labels help visually, but setting them on every file by hand is slow and error-prone. The Red tag you meant for urgent files ends up on nothing.

// how it works

Three steps to automatic tagging

Pick a folder

Choose Downloads, Desktop, or any folder. AutoShelf starts watching it immediately.

Set conditions for when to tag

Define which files get tagged: by file type, extension, name, size, download source, or any combination. Then pick the tag to apply.

New files get tagged automatically

Every file that matches your conditions receives the right Finder tag the moment it appears. No manual work, no forgetting.

// features

Tag files your way

Any Finder tag or color label

Apply any of Finder's built-in color labels (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Gray) or any custom tag you have created. AutoShelf uses Finder's native tagging system, so your tags show up everywhere.

Tag large files for review

Create a rule that tags files larger than a threshold you choose. Instantly spot which files are eating up disk space without opening Finder's Get Info on every file.

Tag by file type

Tag all PDFs, images, videos, or any file type. Use file extension or file type conditions to apply the right tag to the right format. Tag every .pdf as "Documents" automatically.

Tag by download source

Use the "where from contains" condition to tag files based on where they were downloaded from. Tag GitHub releases, Slack downloads, or any source URL. Use "downloaded by" to tag based on which app downloaded the file.

Combine multiple conditions

Narrow your rules with precision. Tag files that match filename contains "invoice" AND file size is larger than 1 MB. Or tag PDFs that were added more than 30 days ago. Pro supports multi-condition AND logic with negation.

Pro: multi-condition AND logic

With AutoShelf Pro, stack multiple conditions using AND logic and negate any condition. Build rules like: tag files where filename contains "report" AND file type is PDF AND downloaded by is NOT Safari. Every condition can be inverted.

// faq

Frequently asked questions

How do I automatically tag files on Mac?

AutoShelf lets you create rules that automatically add Finder tags to files based on conditions like file type, extension, file size, filename, or download source. Set up a rule once and every matching file gets tagged as it arrives in your watched folder.
Can I tag files based on which app downloaded them?

Yes. AutoShelf's downloaded by condition detects which application downloaded a file, and its where from condition matches the download source URL. You can tag files downloaded from GitHub, Slack, browsers, or any other app or source automatically.
Can I add Finder color labels automatically on Mac?

Yes. AutoShelf's add tag action applies any Finder tag, including the built-in color labels (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Gray) and any custom tags you have created in Finder.
Can I combine multiple conditions for tagging rules?

Yes. With AutoShelf Pro, you can create multi-condition rules using AND logic. For example, tag files that are PDFs AND larger than 10 MB, or tag files where the filename contains "invoice" AND the file was added more than 7 days ago. You can also negate any condition.