tag
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Description:
Manipulate and query tags on macOS files
Type: Formula  |  Tracked Since: Dec 28, 2025
Links: Homepage  |  formulae.brew.sh
Category: Productivity
Tags: macos file-management productivity cli automation
Install: brew install tag
About:
Tag is a command-line utility for manipulating and querying extended attributes (xattrs) on macOS files, including Finder tags and other metadata. It provides a more intuitive and powerful interface than the built-in `xattr` and `mdls` commands for working with file tags. This tool is essential for advanced file management and automation workflows on Apple systems.
Key Features:
  • Add, remove, and list Finder tags on files and directories
  • Query files based on tag names and other metadata attributes
  • Support for setting and reading arbitrary extended attributes
  • Scriptable command-line interface for automation
Use Cases:
  • Automating the organization of files in a directory based on tags
  • Building scripts that process files marked with specific tags (e.g., 'to-process')
  • Integrating tag-based file management into larger workflows
Alternatives:
  • xattr – Tag provides a more user-friendly syntax specifically for tags, whereas xattr is a lower-level tool for all extended attributes.
  • Finder – Tag enables automation and scripting, which is not possible with the manual Finder GUI.
Version History
Detected Version Rev Change Commit
Sep 12, 2025 3:04am 1 VERSION_BUMP 703af4d1