File Format & Compatibility

How to Use Excel File Tags and Title Properties in File Explorer

Algirdas Jasaitis Oct 23, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to use Office metadata fields, specifically Title and Tags, to better organize, filter, and search Excel files directly within Windows File Explorer.

How to Use Excel File Tags and Title Properties in File Explorer

Product: Excel, Windows File Explorer
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Organizing and searching a large number of spreadsheets using built-in file metadata.
Observed behavior: Needs clear instructions on how to display metadata columns and apply descriptive titles and tags for easier file management.

Before you start

Ensure your Excel spreadsheets are saved in the standard .xlsx format, as older formats (.xls) or CSV files may not fully support Windows metadata tagging.

Solution 1Recommended

Manage Excel Metadata Directly in Windows File Explorer

The most efficient way to organize your spreadsheets is to enable the Title and Tags columns in File Explorer and edit the metadata directly via the Details pane.

By adjusting your File Explorer view, you can quickly view and modify tags for multiple files without having to open them individually in a spreadsheet application.

Display metadata columns

Open File Explorer and navigate to your Excel files. Go to the 'View' tab, select 'Details', then right-click any column header, choose 'More', and check the boxes for 'Tags' and 'Title'.

Enable the Details pane

Click on the 'View' tab again and select 'Details pane' (or press Alt + Shift + P on your keyboard) to display the properties panel on the right side of the window.

Add tags and titles

Select an Excel file. In the Details pane, click on the text area next to 'Title' or 'Tags' to enter your descriptive keywords (e.g., 'Q3 Budget', 'Finance'). Separate multiple tags with a semicolon.

Save and search

Click 'Save' at the bottom of the Details pane. You can now use the File Explorer search bar to find these files by typing 'tag:' followed by your specific keyword.

Manage Excel Metadata Directly in Windows File Explorer

Bulk Tagging: You can select multiple Excel files at once in File Explorer and apply the same tags to all of them simultaneously using the Details pane.

Solution 2

Add Properties Within Your Spreadsheet Application

You can define file metadata such as Titles and Tags directly inside your spreadsheet program before saving the document.

Manage Spreadsheets Efficiently

Organize Excel Files with Custom Tags in WPS Office

WPS Office allows you to seamlessly add titles, keywords, and other metadata to your spreadsheets, ensuring your files are perfectly organized and fully compatible with Windows File Explorer sorting.

1. Open your document: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open the .xlsx file you wish to organize.
2. Open document properties: Click on the 'Menu' button in the top-left corner, select 'Document Encryption' from the drop-down list, and then choose 'Properties'.
3. Add metadata: Navigate to the 'Summary' tab. Here, you can input your desired file title and type your tags directly into the 'Keywords' box.
4. Save to apply: Click 'OK' to close the dialog, and then save your spreadsheet. Your new tags and title are now synced and searchable in File Explorer.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formats and metadata propertiesEasily view and edit document properties within an intuitive interfaceLightweight, fast, and completely free to useSeamlessly integrates with Windows File Explorer for advanced file searching

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I edit the tags on my Excel file in File Explorer?

This typically happens if the file is currently open in another application, marked as 'Read-only', or saved in a format that doesn't natively support Windows metadata, such as a CSV or an older .xls file. Ensure the file is completely closed and saved as a modern .xlsx document.

Can I bulk edit tags for multiple Excel files at once?

Yes. By holding down the Ctrl key, you can select multiple Excel files at the same time in File Explorer. Once selected, open the Details pane, type your desired tags, and click Save. This applies the same tags to all selected files simultaneously.

Are Excel tags and titles preserved when sending files via email?

Yes, metadata such as Titles and Tags are embedded within the internal file properties. When you email an .xlsx file as an attachment, the recipient will be able to see these exact properties when they download the file to their local machine.

Document & File Issues