How do I add "tags" to PDF and txt files?

I made the jump from XP to Windows 7. In XP I was able to edit the meta data in almost any file and place "keywords" even on PDF files. Windows 7 has done away with "keywords" and gone to "tags". I like this system better but what I find horribly frustrating is that there are many file types to which I cannot add "tags".
1) Is there any way to add "tags" to PDF's (in a way that works with the Windows 7 tagging system search)?
2) If not, is there any workaround (3rd party downloads - that work within the Windows 7 metadata tagging system)?
3) If not, is this something that will be fixed in Windows in the future.
4) What is the reason for file types like PDF, txt, and MP3 not having "tag" capabilities?

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Answer

CmdrKeene

The tags are handled by 3rd party shell extensions. The operating system itself does not provide tag functionality. So if you want TXT and MP3 files to have tags, you have to program the tagging mechanism first.

Although it would be cool if the OS did it natively. Isn't that what the old WinFS file system was supposed to do, but it never saw the light of day?

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Shawn "Cmdr" Keene | Microsoft MVP - Windows Insider | CmdrKeene.com | tweet: @CmdrKeene
Microsoft MVPs are independent experts offering real-world answers. Learn more at mvp.microsoft.com.

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Answer

pkubina

I got it, I got it!!!
Install pdf shell tools:
http://www.rttsoftware.com/shelltools.html
With pdf shell tools installed you can also edit pdf metadata in explorer!!!
My current understanding is as follows: The missing thing to show/edit pdf metadata in explorer details view and in the bottom pane is a "property handler" for the pdf file format. Read about it here:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc144129(28VS.85)29.aspx
I had (and I assume the other people with the same problems in this thread) had a pdf-ifilter installed which allowed to show pdf metadata in a search result. I think the metadata shown when selecting "organize by: e.g. name" is also taken from the index, that's why it works without the property handler.
A shame microsoft makes me waste my time on such things instead of providing support for the most widely used document format. Look at apple, they had no problem providing full support in their OS for pdf. This makes me think of the apple ads. Its exactly like this.

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How do I add "tags" to PDF and txt files?

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How do I add "tags" to PDF and txt files?

Replies (82) 

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