---
title: Tagging assets and using custom fields
slug: tagging-and-custom-fields
category: managing-assets
tags: tags, custom-fields, metadata, auto-tagging, organizing
summary: Add tags freely, store structured data in custom fields, and let AI auto-tagging label new uploads.
updated: 2026-07-07
url: https://support.collage.inc/articles/tagging-and-custom-fields
---

# Tagging assets and using custom fields

Tags and custom fields make your assets findable no matter which folder they live in. Tags work like virtual labels; custom fields store structured metadata. Best of all, both stay attached to an asset when you move it, so you never lose the context you added.

## Add tags to an asset

Tags are searchable keywords that help you cross-categorize assets beyond folders:

1. Select one or more assets using the checkboxes.
2. Click the **Tag** option in the bulk-action toolbar.
3. In the tag field, type at least 3 characters. A list of suggested tags appears — choose one, or keep typing your own.
4. Add as many tags as you need — you just can't add the same tag to an asset twice.
5. Click **Add** to assign the tags.

Tags aren't case-sensitive — `Logo` and `logo` are treated as the same tag, so capitalization only affects how they look, not search or filtering.

> When several assets are selected, any tag common to all of them shows in the popup, so you can see what they already share.

## Use custom fields

Custom fields store extra, structured data alongside an asset. Think of these as additional context that travels with the asset. When you create a custom field, you choose its format, then configure it:

- **Text** — a free-form text field, such as a campaign name.
- **Dropdown** — a list of options you define; set it to single-select or multi-select, such as usage rights.

## Tags and custom fields persist when you move

Tags and custom fields **stay with the asset** when you move it to a different folder. You don't lose any metadata, and you can still search and filter using the tags you added — even after the asset changes location.

## Tag new uploads automatically

You can have Collage tag new uploads for you automatically. See [Turning on AI auto-tagging](https://support.collage.inc/articles/ai-auto-tagging) to enable it in Account Settings.