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How do I back up tags?

I am sure I can use timeshare to back up the tags but is there a way to export the tags and pull them back in after a reinstall of the operating system without using timeshare?

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 11.2

Posted on Apr 16, 2021 5:14 PM

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Posted on Apr 16, 2021 6:18 PM

A tag is an attribute that travels with the file it is assigned too, as long as it remains on an Apple filesystem. Tags are not an exportable entity, and you should always have a Time Machine backup saving your personal files, and any custom tag names you create in the Finder preferences.


You will especially want a Time Machine backup of your data if your reinstall involves a clean install, and as a safe guard if you are reinstalling the operating system over itself again.


Timeshare disappeared in the 1980s.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 16, 2021 6:18 PM in response to mrstank

A tag is an attribute that travels with the file it is assigned too, as long as it remains on an Apple filesystem. Tags are not an exportable entity, and you should always have a Time Machine backup saving your personal files, and any custom tag names you create in the Finder preferences.


You will especially want a Time Machine backup of your data if your reinstall involves a clean install, and as a safe guard if you are reinstalling the operating system over itself again.


Timeshare disappeared in the 1980s.

How do I back up tags?

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