Labelling Word Files

[Hoaryhairs]

I have a large number of word files which are basically notes for speeches. I want to be able to tag them with criteria such as where that speech was made, when it was made, some form of rating, where I might use it in the future, etc. I also need that information to be searchable. Is this possible with word files? If so could you point in the direction of where I can find out how? I'm using Office 2010.

[Charles Kenyon]

Simplest method is Folders and file names.
You can also use file properties.
You will find these under File > Properties > Advanced Properties
You can add keywords under the Summary tab and custom properties under the Custom tab. These are searchable (although I do not remember how.)

[Hoaryhairs]

Thanks, I've tried using file properties before but they don't seem to allow, for instance, a list of dates and places in a tag and the searching and listing has never been straightforward to me but I will try again.

[Ulodesk]

A Windows search from the start menu field will find tags and other document properties. I just tried it by writing making up a word as a property tag for a Word doc and searching for it. It took a few moments, but the document then showed up, all by itself.

Best,
Ulodesk

[Charles Kenyon]

Originally Posted by Hoaryhairs

Thanks, I've tried using file properties before but they don't seem to allow, for instance, a list of dates and places in a tag and the searching and listing has never been straightforward to me but I will try again.

Rather than straight dates (which are going to show up for any document) I would recommend adding a prefix to the date, like your initials.

ck20140910

Custom document properties can only have one value, while you can have a number of keywords.

[Ulodesk]

Note also, that if you have a given folder within which to search, at the upper right you'll see "Arrange by:" with Folder as the default, Use the drop-down to reveal Author, Tag, and other properties. Maybe Macropod knows how to add Custom properties to this list.

Best,
Ulodesk.