Apply labels to files in Google Drive

If you use Drive for work or school, your organization might set up labels to organize files.  

Tips: 

• You can apply up to 5 labels to each file.
• Only administrators can create labels.
• To apply labels to a file, the administrator must give you access and allow you to edit the file.
• To find labels applied to a file or search for files by their labels, you need: 
  • Access to the file
  • View permission for the label

Apply labels to an unopened file

1. On your computer, go to Drive.
2. Right click the file  click Labels   Apply labels .
3. Select the label you want to apply.
4. If the label has one or more fields, you can choose or enter values.

Tips:

• To remove a label from a file, find the label you want to remove and click Remove .
• If you don't find the Labels section, your administrator may not have set up labels or allowed you access. Contact your administrator.

Apply labels in bulk 

1. On your computer, go to Drive.
2. Choose up to 100 files to which you want to apply the label.
3. Right click the mouse, then click Labels  Apply a label.
4. Select a label and choose any field values to apply to the file.

Apply labels to files in Docs, Sheets, or Slides 

1. On your computer, go to Docs, Sheets, or Slides. 
2. Click File Labels .
3. In the side panel, review labels and apply new ones. 
4. To remove a label from a file, select a label and click Remove .

Apply labels to non-Google files in Drive Preview 

1. On your computer, go to Drive.
2. To view a file in Drive Preview, click More  Labels .
3. On the side panel, review labels and apply new ones. 
4. To remove a label from a file, select a label and click Remove .

Search for files with labels

Use Drive search options to find content with specific labels or fields. 

1. On your computer, go to Drive.
2. At the top, click Search in Drive Show search options.
3. Next to “Labels,” click Search labels.
4. Click the label. You can select a field and specify a value.
5. Click Search.

Tip: Search returns only files you have permission to access.