Managing Tags in Apple Notes on iOS 15
With the release of iOS 15, Apple overhauled organization in the Notes app by introducing a native tagging system. This update allows users to categorize their thoughts dynamically using inline hashtags, eliminating the need to file every note into rigid folder structures. Alongside inline creation, the update added auto-complete suggestions, a centralized Tag Browser, and tag-based Smart Folders to streamline note retrieval and organization.
Inline Tag Creation
Users can create a tag anywhere inside a note simply by typing the
pound sign (#) followed by a word or hyphenated phrase (for
example, #work or #grocery-list). Once typed,
pressing the spacebar converts the text into an active, clickable yellow
tag. Tags can be placed anywhere in the note—including the title, body,
or checklist items.
Tag Autocompletion
To prevent duplicate or misspelled tags, iOS 15 added contextual
suggestions directly above the keyboard. When you type #, a
row of existing tags appears in the predictive text bar. Tapping a
suggestion immediately inserts the existing tag, ensuring consistent
categorization across all notes.
The Tag Browser
All created tags are automatically indexed and displayed in the Tag Browser, located at the bottom of the main Folders screen.
- Single Tag Filtering: Tapping any tag displays all notes containing that specific tag.
- Multi-Tag Filtering: Users can tap multiple tags simultaneously to view only the notes that include all selected tags, allowing for precise cross-referencing.
Smart Folders
iOS 15 introduced Smart Folders, which automatically gather notes based on tags. When creating a new folder, users can choose to convert it into a Smart Folder and specify one or more tags. Any existing or newly created note bearing the chosen tags is automatically populated into the Smart Folder without manual sorting.
Deleting and Renaming Tags
Managing existing tags is handled through the Tag Browser or within the notes themselves. Removing a tag from every note where it appears will automatically remove it from the Tag Browser. Users can also long-press a tag in the Tag Browser to rename or delete it across all associated notes at once.