So, how do I get started with Root Beer Tag?
At a very high level, here are the steps to get you up and tagging.
- Root Beer tag administration builds you a new site and sends you a welcome e-mail.
- Decide which images you want to upload.
- Download and run the client-side software.
- Download and use FreeFileSync to push your photos up to our servers.
- Import your photos’ information into Root Beer Tag’s database.
- Add some tags to your site.
Read on for more details, or if videos are your style, you can check out our quick-start playlist on YouTube.
What e-mail?
After creating your site, Root Beer Tag administrators will send you an e-mail detailing your site address, the Gmail address of the owner, login instructions, and a link to this page to get started. Attached to this e-mail is a key file you will use to securely transfer your photos to our servers.
How many images can I upload?
While the prototype of this site contains just over 100,000 images taking up just over 300GB of space, we ask that you start out small during our testing phase. Please let us know how much you plan to upload.
Wait, there’s client-side software?
Yes. Yes, there is. Integral to Root Beer tag is a unique Image ID that is embedded in the metadata of your photos. The client-side software generates and embeds these IDs in your photos. For more information, detailed help, and a couple of how-to videos, see our Windows and MacOS client usage guides.
What’s FreeFileSync?
FreeFileSync is an Open Source file synchronization software that easily and securely copies files and directory structures between computers. While getting things set up has a relatively high learning curve, we’ve found it very easy to use to keep your local library and your Root Beer tag library in sync. For more information, detailed configuration help, and a how-to video, see our FreeFileSync usage guide.
OK. Photos are uploaded; can I start tagging?
Not quite yet. Your photos’ information needs to be imported into your Root Beer Tag database. Fortunately, this is a quite painless process. Head over to your Site Maintenance page (select Site Utilities from the Maintenance menu (wrench and screwdriver) in the top navigation bar) and click the button labeled, “Add new Images or Update Image Info.” This button opens a new tab and runs a small program to add your photos’ information to your database.
How about now?
To start tagging photos, you need to add some tags. Out of the box, your site has one tag for unknown years. Since this tag and its ID are integral to some displays, it is non-editable and cannot be deleted. To start adding tags, head over to your Tag Maintenance page (select Tag Maintenance from the Maintenance menu in the top navigation bar). Here you are able to add, remove, and edit tags and tag types.
Now?
Finally, click on the “Search by Name, Path, or ID” option in the top navigation bar. By default, this page presents you with a full listing if all of your photos (initially broken into pages of 100). Click on the green “Edit” button for the first image (or any image you want to start with) and you’re off and tagging!
This page last updated on 27 August 2025 by Marcy Fank